There are currently 9,296 people on the Balearic Government's social housing waiting list, 6,032 of them in Mallorca. Registrations with the Ibavi housing agency have increased some 20% since last year; the increase over the past four years touches 50%.
The government acknowledges the difficulties faced by people who are in work but have been left without options for finding housing because of ever-increasing prices. And Ibavi can inadvertently push prices higher. The agency has observed that every time new developments are announced, there are price increases in the municipalities where this housing is planned.
Public housing is a cornerstone of the government's emergency plan, with approximately 900 public housing units in Ibavi developments currently under way. This figure will increase, as progress is being made on new projects in collaboration with town halls.
"Build, build, and build," said President Prohens last week, the government pointing to the Ibavi figures in supporting its argument that creating new housing developments is essential as a key element in resolving the problem.
The entire housing emergency plan is clear that housing must be built for residents of the Balearic Islands. There is a requirement of five years or more of residency in the Balearics, with preference given to residents of the municipality where housing is built. Population growth, the government has said, is a reason for the strains on affordable housing. The government has incorporated a procedure into its land liberalisation law to accelerate the processing of all public housing developments. This will shorten construction times.