Canillo Leader Warns Rental Changes Will Spike Affordable Housing Demand from 2027

Jordi Alcobé, the cònsol major of Canillo, has cautioned that changes to rental protections could drive up demand for public or affordable housing from 2027 onward.

In an interview with the Andorran News Agency, Alcobé explained that 70% of the current rental stock is subject to price limits and rotation rules, with some extensions running up to ten years. The government plans to start lifting these measures progressively as the first ones expire in 2027. He warned that this could lead to higher prices on existing properties or a shift toward premium rentals, creating greater pressure on supply. "It is possible that in 2027, when this starts to be released, there could begin to be more need for housing if pre-existing homes rise in price or existing rentals start to be replaced," he said. Alcobé stressed uncertainty over any future policies, adding, "I don't know if it can be done or under what conditions," and reiterated that "if the conditions of this protection that has been in place for these 10 years change, that is when there could be more need for official protection, accessible or public housing."

Alcobé also discussed the 23 affordable units in the former Hotel Pellicer, where monthly rents range from €435.68 to €648.65. He expressed puzzlement over the slow initial demand and early withdrawals, saying, "Honestly, I don't know. There could be many personal reasons, each one's own." He commended the government's investment in repurposing the site as reasonable given its impact, while highlighting its strengths: a prime spot facing a UNESCO-listed national monument, a bus stop with free service, a five-minute walk to Canillo centre, and paid parking funded by the comuna. Calling it a "fantastic" new building with impeccable standards, he noted regret over the "bumpy" occupancy process but celebrated its current full capacity.