Spain approves two housing decrees extending eviction ban to 2030 as parliamentary vote looms

Two-decree legislative package

The Spanish government approved two royal decree-laws on housing on Tuesday, splitting the package to separate broad tenant protections from indefinite rental renewals. The first decree, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on Wednesday, extends the moratorium on evictions for vulnerable households without alternative housing until 31 December 2030. It introduces public compensation for landlords affected by suspended evictions to cover unpaid rent and utility costs, excluding lost hypothetical profits and moral damages. The text also restricts investment entities from acquiring residential properties at prices lower than 70% of market value until 31 December 2028, exempting properties kept as affordable housing for at least five years. In addition, it sets value-added tax on tourist accommodation at 10% and introduces income tax deductions for tenants earning up to 33,000 euros annually. The second decree, scheduled for publication on Thursday, establishes indefinite renewals for residential rental leases.

Parliamentary resistance and coalition negotiations

Both decrees face a validation vote in the Congress of Deputies on Friday, where the government depends on regional parliamentary groups. Junts per Catalunya voiced strong reservations regarding the 200-page text, arguing that the drafting could allow tenants to buy inherited dwellings ahead of direct heirs. Spokesperson Miriam Nogueras stated that the measures fail to provide legal rigor for families or adequate restraints on investment funds.

We asked for rigour and solvency, and we are worried because in this first analysis it is not reflected.

Member of Congress Marta Madrenas separately criticised the government for legislative improvisation and for presenting two decrees with incompatible provisions. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the package during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at Moncloa Palace, urging parliamentary responsibility. Sánchez responded directly to conservative opposition accusations regarding restrictions on corporate buyers.

I like being a traitor to those kinds of interests.

Industry response and regional measures

The Association of Promoters and Builders of Spain (APCE) warned that the regulations will discourage developers from continuing rental housing initiatives. APCE president Xavier Vilajoana stated that multiple developers contacted the association within 48 hours to redirect rental projects toward sales.

Those who planned to put flats on the rental market tomorrow will now sell them.

Vilajoana urged lawmakers to amend Articles 55 and 57 of the Land Law to unblock stalled urban developments, noting that between 40% and 50% of those units are protected public housing. The political push followed the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal in Madrid, an incident that intensified public demonstrations across the country. In Catalonia, the regional Generalitat approved a 25 million euro emergency fund on Tuesday to acquire properties occupied by residents facing eviction.