Spain will unveil a sweeping package of housing reforms in July, it has been announced.

The measures are aimed at reducing rental prices, giving tenants greater security and cracking down on loopholes that critics say have fuelled the country’s housing crisis.

Government spokesperson and Social Security Minister Elma Saiz said the proposals would be presented as a broad royal decree-law designed to win enough support in Congress to become legislation.

She said the reforms would focus on two key goals: making renting more affordable and stable, while increasing the supply of affordable housing.

‘We want a package that can achieve a broad agreement in Congress,’ Saiz said, adding that it would incorporate measures backed by different political parties during the current legislature.

New rules for seasonal lets

Among the headline proposals is tighter regulation of seasonal rentals and room-by-room lets, which have become increasingly popular in Spain and are often accused of being used to sidestep tenant protections under standard residential leases.

The government also wants to introduce:

• New regulations for seasonal and room rentals.
• A fresh extension allowing some residential tenancy agreements to continue beyond their expiry date.
• Income tax incentives for landlords who reduce rents.
• A legal requirement for all rental agreements to be made in writing.

The measures combine proposals championed by several parties across the political spectrum.

Left-wing coalition partners, including Sumar, ERC, EH Bildu and Podemos, have long pushed for stronger tenant protections, while Catalan party Junts has advocated tax breaks for landlords willing to lower rents.

Tourism rentals in the firing line

Alongside rental reforms, the government plans measures designed to increase the supply of affordable housing.

These include raising VAT on tourist accommodation to 21% and speeding up administrative procedures, although ministers have yet to clarify whether this will include planning approvals for new housing developments.

The proposals come after a previous attempt to extend rental contracts until the end of 2027 failed to pass Congress earlier this year, after being voted down by the PP, Vox and Junts.

Housing has become one of Spain’s biggest political issues, with soaring rents and house prices sparking repeated protests across cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Palma.

Saiz said political consensus was essential to tackling the crisis.

‘A problem like housing can only be solved through agreement,’ she said.

‘If there is one issue that deserves consensus today, it is responding to what has become the public’s greatest concern.’