A report by the Basque Housing Observatory reveals a significant shift in the profile of protected housing applicants registered with Etxebide. While a decade ago, those seeking their first home were predominant, currently 72% of registered households live in rented accommodation in the open market or share a rented dwelling. This figure rises to 78.1% when including those residing in housing provided by family or friends.
Denis Itxaso, the Minister of Housing and Urban Agenda, presented the study's main conclusions. The research indicates that the need for protected housing is no longer limited to those seeking to emancipate themselves. A substantial number of households have already moved out but struggle to achieve a stable and affordable residential situation. The report highlights that 28.5% of Etxebide registrants face difficulties affording rent, a figure that climbs to 33% among those specifically applying for protected rental housing. The average monthly cost for renting a room is approximately 450 euros.
The economic pressure is also evident in the effort required to afford a complete dwelling. Among emancipated households applying for protected rentals, the estimated average effort reaches 44.1% of their income, compared to 33.9% for those seeking to purchase protected housing. Both exceed the 30% threshold, but the situation is particularly challenging for those seeking protected rental alternatives. Furthermore, the average combined net monthly income for protected rental applicants is 1,492.5 euros, contrasting with the 2,686 euros for those seeking to buy.
The report identifies two distinct demand profiles. While 84.6% of protected rental applicants are already emancipated, this percentage drops to 50.7% among those seeking to purchase. Individuals living with their parents constitute 12.9% of protected rental applications, compared to 48.2% of purchase applications. The diversity of household types, with a prevalence of single-parent families (27.7%) and couples with children (25.8%) in rental demand, and single individuals (31.1%) in purchase demand, underscores the need for tailored housing solutions.
The Basque Housing Observatory emphasizes the importance of maintaining the promotion of protected housing and complementing it with measures to expand affordable rental options, such as the Bizigune and Alokaplus programs. It is estimated that Etxebide-registered households currently living in the open market occupy over 50,000 rental properties. Minister Itxaso also noted the recent decrease in rental prices across all three territories and highlighted fiscal measures and initiatives to mobilize vacant housing.
