The legislative initiative, passed with an absolute majority by the People's Party, an abstention from Vox, and a 'no' vote from left-wing groups, introduces measures to mobilize available land, reduce administrative hurdles, and accelerate the launch of residential projects. The regional Executive argues that increasing supply is crucial for facilitating housing access and moderating prices amidst growing demand.
One of the key innovations allows for increased buildability and density on undeveloped public land designated for protected housing. According to the Community of Madrid, this measure aims to better utilize land and enhance the capacity for affordable housing construction.
During the debate, PP deputy Paula de las Heras emphasized the need to build and mobilize land to meet current demands, advocating for the regional government's housing policies and stating that Madrid leads in protected housing construction in Spain. She asserted that the new urban planning tools are essential for adapting the region to current challenges by streamlining procedures and facilitating residential project development.
The law has faced opposition. Vox deputy Beatriz Tejero questioned its effectiveness in solving housing access issues, arguing it does not include the construction of new public housing and fails to consider demographic growth or promote models like coliving as protected housing.
Meanwhile, PSOE deputy Javier Guardiola accused the regional government of prioritizing the interests of real estate developers over ensuring affordable housing for citizens. He believes the law aims to increase project profitability through higher buildability levels without sufficiently addressing social cohesion or public service planning.
Similarly, Más Madrid deputy Jorge Moruno stated that the Community's policies have not increased the protected housing stock at the necessary pace and criticized the increased role of private initiative in developing infrastructure and amenities for new urban projects.
The law also brings changes to urban management, including the possibility for municipalities to temporarily authorize housing in vacant industrial plots without prior planning modifications, thus utilizing underused land. Furthermore, it simplifies administrative processes by applying the 'positive silence' rule for certain sectoral reports, reducing bureaucratic delays and offering greater legal certainty to housing projects.
With its final approval, the Urgent Housing Measures Law marks a new phase in Madrid's urban policy. While the regional government presents it as a key tool to increase residential supply, the opposition remains skeptical about its real capacity to facilitate housing access and curb price increases.
