Andorra Government Backs PS Bill on Housing Cooperatives

The government has issued a favourable opinion on a Social Democratic Party (PS) bill to promote and regulate cession-of-use housing cooperatives, government spokesman Guillem Casal announced at the press conference following Wednesday's Council of Ministers.

The bill was tabled by PS general councillor Laia Moliné. Casal said the initiative could broaden the residential options available in Andorra, describing it as a new avenue the executive also considers worthwhile. He said the government shares the goal of increasing the supply of housing intended for habitual residence and of supporting stable, affordable alternatives.

The spokesman argued the cooperative model can complement rental housing, home ownership and the public housing stock. According to Casal, the proposal would establish a specific legal framework offering guarantees to cooperative members, developers, financiers and public administrations, while reinforcing transparency and participation within the cooperatives. He called it one more ingredient that could help ease pressure on the current market, and said the government hopes the bill secures the support needed to be taken into consideration and proceed through parliament.

Despite the favourable opinion, the executive believes several adjustments are needed during the amendment period. Casal cited the revision of references to housing funds, promotion and financing mechanisms, coordination with existing legislation, and the legal treatment of temporary transfers of housing to people who are not cooperative members. He played down these differences, saying they are entirely surmountable and negotiable within the legislative process, and added that the philosophy of the PS text aligns with the government's intentions. He also warned that once the text is admitted for parliamentary processing, some aspects will need polishing.

Asked about possible cooperation with housing cooperative promoters such as Estaló and Arrel, Casal reiterated the government's willingness to listen to proposals that could increase the residential supply. "Any contribution that helps improve the housing situation, that simplifies things, generates more supply and offers a way out of this strained situation, is welcome," he said.

He also acknowledged the administration's limited property holdings, saying plainly that "this is a government that has no land." That constraint, he noted, means Andorra must rely on collaboration with the comuns and the private sector to secure land and drive new housing developments.