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.​

On this page you will find information on the subsidies and services offered and managed by Barcelona City Council and the Generalitat, the regional government of Catalonia, through the Barcelona Housing Consortium, for people who are struggling to pay either their rent or their mortgage. There is also information on specialist advice and mediation services.

Rent subsidies

A man reading a book seating at a table

Unable to pay your rent?

If your rent is under €800 per month and you have fallen into arrears or can prove that you are struggling financially.

A city resident making an enquiry at a housing office

Do you need financial help to pay your rent?

If your rent is under €600 and your income, although it is sufficient to pay the rent, is low.

A man looks through his bills

Are you in rent arrears?

If your rent is under €750 and you have rent arrears due to unforeseen circumstances.

A woman closes the door of her house

Have you recently lost your home?

If your rent is under €750, or you are seeking rented accommodation at this price, and you have lost your home in the last 24 months.

Help with mortgage payments, mediation and advice

A man cheking his mailbox

Are you having problems meeting your mortgage payments?

Barcelona City Council may be able to offer you financial help to stop you from losing your home.

Interior view of a Housing Office in Barcelona

Mediation in rented accommodation

Would you like us to help you talk to the owner about your contract? Would you like help negotiating your outstanding debts with more guarantees?

A city resident making an enquiry at a municipal office

Advice on mortgage arrears

Would you like us to help you speak to the bank about your mortgage arrears? Would you like us to help you keep your home?

The Emergency Committee and the Energy Poverty Assistance Service

Need information on tackling energy waste?

For people who have difficulty meeting the cost of basic services, Barcelona City Council offers an assistance and support service.