Andorra la Vella Councillor Expects Housing Grant Demand Surge After Rental Thaw

Marc Torrent, Andorra la Vella's councillor for digital transformation, sustainability and housing, expects demand for local housing grants to rise in coming years as rental contracts are unfrozen.

Speaking to the Andorran News Agency, Torrent highlighted widespread anxiety over the rental thaw law, including uncertainty about its application, effective date and personal impact. He noted that the housing situation will not improve this year or next, likely straining many families further.

The parish council has allocated €150,000 this year for these grants, a figure Torrent called ambitious to prepare for increased needs. The programme, which has run for just over a year, aims to provide tools for families facing higher rents.

Torrent explained the budget choice allows easier adjustments downward if unneeded, rather than repeated expansions. Should funds run out, the council would assess further steps or plan ahead.

These local grants complement national aid. Eligibility requires an unfavourable government assessment or prior state application, offering extra support to parish residents.

Torrent stressed the parish's duty to step in where the government falls short, ensuring residents' quality of life holds steady or improves. He wished the government had anticipated issues sooner, noting initial national measures followed 2023 protests.

In 2025, the council approved 18 applications, spending €10,245.92 on rental access, one-off payments and basic home equipment. Torrent said seven more approvals came early this year, outpacing last year's pace at the same point.

Common requests involve overdue rent or essential appliances. Families often face tough choices, like prioritising rent over fixing a broken washing machine. Grants help maintain household dignity in such cases, Torrent said.

He warned that rising grant usage signals worsening daily conditions for citizens.