Basque political groups demand data on large property owners

Political groups EH Bildu and Sumar have requested the Basque Government provide a detailed list of property owners holding five or more homes in the Basque Country. Under current housing law, a ‘large holder’ is defined as an individual or entity owning more than ten residential properties, though this threshold can be reduced to five in designated ‘stressed zones.’

EH Bildu specifically requested data on the number of physical and legal persons owning five or more properties, the quantity of homes held by each, and their specific locations. The group also sought information regarding properties owned by individuals or entities with tax residency abroad. Sumar highlighted concerns regarding the rental market, citing the proliferation of residential block purchases by investment funds and the impact on the right to dignified housing.

Nationally, data from the 2025 Cadastre indicates that over one million homes in Spain are owned by private companies, though the Bank of Spain estimates companies control approximately 8% of the rental market. The distinction of being a large holder is significant in stressed areas, where such owners must adhere to specific regulations regarding new rental contracts and rent updates.