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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.​

Do you know how to register with the Barcelona Social Housing Applicants Register?

16/06/2023 - 15:11

Housing. In a few steps, we explain how to register and be eligible for officially protected housing in the city of Barcelona.

To be eligible for officially protected housing in Barcelona, it is essential to be properly registered with the Barcelona Social Housing Applicants Register.

Your registration in four steps

Before starting your registration, you should consider two preliminary considerations:

  • You can register individually or on behalf of multiple individuals if they form a household unit. This means if they live together or plan to live together in the future.
  • You must meet the following requirements: be of legal age or an emancipated minor; not own any property, with exceptions; the main applicant must be registered as a resident in Barcelona; and not exceed the maximum income set by the Registry’s regulations.

Here are the steps to formalize your registration:

1. You have three different methods to complete the registration:

   1.1. Online, through the official website of the Register. Once inside, go to the “New registration request” tab.

   1.2. By phone, calling 010, where an agent will formalize your registration request.

   1.3. At a housing office with a prior appointment, which you can request by calling 010.

2. Once you have completed the application, you must sign it and submit it along with the required paper documentation. You have two options:

   2.1. If you prefer regular mail, we will send you the application to your address along with a return envelope for you to send back the signed application with the required documentation. Alternatively, you can personally deliver it to a housing office without a prior appointment.

  2.2. Alternatively, you can print the completed application from the internet and, along with the documentation, submit it to any housing office. You must request an appointment by calling 010.

3. You can check the status of your application at any time online using your application code and chosen password, or by phone using the code and your ID number.

4. Once your registration is confirmed as completed, you will be able to participate in the calls for applications that match the requirements based on the data provided in your registration. You can find ongoing calls on the Registry’s website.

For further information, you can refer to the website section about the Register.