Spain implements new housing decrees to regulate rental market

The Spanish government has introduced new urgent decrees aimed at regulating the real estate market, promoting affordable housing, and curbing speculation. These measures include extending the limitation on large property holders purchasing real estate below 70% of market value until 2030, limiting rent increases, and cracking down on fraud related to seasonal rentals and room leases.

Key provisions include an extraordinary extension for rental contracts and the suspension of evictions for vulnerable individuals without alternative housing. While some measures are already in effect, others, such as RDL 28/2026, are scheduled to take effect on November 15. Because the Spanish Parliament is currently dissolved due to the calling of elections, these decrees must be validated by the Permanent Deputation.

Under the new regulations, tenants may be eligible to request an extraordinary two-year contract extension. However, this is not automatic; the tenant must expressly request it, the contract must be for a primary residence, and the tenant must have paid rent punctually for the previous eight consecutive months. Landlords retain the right to oppose such extensions if they can demonstrate a genuine need to use the property as their own permanent residence.