Andorra Approves Tender for 30-Unit Affordable Housing in La Massana

The Andorran government has approved a national tender for an architecture firm to design and oversee construction of a 30-unit affordable rental housing building in Aldosa, La Massana parish.

The project sits on a 2,394-square-metre plot at Carrer del Pradet, donated by the La Massana council. It requires integration with the surroundings, including a public vertical access core—featuring an elevator and walkway—to connect the site with upper Aldosa. Proposals are due within 20 weeks, with completion projected by the end of next year.

Head of Government Xavier Espot and La Massana senior councillor Eva Sansa signed the collaboration agreement on 22 July 2025. The 30 units will join La Massana's current 70 affordable rentals at the Ribasol complex in Arinsal.

Once ongoing projects finish, the national public housing stock will near 500 units, with a goal of around 650 within one to two years. Five developments are under construction in Ordino, Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià de Lòria, and La Massana—including a rehabilitated building on Carrer Doctor Palau, leased for 50 years since 2023.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal noted that the executive invested over €143 million in public housing over the last three years—about 20% of its annual budget, or roughly €1,600 per resident—benefiting 600-650 people. Around 40 people currently hold favourable resolutions on the affordable rental applicant register.

On property acquisitions, the government received six bids through a credit facility and is assessing them for viability, including price negotiations for purchase or lease. Officials meet constitutional requirements under Article 33 to provide housing for those in need, per access regulations.

Eligibility demands five years of uninterrupted legal residency in Andorra, no property ownership domestically or abroad, household gross income between one and 2.2 times the minimum wage (up to 2.5 times with two or more minor children), total assets no more than four times the annual minimum wage, and no public debts. Flats range from 44 to 70 square metres with one to three bedrooms, at rents of €394-€717 monthly (up to €900-€1,100 depending on type), far below market rates.

Casal addressed Housing Union concerns over 14 unassigned two-bedroom units at Borda Nova I in Andorra la Vella, where rents run €425-€1,000. He described criteria as flexible and evolving, targeting families such as single parents or couples with one child, while many applicants suit one-bedrooms only. He welcomed reviewing access rules and stressed quick reallocation for vacancies. A new application round for Borda Nova I and nearby Font de Ferro near Aixovall roundabout is planned. Casal gave no exact figures on approvals or waits, citing frequent changes offset by upcoming assignments. One La Massana acquisition bid was recently dropped due to flood risk. Announcements on selections will come after analysis concludes.