Juanjo Ferrer Proposes Restricting Home Purchases by Non-Residents and Opposes Ibiza Airport Expansion

06. November 2026

Juanjo Ferrer, candidate for the Spanish Senate representing the progressive coalition Eivissa al Senat, has presented an electoral programme calling for restrictions on property purchases by non-residents, tighter regulation of rental contracts and measures to address tourism pressure in Ibiza. The coalition also opposes changes to Ibiza Airport that would increase its capacity, placing housing affordability and territorial protection at the centre of its proposals ahead of the general elections on 29 November 2026.

The programme was presented on Friday, 6 November, and includes measures covering housing, tourism, taxation, environmental protection, public services and employment. Ferrer, who previously represented Ibiza and Formentera in the Senate, said access to affordable housing would be one of his main priorities.

Restricting Property Purchases by Non-Residents

One of the most significant proposals is to restrict the purchase of residential properties by people who are not resident in the Balearic Islands.

The coalition argues that housing should primarily serve the needs of people living and working in the islands, where rising property prices have made it increasingly difficult for residents to find affordable homes.

The proposal is not described as a restriction based exclusively on nationality. It refers to non-resident purchasers, with the intention of prioritising access to housing for people who live in the islands.

The programme also includes several measures intended to improve the rental market:

  • Establishing limits on rental prices.

  • Increasing the availability of social housing for rent.

  • Strengthening controls on seasonal rental contracts.

  • Addressing the use of temporary rental arrangements to circumvent housing regulations.

Ferrer has previously raised the possibility of restricting purchases of second homes and has argued that the European legal framework needs to accommodate exceptional measures for island territories experiencing serious housing pressure.

However, the latest programme does not provide a complete legal mechanism, eligibility criteria or implementation timetable for the proposed purchase restrictions. Any measure of this kind would need to be developed within the applicable Spanish and European legal framework.

Military Residences Proposed for Housing and Social Uses

Another proposal concerns the military residential facilities known as Héroes de Filipinas, located in Ibiza and Sant Antoni.

Eivissa al Senat wants the Ministry of Defence to transfer or make these facilities available for housing policies and other social purposes.

The coalition argues that existing public assets could contribute to addressing housing difficulties, particularly for people working in the islands who struggle to find accommodation.

The proposal would require cooperation with the Ministry of Defence. No transfer has been approved, and the programme does not yet establish the precise future use, number of homes or timetable for making the facilities available.

Opposition to Increasing Ibiza Airport's Capacity

The coalition has also reaffirmed its opposition to any refurbishment or expansion of Ibiza Airport that would result in increased airport capacity.

The position forms part of its wider argument that the island should address tourism pressure rather than continue expanding infrastructure that could accommodate more passengers during the busiest periods.

The debate comes amid Aena's plans for improvements to the airport terminal, including a proposed increase in boarding gates from 17 to 32.

Eivissa al Senat rejects changes that would increase the airport's capacity and argues that future infrastructure decisions should take account of the island's environmental limits, housing difficulties and pressure on public services.

The coalition also proposes introducing two different fuel-related charges for private aircraft, distinguishing between professional and private use.

These measures are proposals within its electoral programme. The announcement does not mean that the airport project has been cancelled or that new aviation charges have been approved.

Measures to Reduce Tourism Pressure

Tourism policy is another major part of the programme.

Eivissa al Senat proposes tackling overcrowding by eliminating illegal tourist accommodation and stopping the creation of additional tourist places.

Rather than relying exclusively on visitor growth, the coalition wants to work with the central government to develop alternative tourism products that diversify the island's offer and reduce the concentration of activity during the high season.

The approach is intended to address the relationship between tourism, housing availability, environmental protection and the pressure placed on infrastructure.

The programme does not provide a specific numerical target for reducing visitor numbers or a timetable for implementing the proposed restrictions on new tourist places.

A Reduced VAT Rate for the Balearic Islands

The coalition is also calling for a reduced VAT system specifically for the Balearic Islands.

The proposed measure would be separate from the general Spanish VAT system and is intended to compensate businesses and residents for the additional costs associated with insularity and the geographical separation of the islands.

Ferrer argues that the Balearics should receive a more differentiated fiscal treatment, bringing them closer in certain respects to other non-mainland Spanish territories.

The proposal is presented as a way of recognising the additional costs of living and operating businesses in an island region. However, the programme does not specify the proposed VAT rates or the precise products and services that would qualify.

Introducing such a system would require the necessary legislative and institutional approvals.

Social Services, Employment and Equality

Beyond housing and tourism, the programme includes proposals covering social protection, employment and equality.

In relation to Spain's Dependency Law, the coalition wants to improve the delivery of existing rights and benefits, reduce waiting lists and make the support system more effective for people requiring assistance.

It also proposes measures to improve work-life balance and support families.

On employment, Ferrer wants to strengthen unemployment protection for fixed-discontinuous workers, a group particularly relevant to seasonal sectors such as tourism, and continue increasing Spain's national minimum wage.

The programme also includes policies promoting equality and the integration of people with disabilities.

Environmental Protection and Water Management

Territorial protection and environmental policy form another part of the coalition's proposals.

Eivissa al Senat wants greater state investment in acquiring areas of environmental value for protection. It also calls for water-management policies adapted to the particular needs and limitations of island territories.

The programme proposes an ecological taxation approach based on the principle that those who pollute less should pay less.

These measures are presented as part of a broader strategy to protect the natural environment while addressing the pressures associated with tourism and population growth.

Who Is Eivissa al Senat?

Eivissa al Senat is a progressive electoral coalition led by the PSOE in Ibiza and also involving Esquerra Unida, Sumar and Ara Eivissa.

Juanjo Ferrer, a former senator for Ibiza and Formentera, leads the Senate candidacy. The programme was presented ahead of the Spanish general elections scheduled for 29 November 2026.

The coalition's proposals place affordable housing, tourism management, environmental protection and the island's infrastructure limits at the centre of its political agenda.

Whether these measures can become policy will depend on the electoral outcome, parliamentary support and the legal and institutional processes required to implement them.

For Ibiza, the programme puts several major debates back into focus: who should be able to buy property on the island, how tourism growth should be managed, and whether airport infrastructure should be expanded to accommodate further passenger growth.

GEPOSTET VON IBIZA ONE STOP

Sichere dir deine Ibiza-Tickets bei einem vertrauenswürdigen offiziellen Anbieter

Klicke hier, um Tickets für die angesagtesten Clubs, Boatpartys, Aktivitäten und mehr zu finden.

Luxuriöse Looks für Ihre Ibiza-Auszeit. Shoppen Sie brandneue, authentische Designer-Mode aus Europas besten Boutiquen – mit bis zu 60 % Rabatt auf den Einzelhandelspreis bei italist.

Shoppe Ibiza Essentials auf Amazon

Entdecke Ibiza-Merch & Prints auf Etsy

365 Days of Ibiza

Experience the magic of the island beyond the season through 365 thoughtfully curated activities across beaches, nature, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife, inviting you to enjoy Ibiza at its most authentic whenever you visit.

Ibiza Clubbing & Parties