Approval of the Ordinance regulating the application of pre-emption and redemption rights to residential properties in the city of Barcelona

Approval of the Ordinance regulating the application of pre-emption and redemption rights to residential properties in the city of Barcelona, implementing the Modification of the General Metropolitan Plan for the declaration of a pre-emption and redemption area in the city of Barcelona and the definition of construction deadlines, within the municipal area of Barcelona.

Approved by the Full Council on 19 December 2025, the regulation prioritises the purchase of properties with more than ten dwellings, empty flats, or buildings housing vulnerable persons, people with disabilities, or located in neighbourhoods at risk of gentrification. In the event of a purchase, the maximum price must not exceed the average sale value in the neighbourhood, deducting the cost of any necessary refurbishment.

The City Council may waive its right to purchase a property and transfer this right to third parties or public housing developers, the legal occupants of the property, or private or non-profit developer entities whose purpose is the promotion of protected housing. Joint purchases between the City Council and these beneficiaries will also be allowed, provided the council holds at least one-third of the ownership. For a purchase to proceed, the residents must represent a minimum of 60% of the building’s dwellings, meet the conditions for entry in the Register of Applicants for Protected Housing, and provide proof of financial solvency.

The ordinance also stipulates that a dedicated web portal will be opened for beneficiary entities to consult the properties subject to pre-emption and redemption rights in which the City Council has no interest.