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Andorra Minister Eyes Boost to €35M Housing Fund Amid Strong Owner Interest

Andorra's government is considering raising its €35 million public housing budget due to promising early offers from owners for ready-to-use buildings. This aims to rapidly expand rental stock and ease prices.

Key Points

  • €35M from €88M surplus allocated: €21.6M for buildings, €6.4M land, €6M construction, €1M development
  • Property owners already offering completed buildings, including ex-tourist apartments, for quick conversion
  • Government prioritizes finished properties to speed up public rental stock expansion
  • Potential budget increase if strong bids emerge, as housing is top priority to lower rents

Conxita Marsol, Andorra's Minister of Presidency, Economy, Work and Housing, has indicated the government may increase funding beyond the €35 million allocated from a €88 million surplus to expand the public rental housing stock.

Just over a week after the General Council approved amendments to the public finances sustainability law, enabling the allocation, Marsol noted strong early interest from property owners despite the tender notice not yet being published in the Official Bulletin of the Principality of Andorra (BOPA).

"People have already approached us with offers, and not just one but several," she said, describing some proposals as particularly promising because they involve fully completed buildings ready for immediate use. These include structures previously operating as tourist apartments, which could quickly shift to the residential market—a key government aim.

The minister prioritised acquiring finished properties to accelerate availability. Of the initial €35 million, €21.6 million targets building purchases, €6.4 million land acquisition, €6 million new construction and €1 million project development. Last week, she confirmed the law allows reallocation based on needs.

Given the government's solid financial position, Marsol said she is working to potentially boost the budget further. "If we receive many offers and they are good opportunities, we should make the effort," she added, emphasising housing as the executive's top priority. Expanding the stock could help lower average rental prices.

The matter has not yet been discussed with other cabinet members but remains on the table. Marsol stressed proceeding step by step, awaiting formal submissions once the tender opens soon. She would welcome enough strong bids to justify raising the amount.

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