Salvador Illa Considers Banning Speculative Real Estate Purchases

The president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, is contemplating the possibility of prohibiting speculative purchases of real estate as part of efforts to address the housing crisis in Spain. Access to housing has emerged as a significant concern among Spanish citizens, prompting the regional government to pledge that it will implement necessary measures to tackle this issue.

In response to inquiries regarding potential interventions, Illa indicated that the government is open to considering various approaches, including the ban on purchasing properties that are not intended for regular habitation. He emphasized that there are no predetermined limits to the measures that could be taken.

While the president did not specify a timeline or elaborate on the details of these discussions, he assured that the government is committed to finding solutions to this pressing social challenge. Illa noted the importance of examining whether certain real estate acquisitions are purely speculative in nature.

The idea of intervening in the private housing market is gaining traction within the political landscape. Some politicians have publicly expressed support for this approach. One such politician stated, “When wealthy individuals seek to increase their fortunes, they should invest in gold, stocks, luxury watches, or cryptocurrencies—not in housing. This is speculation.”

The Socialist Party has also shown support for aggressive policies targeting private investors, advocating for increased public housing development and a confrontational stance against speculators.

As the dialogue continues, it remains to be seen how the government will balance the need for housing accessibility with market dynamics and investor interests.