The purchase of the building at C/ Espalter 6, in the neighbourhood of El Raval, comes within the context of the by-law on the right to first refusal, the goal being to boost the city’s public housing stock and gain new homes in densely populated areas where not much land is available. To exercise this right in buildings such as this, value is placed on buildings or homes where there are residents with obligatory contract extensions, people with disabilities or in vulnerable situations etc.

The building acquired in Ciutat Vella measures 655 square metres and has eight homes: seven with current rental contracts (two of them through the City Council’s rental pool) and one empty flat. The latter will be allocated through a draw among people on the Register of Applicants for Officially Protected Housing. The block also has three comercial premises.

With the new by-law. The City Council can decline the right to first refusal and pass on the right to people living in the building, promotor organisations linked to the public administration, private non-profit organisations and housing cooperatives. The maximum threshold may not exceed the average cost of property purchases recorded in the neighbourhood, discounting the estimated cost of renovation if this is considered necessary.