PSOE Presents Housing Proposals to Ibiza's Five Town Councils, Including Rent Controls and IBI Surcharges

October 30, 2026

The PSOE has presented a new set of housing proposals to all five town councils in Ibiza, calling for measures to address rising rents, increase the supply of affordable long-term accommodation and encourage vacant properties to return to the residential market.

The motions include asking the Balearic Government to declare Ibiza's municipalities stressed residential market areas, introducing IBI surcharges of up to 150% on certain vacant properties, applying fiscal measures to homes used for tourist rentals and offering renovation grants to small private landlords who make their properties available for long-term rental.

The initiative also calls for greater public investment in housing, proposing that the Balearic Government, island councils and Spanish Government coordinate to allocate the equivalent of 0.5% of the Balearic Islands' GDP annually to public housing.

The proposals have been submitted to the town councils of Eivissa, Sant Antoni, Sant Josep, Santa Eulària and Sant Joan. They have not yet been approved as municipal policy.

Calling for Ibiza's Municipalities to Become Stressed Rental Areas

One of the central demands is for the Balearic Government, led by Marga Prohens, to apply Spain's Housing Law and declare Ibiza's municipalities zonas de mercado residencial tensionado.

This legal designation can allow measures to limit rents in certain residential tenancy contracts, subject to the conditions established by national legislation.

Under Spain's Housing Law 12/2023, a territory may qualify where housing costs, including basic utilities, exceed 30% of average household income, or where housing prices have risen over five years by at least three percentage points more than the regional consumer price index.

A declaration requires a supporting assessment of the local housing market and a specific plan setting out measures to address the identified problems.

The PSOE argues that Ibiza's rental market requires this type of intervention to improve access to housing for residents.

IBI Surcharges of Up to 150% on Certain Vacant Properties

The motion also proposes changes to municipal tax ordinances to apply IBI surcharges of between 50% and 150% to qualifying residential properties that remain empty without justified reason.

The proposal is directed particularly at properties owned by large property holders.

Spain's Housing Law already provides a legal framework allowing municipalities to impose surcharges on permanently vacant residential properties. However, the maximum charge is subject to specific conditions.

Under the legislation, a property generally has to remain continuously vacant for more than two years without justified cause, and belong to an owner with at least four residential properties. The surcharge can rise to 100% where vacancy exceeds three years, with an additional increase of up to 50 percentage points possible in certain circumstances involving owners with multiple vacant properties in the same municipality.

The law also recognises exceptions, including certain temporary relocations, renovation works and properties being offered for sale or rent within specified periods.

The PSOE wants Ibiza's town councils to use the available fiscal framework to discourage prolonged unjustified vacancy and encourage more homes to become available for residential use.

Fiscal Measures for Homes Used as Tourist Rentals

Another part of the motion proposes introducing fiscal surcharges for residential properties used for tourist accommodation.

The PSOE argues that homes dedicated to tourist rentals are not available to people seeking permanent accommodation and that local authorities should consider fiscal measures to address this situation.

The motion calls for the municipalities to establish the corresponding tax measures. However, the published report does not detail the exact mechanism, rates or legal arrangements that would be required to implement this proposal.

Renovation Grants for Small Private Landlords

Alongside the proposed tax measures, the PSOE wants the five municipalities to create grant programmes for private individuals who own smaller properties and need financial assistance to renovate or improve them.

The proposed grants would be conditional on the owners subsequently placing their properties on the long-term residential rental market at affordable prices for residents of the relevant municipality.

The motion distinguishes these smaller private landlords from large property holders and investment funds, which it criticises for practices it considers speculative.

The PSOE argues that public administrations should provide private owners with greater security and support to encourage them to offer homes for permanent residential rental rather than leaving them vacant or using them for other purposes.

PSOE Calls for Annual Housing Investment Equivalent to 0.5% of GDP

The proposals also call for stronger coordination between the Balearic Government, the island councils and the Spanish Government to expand the public and protected housing stock.

Specifically, the PSOE wants annual investment in public housing construction and the acquisition of land and properties to reach the equivalent of 0.5% of the Balearic Islands' GDP.

The party also proposes creating a broader Pact for Housing involving public administrations and civil society, with the aim of establishing a coordinated approach to housing policy.

PSOE Cites a 67.1% Increase in Ibiza's Average Rent

The motion uses the evolution of rental prices in Ibiza to support its proposals.

According to figures included in the PSOE document, the island's average monthly rent increased from €1,184 in 2022 to €1,978 in 2025. This represents an increase of €794 per month, or 67.1%.

The socialists blame the PP-led governments in the Balearic Islands and at the Consell d'Eivissa for failing to introduce what they consider sufficient measures to contain housing costs and address speculation.

The motion also refers to the case of Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman who was evicted after living in her home for 71 years. It criticises PP, Vox and Junts for rejecting the validation of two national royal decree-laws that included measures intended to protect tenants.

According to the PSOE's argument, the failure to maintain those measures puts the stability of more than 70,000 rental contracts in the Balearic Islands, affecting approximately 250,000 people, at risk.

These figures and assessments are presented by the PSOE in support of its political position.

A Proposal That Now Moves to the Municipal Level

The latest initiative brings the housing debate directly to Ibiza's five town councils, asking local administrations to use their fiscal powers and work with the Balearic and national governments on measures to increase access to affordable housing.

Some of the instruments proposed, including stressed-zone declarations and IBI surcharges on qualifying vacant properties, already exist within Spain's Housing Law. Others, such as the proposed fiscal treatment of tourist-rental properties and renovation grants for small landlords, would require further decisions and implementation details.

The motions have been presented, but their approval and practical application will depend on the decisions of the respective town councils and the other administrations involved.

POSTED BY IBIZA ONE STOP

Get your Ibiza tickets from trusted official seller

Click here to find tickets for the hottest clubs, boat parties, activities, and more.

Luxury Looks for Your Ibiza Escape. Shop brand-new, authentic designer fashion from Europe’s best boutiques, with savings of up to 60% off retail at italist.

Shop Ibiza Essentials on Amazon

Browse Ibiza Merch & Prints on Etsy