Young People Account for Half of Public Housing Refusals in Andorra Despite Priority Status

Half of all refusals for public housing in Andorra originate from young people, despite their priority status, according to Marta Alberch, director of the National Housing Institute (INH).

Alberch called for deeper analysis of the underlying causes, noting that the administration lacks specific details on why recipients turn down offers. Recipients typically provide no explanation beyond saying they do not want the unit. "I don't really know the reason; they just tell us they don't want the flat," she said, urging young people to share their perspectives directly to uncover potential shortcomings in the system.

She ruled out rent costs as the primary driver. Payments are calculated to represent about 30% of a tenant's income, with the same formula applied across priority groups including young people, retirees, and single-parent families. Social services cover shortfalls for those unable to afford the public rate, while caps prevent overpayment. Alberch encouraged young people to explain their refusals, suggesting such input could lead to targeted improvements. "I want young people to come and tell me why they end up refusing; maybe then we can see if adjustments are needed," she added. "They are a priority group, but we also have to think about why half the refusals are from young people."

The INH director also minimised the role of location, citing refusals from units in multiple buildings and parishes. She acknowledged that early developments like the one in Canillo may have offered limited information on public housing operations but insisted location was not the key factor.