Andorra Opens Applications for Social Housing Flats, Approves Home Guarantees, Pauses Renovation Grants

The National Housing Institute has opened a public call for four flats in Casa Aristot Mora, targeting people in severe social exclusion and homelessness. The notice, published in the Official Bulletin of the Principality of Andorra (BOPA) on Monday, accepts applications from the 38 registered housing seekers until 9 April. The process started on 10 March, with awards based on applicants' profiles, flat characteristics, and voluntary or rejected commitments under the "Housing First" model. This approach offers stable housing with technical support for daily activities to foster independent living in a normalized community environment. Full scoring criteria appear in the BOPA publication, and dissatisfied parties have 10 working days to appeal from the day after results.

Separately, the government approved six more first-time homeownership guarantee applications on Wednesday, bringing the total to 20 out of 25 submissions received over five months. Two applicants withdrew, leaving three under review. These approvals benefit around 50 people across the families, with average annual household incomes of €58,999—70% below the national median—and mean purchase prices of €397,829.80. Total committed funding now stands at €1,075,915, surpassing earlier estimates.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal highlighted the programme's success during the post-Cabinet press conference, despite ongoing criticism. He emphasised its focus on vulnerable groups struggling to buy a primary residence. Under the scheme, the government covers full mortgage interest at Euribor + 0% for the first seven years, then Euribor + 0.50% for loans up to 50 years, enabling buyers to prioritise principal repayment. Eligibility covers those with seven years of legal residency, no property ownership globally, assets under 30% of the home value, and purchases up to €600,000, without requiring a down payment. The process includes bank solvency analysis, institute valuations, and notarial agreements. Casal framed it within the government's broader housing strategy to enhance residential stability.

Meanwhile, the 'Renova' programme for energy-efficient renovations has paused new applications after 202 requests totalling €1,673,458.20 arrived in three weeks, overshooting the €1.5 million budget. Officials see the response as confirmation of demand for sustainable upgrades like insulation, heating systems, and renewables, with grants up to 40% of costs. The BOPA notice appeared Thursday. Following technical reviews and awards, any leftover funds could prompt a reopening. This measured pause aligns with past editions to optimise public spending.