Protected housing queries lead amid rising professional inquirers; new guarantee program shows strong early

The Institut Nacional de l'Habitatge (INH) recorded 2,185 inquiries in 2025, a 29% rise from the previous year.

Protected housing queries, covering affordable units and public protection properties, led with 524 cases or 24% of the total. Demand stems from the April 2024 launch of the affordable housing applicants' register and multiple public offers during 2025. In the first half of the year, top issues included access requirements and documentation for protected housing (24%), followed by public housing aids such as rental support, the youth emancipation initiative, and the extraordinary guarantees program (19%). Rent adjustments accounted for 14%, and lease extensions 13%.

Inquirer profiles changed markedly. Tenants made up 40% (down from 57% in 2024), with 863 inquiries versus 954 before. Housing professionals—including real estate agencies, management companies, individuals, government referrals, and institutions—rose to 42% (from 27%), nearly doubling to 910 from 445 and overtaking tenants. Property owners held 18% (up from 17%), increasing from 280 to 385. The INH links the professional growth to its expanding role in providing information and technical advice.

Women comprised 56% of inquirers, men 44%, in line with 2024.

On guarantees programs for first-time primary residence purchases, the INH fielded 115 inquiries on requirements through October 2025, when a redesigned scheme began, with 320 total since launch. From the March 2023 decree, 19 applications from 35 people resulted in 16 approvals, one rejection, and two withdrawals.

The new October 2025 program, targeting habitual and permanent residences, has drawn 64 inquiries to date and 11 formal applications from 19 people. One has received approval, with others due for final review in coming weeks. Average mortgages stand at €411,000, with full public guarantees and interest coverage for the first seven years, followed by a cap of 12-month Euribor plus 0.50%. The price ceiling rose to €600,000, and loan terms extend to 50 years—up from prior limits of €450,000 and 30 years. Officials note strong uptake compared to the old scheme and expect continued interest in 2026, backed by a €1 million budget for 110-120 cases.