Feijóo pledges 1 million homes, would axe housing ministry
In Spain, People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo promises 1 million new homes but would scrap the Housing Ministry if he forms a government after the 29 November election. He calls housing the country’s main problem, yet wants a strategic vice-presidency to take charge of it instead. Feijóo set out the ministry plan in an interview with The Wild Project, reported by Europa Press from Madrid, Spain, on 13 November.
He also plans to govern with fewer senior posts than the current administration. Equality, like housing, would have no ministry of its own.
Tax cuts and help for first-time buyers
For buyers under 40, the People’s Party proposes cutting VAT on a first home from 10% to 4%, with payments spread alongside the mortgage. For used homes, it wants to negotiate a lower property transfer tax with Spain’s autonomous regions, also payable in instalments.
The party would extend public mortgage guarantees covering up to 20% of a home’s value to buyers under 40. Its election programme leaves open a further rise in the age limit to 50. It also proposes a savings account for under-40s buying their first home, allowing contributions of up to €2,000 a year with a 20% tax deduction.
More homes, fewer rental rules
To reach its 1 million-home target, the party wants to make public and private land available for building. It proposes decisions on permits for new homes and renovations within three months, and would allow offices and shops to be turned into affordable housing.
The programme would also repeal Spain’s current housing law. That would remove designated areas with strained housing markets and the rent-price index. For now, all of it depends on whether Feijóo can form a government after the election.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com