Andorra la Vella Councillor Expects Housing Grant Demand Surge as Rentals Unfreeze

Marc Torrent, Andorra la Vella's councillor for digital transformation, sustainability and housing, expects demand for local housing grants to rise in coming years as rental contracts are unfrozen. He highlighted widespread anxiety over the new law's implementation, including its timeline and personal impact.

Torrent noted that the housing situation will not improve this year or next, likely straining many families further. To prepare, the parish council allocated €150,000 this year for housing aid—a figure he called ambitious, aimed at equipping officials to assist residents once the changes take effect. He explained it is simpler to reduce unused funds than to seek repeated expansions, adding that further steps would follow if the budget runs dry.

The grants complement national schemes, with eligibility requiring a prior unfavourable government assessment or initial application. Torrent stressed the council's duty to step in where central policies fall short, ensuring residents' quality of life does not decline. He expressed regret that government housing measures only emerged after 2023 protests, wishing for earlier action.

In 2025, the council approved 18 applications, spending €10,245.92 on rental access, one-off payments and basic home equipment. Torrent reported seven more approvals this year so far, outpacing last year's early pace. Common requests involve rent shortfalls or essential repairs, such as replacing a broken washing machine. Families often prioritise rent, forgoing fixes; the grants help maintain household dignity, he said.

Rising grant usage signals worsening conditions, Torrent warned. More housing support indicates daily life is deteriorating for citizens.