In Spain, there is the possibility of accessing social housing, but a series of requirements must be met and certain conditions apply. We explore everything about them below:
What is social housing (VPO)?
A social housing unit, also known as VPO, is a property intended to benefit buyers with lower incomes.
In this way, these properties are offered at a price lower than that of a private market home in exchange for complying with a series of limitations regulated by the Autonomous Communities.
After a stipulated period, some communities allow for the declassification of the VPO, whereby the property would then become a private market home.
Requirements to access social housing
To access this type of property, a series of conditions must be met. These are the main requirements for social housing:
- Not exceeding the income limit established by current legislation.
- Not owning another property.
- The VPO must be intended as the habitual and permanent residence.
- Registration on the local census in the town where the VPO is located is required.
- Priority is given to certain vulnerable groups.
- Some autonomous communities also give priority to those under 35 years of age.
Types of social housing in Spain
In Spain, we find different types of official protection. Although VPO is the most well-known modality, there are others very present in today's real estate market.
Among them, VPP stands out . In these, the role of the administration is to facilitate the construction and marketing of each property.
However, within the VPP category, we also find several modalities, the most well-known being VPPB and VPPL.
VPPB consists of basic public protection housing . These are properties limited in terms of maximum construction area to 110 square meters and usually have a protection regime of up to 20 years, with the option to request declassification after 15 years.The amount at which these homes can be sold, within the protection regime, is the Maximum Legal Sale Price or PMLV.
On the other hand, there are VPPL , which are limited price public protection housing.The main differences with VPPB are that in these cases, the maximum construction area can reach 115 square meters and the maximum income limit established for potential beneficiaries is higher, making them accessible to more people.
How to apply for social housing? Steps and documentation
Now that you know what social housing is, you may be interested in buying one. The application process is as follows:
- Register in the Registry of Protected Housing Applicants.
- Enter the waiting list.
- Once you are allocated a property, you will receive an official communication and will have to present the required documentation.
For the registration step, the required documentation is usually the following:
- DNI or NIE of all members of the family unit.
- Census certificate.
- Tax return or income certificate.
- Employment history record.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a VPO?
The price is the main advantage for this type of housing, which also brings with it all kinds of financial aid from the State and the Autonomous Communities.
As for disadvantages, VPOs must always be used as a habitual and permanent residence and there is no possibility of free sale, although declassification is possible. If so, in some cases the owner must request authorization from the administration, which will consider whether or not the aid received at the time of purchase must be returned.
Differences between social housing (VPO) and private market housing
It is important to understand the differences between social housing and private market housing.
VPOs should not be seen simply as cheaper properties; they have a series of unavoidable requirements that must be met. They are designed to facilitate access to housing for those with limited resources.
A private market home, on the other hand, has a price determined by the market. However, it is not limited by all the VPO conditions and can be used for other purposes, such as a second home.
Frequently asked questions about social housing
Can I buy a VPO if I already own another home?
One of the requirements to access a VPO is not owning any other property.
What happens if I stop meeting the VPO requirements?
Each autonomous community or city council can establish which situations are punishable and how to act in each case if the VPO requirements are breached.
Among the many possible consequences, you could lose the VPO and receive financial penalties.