Andorra Public Housing Hits 153 Units Housing 253 Amid Surging Demand

Andorra's public housing programme now accommodates 253 people across 153 family units, with the total stock reaching 209 affordable rental flats, according to an update from Housing Institute director Marta Alberch.

Speaking with data closed as of 30 June, Alberch reported that the public rental park includes 165 available units plus 44 in the Borda Nova building awaiting allocation. Allocations have tripled since July 2025, rising from 51 to 153 units, of which 142 have signed contracts. The applicant registry, launched in April 2024, has received 1,265 requests, with the favourable rate climbing from 23% to 32%—a change Alberch linked to recent regulatory updates. About 10% of applications remain pending validation.

Of 385 favourable resolutions, 40% (153) are allocated, 18% (70) saw voluntary withdrawals—often young people or single-parent families who found alternative housing—31% (121) dropped from the registry, and 11% (41) await assignment. Main rejection reasons include rental costs exceeding 30% of income (38%), insufficient minimum income (33%), less than five years' residency (16%), and income above limits (13%).

New tenants reflect diverse needs: 46% held prior private rentals, 17% were young people gaining independence, 13% shared flats, 10% rented rooms, 10% stayed in tourist lodging, and 4% came from social services residences. Around 33% escaped vulnerability for secure tenancy with contracts in their name. Family profiles show 30% single-parent households, 22% one-person or couples, 21% young people, 21% elderly, 4% disabled individuals, and 2% gender violence victims.

Nationalities mirror society: 35% Andorran, 29% Spanish, 15% Portuguese, 22% other. By age, 39% are 36-64, 36% over 65, 25% under 36; 66% are women. Tenants cover 90% of rents themselves, with Social Affairs subsidising 10%.

Alberch anticipates 200-250 more units by 2027, positioning the institute to handle demand from the incoming 2027-2030 rental law, which phases out market intervention. She again urged the government to dedicate new buildings to public housing and noted the institute's role is limited to advising on disputes, not mediating. Protected housing has 199 applications to date, 58% approved, with 36 beneficiaries and 44 on the waiting list; all units at Casa Aristot Mora, including emergency ones, are occupied.