In recent years, rental prices in Arrasate have risen by 23.9% between 2017 and 2022, and by 30.7% over a 13-year period. This increase surpasses the territorial average and occurs within a context where the rental housing stock remains small (13.9%), highlighting a clear imbalance between supply and demand.
“"Data from the City Council's diagnosis reveal that housing is far from being guaranteed as a basic right, as it has been regulated primarily by market dynamics. This declaration aims to set limits on these mechanisms and establish legal and institutional tools to ensure housing serves the public. We must not forget that housing is an indispensable pillar for developing a dignified life."
The number of rental homes in Arrasate has grown by 87% in just over a decade, driven mainly by young people and families with lower purchasing power. However, the supply has not increased sufficiently to match this trend. Furthermore, the housing stock has structural limitations: protected housing accounts for only 8.07%, and a high percentage of homes (9.7%) are not effectively utilized, many requiring rehabilitation or temporary use.
In response to this situation, the Arrasate City Council has outlined a three-year Action Plan involving a "comprehensive intervention." This plan combines the development of new protected housing – approximately 1,000 homes over the next 15 years – the mobilization of existing housing stock, and the strengthening of social policies. Key actions include developing areas like San Andres Berri or Intxausti, activating public land in collaboration with the Basque Government, promoting small-sized housing adapted to new family realities, and fostering endowment apartments for young people and the elderly.
The plan also considers the possibility of acquiring the La Merced building to develop intergenerational endowment apartments. Additionally, it includes fiscal measures, rental aid, and intervention tools such as price control or the mobilization of vacant homes, by establishing a fee of 10 euros per square meter. This fee will increase by 10% during the annual declaration's validity, up to three times its initial amount, reaching 30 euros per square meter.
“"The declaration as a stressed area provides us with tools that will need to be gradually activated in the coming months and years. This process requires direct dialogue with owners to bring as many vacant homes as possible in Arrasate onto the market."
