Catalonia has marked one year since the implementation of extensive rent control measures under the Housing Law, becoming the only autonomous community in Spain to apply such regulations comprehensively.

Recent data from Incasòl suggests a modest decrease in rental prices across the 140 municipalities identified as 'tense zones,' including Barcelona, which remains at the center of the housing emergency.

According to the latest figures, rental prices in the designated zones have dropped by an average of 3.7% from March 2023 to the end of 2024, declining from €911 to €878 monthly.

In Barcelona, the decrease is more significant, recorded at 6.4%, although the average rent of €1,117 continues to categorize it as one of the most expensive cities in Spain.

Despite this downward trend, a year-on-year comparison of average rental costs for 2024 reveals a slight increase in prices, attributed to a surge in rents during the first quarter of the year.

Consequently, average rents remain elevated compared to 2023.

The central government and the Catalan authorities celebrated the rental price developments, with Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez, Regional Minister of Territory and Housing Sílvia Paneque, and Barcelona's Mayor Jaume Collboni holding a press conference to position the law positively and urging other regions governed by the People's Party (PP) to adopt similar measures.

However, data also indicates a significant slowdown in leasing activities.

New rental agreements in Barcelona fell by 17% over the three quarters following the law's implementation compared to the same period in 2023. The balance between new contracts and contract terminations in 2024 represents the lowest historical figures, barring the year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Barcelona, there were 32,903 new rental contracts signed last year, contrasted with 30,179 contracts terminated, resulting in a net gain of just 2,724 contracts.

Notably, 71% of this net figure was recorded in the first quarter, prior to the law’s enforcement.

Òscar Gorgues, director of the Barcelona Urban Property Chamber, noted that the market is experiencing a slowdown, leading to reduced availabilities for rental units, with some properties shifting towards sales instead.

In contrast, government representatives claim the new regulations have led to longer rental contracts.

Across the 140 regulated municipalities, the number of new rental agreements also saw a 21% reduction from the first to the last quarter, reflecting similar trends in overall market activity.

Commenting on the discrepancies between governmental assessments and on-the-ground realities, Carles Sala from the Association of Real Estate Agents of Catalonia expressed concerns regarding the shortage of available rentals, asserting that demand has now surpassed supply significantly—up to 54 interested families per available rental unit, up from 40 prior to regulations.

In a different yet related trend, seasonal rentals have surged by 45% in the past year.

Sílvia Paneque acknowledged the necessity of this rental type while emphasizing the government's intent to combat potential abuses through registration and sanctions.

Meanwhile, the Tenant Syndicate has called on the government to address the issues surrounding seasonal rentals, voicing concerns over persistent high prices that remain unaffordable for many tenants.

A demonstration is set to take place on April 5 in various cities across Spain, including Barcelona, highlighting ongoing rental crises.