Terrassa adds 35 homes to its public stock by buying a building

Terrassa City Council has bought a building on Carrer Mallorca to add it to the public housing stock. The deal is worth more than €4 million and covers 35 homes. It follows mediation between the families living in the building, the PAH housing platform, the bank that owned it and the council.

Public purchase of buildings is one tool used by some councils to increase social housing, especially where residents are already in a vulnerable position or at risk of losing their homes. Once in municipal hands, the council can secure a social use for the property over the long term.

For landlords and tenants, the case shows how public authorities can intervene in specific transactions to preserve affordable housing. It does not change the private market in general, but it does add to the city’s public supply.