Spain is set to roll out a new housing plan that could shake up the property map in rural Andalucia – especially in the province of Almeria.
Under the upcoming 2026–2030 State Housing Plan, young people under 35 will be able to claim up to €15,000 to help buy their first home.
But there’s a condition, as the property must be in one of 89 eligible rural municipalities. However, in Almeria, these make up over 86% of the province, and include expat favourites like Mojacar.
The initiative, approved by Spain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, aims to encourage young adults to move out of their family homes and tackle depopulation in the rural interior of areas like Almeria – a region where property prices are low, but jobs and financing are scarce.
Who qualifies?
This is a significant expansion of the previous grant, which was limited to towns with fewer than 5,000 residents.
The threshold has now been raised to include municipalities of up to 10,000 inhabitants, opening the scheme up to thousands more potential buyers.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be under 35 years old
- Purchase a home in a town of 10,000 people or fewer
- Use the home as their main and permanent residence
- Earn no more than five times the IPREM (Spain’s public income index) – equivalent to €42,000 per household, or €50,400 for large families or those with a disability
- Not have received similar housing assistance before
What’s the money for?
The grant – which starts at €10,800 but could rise to €15,000 depending on the final terms of the Royal Decree – can go towards the property price or the upfront mortgage costs.
However, buyers will be required to live in the home for a minimum period, which will be set by Andalucia’s regional government when the rules are finalised.
What towns are included?
According to 2024 population data, 89 out of Almería’s 103 municipalities fall under the new criteria.
These range from tiny villages like Benitagla (60 residents) to larger towns and tourist hubs like Mojácar, Carboneras, and Viator. The list also includes agricultural centres like La Mojonera, Arboleas, and Antas.
The aim is to reverse population decline in rural eastern Andalucia, especially in areas like Los Velez, Filabres-Tabernas and the Almanzora Valley.
The scheme will apply to any municipality in the region with less than 10,000 residents.
When and how to apply?
Applications will go through the Junta de Andalucia, which will handle the regional rollout once the Royal Decree is published.
The Consejería de Fomento will set the application deadlines, required documents, and conditions.
Read more Spain property news at the Spanish Eye.
