Barcelona offers up to €30,000 to bring empty flats back onto the rental market

Barcelona City Council has expanded its support scheme for owners of empty flats. Through the Consorci de l’Habitatge de Barcelona, owners can receive up to €30,000 for renovation works if they place the property in the Bolsa de Alquiler, the city’s affordable rental system.

That is €10,000 more than under the previous schemes. The aim is to bring more homes onto the market for lower-income families. Applications are also open to owners who hand over their property to Barcelona’s emergency housing panel (Mesa d’Emergències de Barcelona) or to the “Housing First” programme (Primer la Llar).

What payments are available

• up to €30,000 — for renovating and upgrading an empty flat;

• a €2,000 bonus — simply for placing the property in the municipal rental scheme (€500 more than last year);

• up to €6,000 in compensation — if debts remain from previous tenants;

• a 95% discount on IBI (property tax) for the entire period the home is rented out through the municipal programme.

What the renovation grant covers

• obtaining a certificate of occupancy for the property;

• replacing or upgrading water, electricity and gas systems;

• renovating the kitchen and bathroom;

• improving accessibility and mobility within the property;

• improving energy efficiency, soundproofing or thermal insulation (including replacing windows or balcony doors).

You can apply for the payments here. The authorities note that the grants are available even if renovation work has already started. The application deadline is 30 November 2026.

In addition to the subsidy, Barcelona authorities also promise on-time rent payments, free legal support and help in the event of disputes with tenants.