Spain’s Congress has demanded that squatters be removed within 24 to 48 hours of occupying a property.

MPs approved a motion put forward by the conservative Partido Popular (PP) on Thursday, in a significant parliamentary rebuke for Pedro Sanchez’s government over its housing policies.

However, the document is non-binding, meaning its approval does not automatically change Spanish law or force the government to implement the measures.

The proposals also exposed divisions within the governing coalition, with the PSOE abstaining on most of the measures while its junior coalition partner Sumar voted against them.

24 to 48-hour evictions

Among the measures is allowing illegal occupants to be removed from properties within a maximum of 24 to 48 hours.

The motion also calls for action against so-called inquiokupacion, which is when legal tenants stop paying rent and refuse to leave the home.

Another major proposal targets first-time buyers.

The PP wants VAT on the purchase of a new-build first home cut from the current 10% to 4%, potentially producing substantial savings for buyers.

On a €250,000 new-build property, for example, the VAT bill would fall from €25,000 to €10,000, representing a saving of €15,000 if the proposal were eventually enacted in that form.

The motion also calls for taxes associated with home purchases to be capable of being paid in instalments alongside mortgage repayments, following measures already introduced by some regional governments for Property Transfer Tax.

Mortgage guarantees until 40

MPs also backed calls to extend mortgage guarantee schemes to people up to the age of 40, as well as creating guarantees to help young renters cover deposits.

Other measures include tax incentives intended to make it easier for young people to save and leave the family home.

The PP also wants Spain’s Land Law reformed to speed up urban development and the release of land for affordable housing.

Planning and licensing procedures should be simplified and digitalised, according to the motion, while underused publicly owned land should be identified and prioritised for affordable and social rental housing.

Perhaps the most politically contentious proposal is the PP’s demand to repeal Spain’s 2023 Housing Law, which it blames for negative consequences in the property market.

Sanchez coalition divided

The package passed with support from Vox, together with support or abstentions from Junts and the PNV depending on the individual measure.

The PSOE and Sumar voted together against repealing the 2023 Housing Law.

But on measures including faster action against illegal occupation, reducing VAT for first-time buyers, reforming the Land Law, extending guarantees to people aged 40 and streamlining planning procedures, the PSOE abstained while Sumar voted against.

While the vote is not legally binding, it places parliamentary pressure on the government to adopt the measures or introduce legislation capable of putting them into effect.