Government delays housing decree to September to seek parliamentary consensus

The Spanish government has postponed the planned housing decree until September, citing a need to reach a broader agreement with parliamentary forces. The decision, announced this week, delays a package of measures aimed at controlling rent increases and increasing affordable housing supply. Officials said the delay would allow more time for negotiations with political parties, including those that had expressed reservations about the proposed regulations. For many Spanish families struggling with soaring rent prices, the postponement means continued uncertainty about when new protections will take effect. The government originally aimed to pass the decree in the spring, but opposition from some parliamentary groups and concerns over the impact on property owners prompted a reassessment. Minister of Housing and Urban Agenda, Isabel Rodríguez, emphasized that the government remains committed to reforming the housing market but wants to ensure the final text has sufficient support to avoid legal challenges or policy reversals. The housing crisis in Spain has intensified in recent years, with rents rising more than 30% in some cities since 2015, while wages have grown more slowly. Young people and low-income households are particularly affected, with many spending over half their income on rent. Market analysts note that the delay could temporarily ease uncertainty for real estate investors and landlords, who had feared strict rent caps. However, tenant advocacy groups have criticized the move, arguing that it puts politics ahead of urgent public needs. The government plans to use the summer months to hold consultations with regional governments and housing experts, aiming to present a revised proposal in September.