Study of land development for housing

Housing is an essential element for citizens’ well-being. The current situation in Spain is characterised by sharp price increases and difficulties in accessing housing. This context is influenced by numerous factors, among which land availability may be one of the most relevant. This Study finds that there are significant rigidities in the stages of urban planning, land management and building development, within a complex and fragmented regulatory environment that is also affected by sector-specific regulation. To address these barriers, a series of recommendations are set out. First, to promote greater regulatory rationalisation and coordination in urban planning. Second, to increase the flexibility of urban planning instruments. Third, to recognise a specific and more flexible framework for territorial and urban planning instruments. Fourth, to reduce the complexity of planning instruments and of their drafting and approval procedures. Fifth, to simplify and make urban land management more flexible. Sixth, to facilitate building development. Seventh, to improve the operation of sectoral reports. Eighth, to guarantee efficiency criteria in public authorities’ intervention in the land sector. Ninth, to provide adequate resources to the public bodies responsible for the urban planning process and to seek guidance from the Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC).