Andorra Opens Applications for 44 New Affordable Apartments in Borda Nova 1

The Andorran National Housing Institute has opened applications for 44 affordable rental apartments in the Borda Nova 1 building on Terra Vella street in Andorra la Vella, marking the first state-built property for the public housing stock. The process launched on Monday and runs until 4 August, open to those registered in the applicants' registry before 19 July and listed in the BOPA edict.

Housing Minister Conxita Marsol highlighted the building's appeal during a visit, citing its central location, new construction, energy efficiency, and ample parking as factors likely to drive high demand. The 44 units include 15 one-bedroom, 23 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom apartments, ranging from nearly 50 to 122.27 square metres. Monthly rents start at €523.87 for the smallest and reach €1,308.29 for the largest, averaging €10.70 per square metre, with actual payments tied to 30% of household income—capped at 25% below market rates. Each unit comes with a storage room at about €60 monthly, and parking spaces are available for €80. Three apartments are adapted for people with permanent reduced mobility.

Marsol framed the launch as progress toward a target of 600-650 committed public units by the end of the legislative term, a policy built from zero less than three years and two months ago with over €140 million invested. She noted the need for ongoing housing efforts beyond the current mandate, including regulatory tweaks based on registry data—such as recent changes to include retirees and pensioners previously excluded by minimum income rules.

Institute director Marta Alberch said the registry nears 1,300 applications, with about 30% approved. Currently, 165 families occupy public units, soon rising with nine new allocations published in the BOPA, despite over 60 renunciations. Assessment can take up to two months, and she urged eligible residents to register for future calls.

The Andorra la Vella commune provided the land and receives 155 of the 200 parking spaces. Further expansion includes Borda Nova 2 under construction, projects in Santa Coloma's Cedre area, Escaldes-Engordany's Avinguda del Pessebre—due operational early next year—and finished units in Ordino. Marsol indicated the Council of Ministers could approve a tender this week for long-term private leases of nearly completed buildings, at least 30 years, to speed growth. Future plans may incorporate cohousing for over-65s, with private rooms and shared spaces, reflecting rising elderly demand. Priority goes to young people, retirees, and pensioners, with criteria evolving via registry insights. Families unable to cover costs may qualify for rental subsidies.