Tanca Tanca

Housing Glossary

You will find information here on all topics relating to housing in Barcelona

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Accrued interest

The interest applied as a penalisation when the debtor does not comply with repayment obligations. The amount must be established in the contract.

Active supermortgage

This allows the client to choose their loan's benchmark index (MIBOR at three months, six months or a year) so that payment can benefit from lower interest rates sooner.

Adaptable instalment

Characteristic of UCI superloans that allow the borrower to not pay one instalment a year for the first three years if there are problems due to holidays, extraordinary expenses, etc.

Advanced cancellation fee

A commission arising from the financial risk involved in the advanced cancellation of an operation. The applied commission compensates the financial institution for its financial losses.

AEDE

Direct state aid for paying the deposit on a property.

Affordable housing

Group of social housing or dwellings from social renovation projects that are sold or rented at below-market prices.

Affordable rent

The cost of renting these dwellings is below market prices after being included in operations concerning the rented flat pool, social renovation or social housing promotions.

Amortisation

Payment made to repay a loan.

Amortisation period

The duration of the loan. The contract establishes the date of the first and last payments. The longer the period, the lower the payments are, but the higher the interest. You therefore pay more in the end. The monthly instalment should not exceed 35% of your net income.

API

Estate agent. A qualified professional who acts as an intermediary between the two interested parties to facilitate the signing of a real estate contract, which can be a rental agreement, a sales agreement or another similar contract. They usually charge a percentage of the sales price as compensation or commission.

Applicant

A citizen who makes a registration application to the Barcelona Social Housing Applicants Registry, and who represents the other members of the dwelling unit included in the application.

APR

Annual Equivalent Rate. Effective annual cost of the mortgage in terms of interest, commissions and the repayment period. To compare loans, it is not enough to just look at the lowest APR, you also have to compare the conditions, the repayment period and the distribution of instalment payments.

Arbitri municipal de plusvàlua

Former denomination of the capital gains tax on landed property.

Assessment

The value of a dwelling certified by a specialised assessment company, in accordance with the mortgage market law. This certificate not only indicates the real value of the property, it also serves as a reference for obtaining the necessary financing.

Authorisation

Document in which the owner authorises the tenant to carry out building work in the dwelling's interior.

Close glossary

Housing offices only offer face-to-face assistance by prior appointment, so check out the “Housing calls you” service here to receive the most appropriate personalised assistance. If you also need assistance in energy rights, book an appointment with an energy-advice point (PAE) by clicking here. On the other hand, if you reside in an IMHAB public dwelling you can consult our contact, management and processing channels here.​

11/11/2021 - 13:34

The Barcelona Social Housing Council presents the results of the first five years of the Right to Housing Plan

Housing. An evaluation has been made of the work done in the enlargement of the public housing stock, the tools for tackling the...

05/11/2021 - 16:41

First public-private housing operator in the Spanish state launched

Housing. Habitatge Metròpolis Barcelona will build 4,500 homes with affordable rents in the city and the metropolitan area.

04/11/2021 - 14:08

Work begins on a block of 18 homes with social rents in Poblenou

Housing. This is the second construction project to get under way in the district of Sant Martí out of a total of nine in progress,...

02/11/2021 - 15:38

The registration process for attending the Barcelona Housing and Rehabilitation Forum is now open

Housing. On 23 and 24 November, international experts will debate on how to increase affordable housing.

Habitatges per a Joves Can Fabra
29/10/2021 - 14:51

Can Fabra wins the 2020 AVS Prize for the Best New Building

Housing. The social housing project for young people has been recognised for its transformation of the industrial building and its...

23/10/2021 - 13:16

Work starts on a new block in Horta-Guinardó to continue generating affordable housing on public land

Housing. La Clota will have 105 flats, providing housing for over 250 people, promoted by the cooperative Fem Ciutat through public...

Bon Pastor
18/10/2021 - 15:39

Open House BCN 2021 puts the spotlight on Mediterranean architecture and social inclusion

Housing. Over 200 spaces are open to the public, including the Can Fabra, Bon Pastor, La Xarxaire and Cirerers housing projects...

14/10/2021 - 17:05

First stone laid for a new public block of 155 rental flats in Sant Martí

Housing. The project is the biggest development in the district and will include 60 homes with services for the elderly, 80 of them...

13/10/2021 - 10:33

Call for home renovation subsidies for 2021, with more investment and priority for energy efficiency

Housing. The forecast is that over fifteen thousand homes could benefit.

12/10/2021 - 11:49

Boost to public rental housing a key factor in maintaining the rhythm of construction in the city

Housing. The report also shows the growth in the proportion of local people living in rented properties.