Spain's housing decrees face decisive vote in Permanent Deputation on November 12

Spain's Congress is scheduled to vote on two housing decrees on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The vote takes place in the Permanent Deputation, the only parliamentary body still active while the Cortes are dissolved ahead of the November 29 general election. The two texts have been in force since October 7 and October 8, 2026, respectively, but the Constitution requires congressional validation within 30 days.

The numbers are extremely tight. The Permanent Deputation has 69 deputies, split 34 to 34 between the left-wing bloc and the conservative bloc. The PNV holds the single deciding seat and has already announced it will support the broader decree while voting against the tenant compensation decree, producing an expected 35-to-34 result.

“Coming in the name of Spaniards to approve a decree against the will of Spaniards is an act of totalitarianism and absolutism.”

The decree expected to pass includes automatic renewal of rental contracts until 2028 and a ban on evictions of vulnerable people without alternative housing until 2030. It also introduces tax breaks for landlords and tenants and tightens rules on speculative investment funds, known as vulture funds, by expanding their definition and reducing exceptions.

The most discussed measure is the 'Tu Casa' mechanism, managed by the Official Credit Institute (ICO). It offers loans of up to 50,000 euros for a first home, backed by a 10-billion-euro credit line. The text also includes a 400-million-euro social impact fund for social housing providers to build new developments.

Royal Decree-Law 29/2026 entered into force on October 8, 2026, while Royal Decree-Law 28/2026 is set to take effect on November 15, 2026, according to its final provision. The broader decree protects the social function of housing and expands affordable supply, while the rejected decree sought to stabilize rental contracts and open the door to indefinite leases.

The PP and Vox have criticized the government for using the Permanent Deputation to approve a measure already rejected by the full plenary. Vox spokesperson Pepa Millán called the session a legal fraud and announced a legal appeal. PP deputy Sergio Sayas accused the executive of totalitarianism and absolutism, saying approving a decree against the will of Spaniards in the name of Spaniards is an act of absolutism.