Spain is going through a housing crisis marked by high prices, a shortage of supply, and increasing difficulty in accessing rental or home ownership. In search of solutions, the national government and several regional authorities are studying the implementation of an approach similar to the ‘Amsterdam model’, a system recognized for its effectiveness in ensuring affordable and stable housing for citizens. This model proposes a set of measures that prioritize residential use over speculation and promote collaboration between the public and private sectors, offering a concrete alternative to the challenges facing the Spanish housing market.
What is the ‘Amsterdam model’ and how does it work
History and principles of the model
The ‘Amsterdam model’ has been developed in the Netherlands over several decades to balance a historically strained real estate market. Its foundation lies in ensuring that housing primarily fulfills a social function: providing an accessible home to those who need it, rather than serving as an investment or speculative asset. This approach combines strict rent regulation, tax incentives, supply control, and measures that limit speculative purchases, all coordinated with a robust public housing stock.
Key elements of the model
Among the core principles of the model are prioritizing housing for residents, limiting rent increases above reference indices, and maintaining a centralized property registry that allows authorities to monitor the market and apply measures effectively. In addition, the construction of social or subsidized housing is encouraged through incentives for private developers and the use of public land, ensuring sustained growth in supply and keeping prices accessible for a broad segment of the population.
How it could be applied in Spain
Adaptation to local legislation and market conditions
To transfer the ‘Amsterdam model’ to Spain, experts suggest adjustments that take into account existing legislation and the specific characteristics of the Spanish housing market. This includes strengthening taxation on vacant or speculative housing, implementing limits on rent increases in high-pressure areas, and expanding protected housing programs managed by local and regional administrations. Public-private collaboration is also key, combining tax incentives and subsidies with the active participation of private developers in the construction of affordable housing.
Potential benefits for citizens
If successfully implemented, the model could make it easier for more people to access stable and affordable housing. First-time buyers and tenants could benefit from fairer prices and more protected rental contracts, while the risk of market speculation would be significantly reduced. In addition, greater control over residential use and urban planning would allow for a more balanced distribution of the population, preventing excessive concentration in certain neighborhoods and improving overall quality of life.
Challenges and criticisms of the model
Implementation difficulties
Despite its advantages, transferring the ‘Amsterdam model’ to Spain is not simple. It requires effective administrative coordination between different institutions, as well as a clear legal framework that allows housing control measures to be applied without discouraging investment or private construction. Managing resistance from some property owners and investors, who may see their operations limited in certain areas, is also necessary.
Potential risks
Among the risks highlighted by experts are the possibility of creating market rigidities, increased bureaucracy to manage the measures, and the challenge of maintaining sufficient incentives for developers to continue building housing. However, supporters of the model argue that these challenges can be overcome through long-term planning and a gradual approach that combines regulation, taxation, and public housing development.
The ‘Amsterdam model’ represents a concrete alternative for Spain in addressing the housing crisis. Its focus on housing as a right rather than merely an investment, combined with rent controls, appropriate taxation, and the expansion of public housing supply, could mark a turning point in how the real estate market is managed. The key will be adapting the model to local conditions and coordinating public policies with the private sector to ensure its success.
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