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, the first fully state-constructed property added to the public housing stock. Officials report intense interest, with a flood of inquiries despite no guarantee of allocation for applicants.

Housing Minister Conxita Marsol and Territory and Urban Planning Minister Raul Ferré presented the units on Monday, confirming high expectations among registry members. Marsol described the passive house building as highly appealing due to its central position, energy efficiency, sustainability features, and comfort. The 44 apartments comprise 15 one-bedroom, 23 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom units, sized from nearly 50 to 122.27 square metres. Rents begin at €523.87 for the smallest, up to €1,308.29 for the largest—averaging €10.70 per square metre—with payments limited to 30% of household income and capped 25% below market levels. Storage rooms cost around €60 monthly, and parking spaces €80. Three units are adapted for reduced mobility.

Institute director Marta Alberch noted the surge in calls but explained that registry inscription by 19 July—required for eligibility—does not ensure selection. Validation against other administrations can take two months, preventing many late inquiries from qualifying. The application window, listed in a BOPA edict, closes on 4 August.

Alberch reported the registry, created in 2024, has received about 1,300 applications at 50-60 monthly, with roughly 30%—around 400—approved. Of these, 165 families now live in public units, including nine new allocations in the latest BOPA, offset by some 60 renunciations. Demand spikes moderately for two months after regulatory updates, such as those aiding under-35s and pensioners.

Marsol called the apartments "emblematic," built from foundations on land donated by Andorra la Vella commune, which retains 155 of 200 parking spaces. The programme, started from scratch over three years ago with more than €140 million, aims for 600-650 units by term's end. Future steps include Borda Nova 2 under construction, Cedre in Santa Coloma and Avinguda del Pessebre in Escaldes-Engordany operational by early next year, and Ordino units ready for use. Ferré affirmed progress toward 500 units, excluding a separate purchase call. Marsol stressed ongoing needs, a "living" registry, and potential cohousing for seniors alongside subsidies for struggling families.