These two municipalities, along with Bergara, join the 21 Basque towns already designated as 'tense zones,' affecting over 55% of the population (1,198,000 people). The declaration is accompanied by three-year action plans combining new developments, mobilization of vacant housing, rehabilitation, and rental assistance.
In Sopela, the average sale price increased by 28.3% between 2019 and 2024, from €250,115 to €320,798. In Urduliz, the average monthly rent rose by 19.6% between 2018 and 2023, from €716.3 to €856.9. Both municipalities meet the criteria set by the Housing Law for tense zone designation.
Sopela's action plan includes new residential developments to expand affordable housing, notably in the Abaro area, projecting 602 homes (490 protected, 112 free), though development depends on a pending appeal. In the Ripa sector, it's anticipated that 75% of future homes will have some form of public protection.
Furthermore, Sopela has identified 805 vacant homes and plans to integrate them into affordable rental schemes, including increased property tax surcharges and 99% IBI bonuses for those joining Bizigune. The plan also proposes converting vacant commercial spaces into housing and regulating tourist homes, which have risen to 74.
To facilitate housing access for young people and families facing economic hardship, Sopela's plan promotes the Gaztelagun and Emantzipa programs, alongside emergency social aid. Currently, there are 1,693 active housing applications, with 58.9% for rentals.
In Urduliz, there is an estimated potential for 1,019 residential units, with around 436 planned as protected and regulated. The main long-term development is in the A.41 Osteiko area, projecting 762 homes (at least 572 protected). The feasibility of transferring two plots for communal apartments will be studied.
Urduliz's plan will assess the occupancy of its residential stock to consider measures like a vacant housing levy or increased IBI surcharges. It will also explore higher tax benefits for homes joining mobilization programs like Bizigune (currently with 5 incorporated homes) and ASAP (with one). The evolution of the 14 registered tourist homes will be monitored.
Regarding benefits, Urduliz will promote the Gaztelagun and Emantzipa programs, provide information on housing rights benefits, and maintain emergency social aid, coordinating with the Basque Government and Etxebide.
