EU housing proposal could give Spanish regions more power over second homes

The European Commission has presented an Affordable Housing Act intended to create a common EU framework for addressing housing shortages. Although the core of housing policy stays with national governments, the draft grants regional and local authorities the option to step in when housing is considered unaffordable or in short supply. In Spain, this could translate into tighter controls on second homes, tourist rentals and empty properties, but only after local officials demonstrate a direct link to housing problems.

Catalonia has shown strong support, and Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni has praised the initiative, while regions such as Andalucia and Valencia have expressed reservations. If adopted, the law would likely produce a patchwork of regulations, making the treatment of second-home ownership vary across the country. The Commission stresses that such restrictions alone cannot solve the broader supply-demand imbalance and also calls for faster planning approvals to boost housing construction. The proposal is still under discussion and any action would have to meet strict evidence-based criteria.