Galicia housing: Arousa applicants rise as Vigo targets vacant units

In Galicia, regional housing data reveals 1,179 residents in the Arousa region are registered in the Xunta de Galicia’s Single Registry of Public Housing Applicants. These individuals meet specific requirements, such as residency in Galicia and meeting income or property ownership criteria. Within the O Salnés area, Vilagarcía leads with over 600 applicants, followed by Sanxenxo with 189. Other municipalities with registered demand include Cambados, Vilanova, and Ribadumia.

In Vigo, the City Council is launching a plan to increase the supply of affordable rentals by mobilizing vacant properties. The municipal program aims to utilize approximately 13,000 vacant units identified through water consumption statistics. With an initial budget of 700,000 euros, the city will incentivize owners to cede their properties to the Council, which will then manage the rentals. In exchange, the Council will pay owners a monthly fee for a minimum of five years, regardless of whether the unit is occupied. Mayor Abel Caballero stated that the city will cover any necessary repairs and return the properties to owners in their original condition.

Additionally, Vigo is offering subsidies of up to 20,200 euros to owners of vacant homes for repairs, insurance, or energy efficiency certificates. The city is also pursuing a program to purchase vacant properties directly.