Andorra Housing Chief Urges Review of Young People's 50% Rejection Rate for Public Flats

Marta Alberch, director of the National Housing Institute, has called for a review of why young people account for half of all refusals of public housing units in Andorra.

Speaking in Andorra la Vella, Alberch noted that 50% of those turning down allocated flats are from this group, which the institute considers a priority. She admitted the administration lacks specific data on their reasons, stating that applicants simply inform officials they do not want the property.

Alberch stressed the need to engage more with young people to uncover the factors behind these choices, despite ongoing efforts to improve housing access. She urged them to share their concerns, adding that this could help assess potential changes to the system.

On pricing, Alberch explained that rents are calculated so tenants spend 30% of their income on housing. This standard applies across all profiles, including young people, retirees, and single-parent families. Support mechanisms exist: social services cover any shortfall if income falls below the public rate, while a maximum cap applies otherwise. She ruled out cost as the main driver of refusals.

Alberch also downplayed location as a key issue, pointing out that refusals have occurred across multiple buildings and parishes. She acknowledged that early developments, such as in Canillo, may have involved less awareness of how the public housing system works, but concluded it is not the primary factor.