Isabel Pérez, Socialist Spokesperson in Marbella, Calls for Housing Study
Isabel Pérez, the socialist spokesperson in Marbella, held a press conference this morning. She has proposed a motion to be discussed in the next regular plenary session, urging the City Council to request the Andalusian Government to conduct a study. The study aims to determine whether Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara meet the criteria for having strained residential areas.
Proposal for Reference Price Index Application
If it is determined that these areas are indeed strained, Pérez’s proposal suggests applying the reference price index as provided by the Housing Law passed by the Government last year. Specifically, the councilwoman has requested an analysis of the purchase or rental prices of homes over the past five years and the mortgage quota. She also wants to examine if rental expenses exceed 30 percent of the average income or earnings of households.
Additional Indicators for Housing Shortage
In addition, Pérez stated, “We want other necessary indicators and variables to be considered that diagnose the lack of sufficient housing supply for the citizens.” She pointed out that Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara are experiencing a severe housing access crisis, to the extent that this issue is the main problem in the municipality due to the lack of policies from the mayor, Ángeles Muñoz.
Benefits of the Housing Law
Pérez highlighted the approval of the Housing Law by Pedro Sánchez’s Government last year. The law’s primary objective is to facilitate access to decent, suitable, and affordable housing. It establishes various mechanisms, one of which revolves around strained market areas. The law states that autonomous communities can declare areas of strained residential markets.
Fiscal Benefits for Landlords
With this measure, landlords who reduce rent by 5% compared to the previous contract will receive tax benefits of up to 90%. Furthermore, the deduction will be 70% if the property is rented for the first time to young people aged 18 to 35 in these strained areas. If the property has undergone rehabilitation or improvement works, the tax benefit will be 60%.
Declaration of Strained Residential Market Areas
According to the socialist councilwoman, declaring an area as a strained residential market means that new contracts from small property owners will be referenced to the previous contract. These owners will also enjoy tax benefits if they reduce the rental price, rent to young people, lease their properties to a public administration, or have made investments that improve sustainability.
High Housing Prices in Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara
For all these reasons, Isabel Pérez believes it is important to determine whether Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara, where housing prices are evidently high, can be declared strained areas to adopt these measures. This is something that the Andalusian Government should do, which is why the Socialist Municipal Group is proposing this motion to the next regular plenary session.
