Spain puts €180 million into affordable rent in 317 towns
Spain is putting €180 million towards affordable rental housing in 317 municipalities across five regions. The Council of Ministers approved the direct grants on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, for regions that have declared areas where the housing market is under pressure. More than 9 million people live in those areas, Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez said after the meeting in Madrid.
Where the money goes
Catalonia gets the largest share: €119.4 million for 271 municipalities. The Basque Country receives €31 million for 18, and Navarre €13.3 million for 21. Galicia gets €10.2 million for A Coruña and Santiago de Compostela, while Asturias receives €5.9 million for five municipalities.
Rodríguez said the split reflects how many people live in each designated area and how hard it is for families there to pay the rent. The aim is to add affordable homes and bring down rental prices.
What the grants can pay for
The regions can use the money to build or renovate homes for social or affordable rent. They can also develop other housing options, buy and prepare land for homes, purchase existing properties for affordable rent, or cover unpaid rent under tenancy agreements.
In the designated areas, measures can also limit rent increases when contracts end and offer tax breaks to landlords who cut rents. Rodríguez said a separate state housing plan includes help to build public homes and allows authorities to fund up to 80% of the cost of buying completed homes for affordable rent.
The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, are not among the five regions receiving these grants.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com