Andorra Eases Affordable Housing Access for Low-Income Pensioners

The Andorran government will ease access to the public affordable housing park for pensioners whose incomes fall below the minimum wage threshold, Housing Minister Conxita Marsol announced yesterday following the Council of Ministers meeting.

Marsol clarified that while retirees already benefit from relaxed criteria, the upcoming changes target other pension recipients who do not reach the minimum income requirement, set at the interprofessional minimum wage of €1,525.33 this year. "These people are fewer than retirees, but they too must have the door open to the lists," she stated. The regulation, described as "alive," has seen prior adjustments for retirees and young people; this third modification is under preparation.

Since the applicant registry opened, 1,172 requests have been received. Of these, 349 received approval, 551 were rejected—mainly for lacking minimum income, spending over 30% of earnings on current rent, failing the five-year residency rule, or exceeding asset limits—106 remain under review, 86 applicants withdrew, 78 cases were archived, and six noted issues.

Currently, 162 families occupy public housing units, leaving around 180-190 on the waiting list. With 150 more units projected for this year, Marsol expressed confidence that "we will cover practically all demands."

The Council approved adding the Font de Ferro building on Carretera General 1 in Aixovall, Sant Julià de Lòria, to the park. This adds 14 affordable rental units immediately, with three more at ground level after minor partition works, expected ready in three or four months and available by mid-June. Management transfers to the National Housing Institute (INH) via a collaboration agreement, bringing the total to 159 units across parishes.

The government has prepared tender specifications to allocate €35 million from last year's surplus—pending BOPA publication of the extraordinary credit law—for finished or near-complete properties in places like Ordino and Andorra la Vella. Marsol indicated readiness to increase funding if offers prove compelling, prioritizing rapid assignment to those in need.

Separately, the first-home purchase guarantee programme has approved 22 of 35 applications received. It covers full mortgage interest for seven years at Euribor +0%, followed by Euribor +0.5% up to 50 years.