Eight new public rental apartments were allocated in Badalona, marking the city's first municipal housing initiative since 2006. The mayor emphasizes the need for affordable options amid rising living costs.
In a significant move for urban development, Badalona has allocated eight new public rental apartments, the first of their kind built by the city in over twenty years. The allocation took place on September 16 at the Badalona International Business Center, where local families gathered to participate in a traditional lottery-style draw.
The event saw participation from 113 families, all vying for a chance to secure one of the eight available units located on Progrés Street. The draw was conducted transparently, with numbered balls representing each applicant’s unique identifier. Two separate draws determined allocations for two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments.
Mayor Xavier Garcia Albiol attended the event and remarked, “Today is an important day for Badalona because we are breaking a dynamic of over twenty years without municipal public housing promotion.” This initiative aims to address the pressing issue of housing accessibility that affects not only low-income residents but also middle-class families struggling with soaring market prices.
The newly constructed apartments consist of four three-bedroom units measuring 84 m² and four two-bedroom units at 65 m². Each lease will last seven years, with an option to extend for an additional three years. Monthly rents are set at €677 for two-bedroom units and €868 for three-bedroom ones, excluding community fees and taxes.
The mayor announced plans for further developments, stating that seven additional projects are underway that will add more than 300 new municipal homes. This expansion reflects a growing recognition of the severe housing crisis affecting many residents.
The government wants part of these new promotions to cater to those who exceed income thresholds yet cannot afford private market rates.
This initiative has sparked discussions among local political groups. The opposition party Badalona En Comú raised concerns regarding eligibility criteria that require annual incomes of at least €31,014 for two-bedroom apartments and €39,820 for three-bedrooms. They argue that such requirements exclude many working-class families from accessing these homes.
Aïda Llauradó, spokesperson for Badalona En Comú, criticized the current model: “If a family needs nearly €40,000 annually just to qualify for a three-bedroom apartment, many working families in Badalona are left out.”
Llauradó emphasized that public housing should serve as a safety net against market pressures rather than perpetuating existing inequalities. She called on city officials to broaden their approach by increasing public housing stock and diversifying rental schemes to accommodate various economic realities within the community.
The allocation process will continue as notifications are sent out to successful applicants who must provide documentation confirming their eligibility before finalizing contracts. Should any units become available due to declines or withdrawals from selected applicants, those next on the reserve list will be contacted according to draw order.
This revitalization effort marks a pivotal moment in Badalona’s approach to urban planning and social welfare. As more projects come online over the coming months, residents can expect increased opportunities for affordable living arrangements amidst ongoing economic challenges.
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