Unlocking Spain’s Empty Homes
Spain’s housing faces a problem: while rents for homes continues to climb due to lack of supply, thousands of properties across the country remain empty. Many reason that’s due to owners fearing ‘squatters’ through non-payment of rent with resultant legal and other costs, uncertainty and financial loss. Many owners do not want to sell for family or other reasons and prefer to leave their properties unoccupied rather than risk renting them out, but then risk ‘break-in’ squatters.
Now, the region of Asturias has taken a refreshingly practical and compassionate approach, by accepting their social responsibilities to house the homeless, which, through the authorities’ tolerance of squatting, has been the burden on the private property owner for too long. They offer existing homeowners security, steady income, and guaranteed property protection, while humanely addressing homelessness in a quick, meaningful way.
A Bold Solution from Asturias
With limited government resources to house those who cannot afford a home, private owners fare left to shoulder the burden alone. But in Asturias, a creative and compassionate solution is finding a quick answer that could be applied to the whole of Spain, while the shortfall in social housing is being built.
A Win-Win Rental Scheme
Under this initiative, the government rents privately owned homes for up to seven years, paying owners a ‘fair’ market rent. While it may not be the rarified market rate, it’s a steady income that comes with tax benefits, which is better than nothing and worries.
The government guarantees the return of the property in its original condition, though with the caveat of excepting normal wear and tear, ut better than them being ‘trashed’. The homes are then sublet to homeless and disadvantaged individuals and families at affordable rents, which may be supported by other government financial help. It gives the previously ‘homeless’ a stable place to live and a chance to rebuild their lives. All must bear in mind that social housing is supposed to be a temporary answer for the tenant, with those who are physically and mentally able getting back into ‘mainstream’ society.
Faster Than Building
This approach is not only humane—it’s efficient. Constructing new housing takes time, money, and space. By repurposing what’s already there, Asturias is providing immediate relief to those in need while making smart use of existing resources.
A Model for the Nation?
Asturias’ initiative should serve as a blueprint for other regions grappling with housing shortages and rising homelessness. Whilst permanent solutions will require new building—sometimes, quick solutions just need new thinking and forgetting the political dogma that demonises landlords.
An innovative housing program
This is a powerful example of how policy, property, and community can work hand in hand. If other regions follow Asturias’ lead, Spain could unlock thousands of empty homes creating a more balanced, humane, and forward-thinking housing landscape.
