For the first time in Spanish history, the government has intervened in housing prices
The first housing bill in the history of the country's democracy in Spain, which restricts rent increases, was passed by the parliament with 176 votes to 167. If the bill is approved, it is foreseen that the rent increases determined so far according to the CPI will be limited to 2 percent in 2023 and 3 percent in 2024, and the property taxes of the houses that have been vacant for more than two years will be increased by up to 150 percent.
For the first time in the history of the country's democracy, the government intervened in the rental prices in order to find a solution to the housing problem that has been increasing in Spain in recent years.
The bill in question was approved by the parliament with 176 votes to 167 with the support of the two partners of the government, the Socialist Workers Party and Unidas Podemos, and the separatist Catalan and Basque parties (ERC and EH Bildu) and sent to the Senate.
After the bill is accepted in the Senate, it will come to the parliament for the last time and become legal if it is approved.
While the government argues that housing "will be recognized as a right", especially for the young and the poor, with this bill, opposition right parties argue that "the occupation of empty houses, which is common in Spain, will further increase, supply will decrease and prices will increase". .
What does the bill contain?
In accordance with the bill, which is one of the most discussed political issues before the local elections to be held on May 28 in Spain, the rent increases determined according to the CPI should be limited to 2 percent in 2023 and 3 percent in 2024. It also envisages an increase in property taxes by up to 150 percent.
On the other hand, the opposition Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) also opposed the bill and announced that it would appeal to the Constitutional Court if it becomes legal.
