Study on new models for social housing

08/05/2026

The report “Housing Associations: the provision and management of social housing” analyzes the potential for adapting established international models to strengthen the supply of affordable housing in Spain. The event brought together experts from the public, private, and non-profit sectors to discuss new forms of collaboration and management in the face of current challenges to access to housing.

Yesterday, the report “Housing Associations: the provision and management of social housing” was presented. This study, promoted by the Chair of Decent and Sustainable Housing at the UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM) and the Metropolitan House Foundation, analyzes the potential for adapting established international models, such as housing associations, with the aim of proposing an innovative model for the provision and management of social housing adapted to the Spanish context.

The event was opened by José M. Martínez-Sierra, Director General of UPF-BSM, and Rafael Angulo, President of the Metropolitan House Foundation, who highlighted the need to promote new approaches to expand and strengthen the supply of affordable rental housing, in a context marked by rising real estate prices and a social housing stock far below the European average. This situation positions access to housing as one of the main structural challenges in Spain.

Following this, Elena Pellicer, co-author of the study by the Chair and lecturer at UPF-BSM, presented the report and its main conclusions.

The report offers a comprehensive analysis structured around three main areas—the economic and financial model, the social impact, and governance—based on a review of the current state of social housing in Spain and a study of various initiatives promoted by the third sector. This is the case of the Hàbitat3 Foundation and LUMVRA, part of Provivienda, pioneering entities in Spain primarily dedicated to the management of social housing.

Among the most relevant conclusions is the progressive consolidation of non-profit organizations capable of combining social commitment, professional management, and stable cooperation with public administrations, while simultaneously strengthening their operational capacity in the promotion and management of social housing.

The event included a roundtable discussion with experts moderated by Ramon Bastida, director of the Chair, with the participation of Carme Trilla, president of the Fundació Hàbitat3 Foundation; Hugo Sintes, founding partner of GENIVS Insulae; and Josune Huidobro, operations director of Provivienda. During their presentations, the speakers shared experiences and reflections on the current social housing landscape and discussed, among other issues, the role of the “social housing provider,” inspired by models already established in various European countries.

Within this framework, the work of the UPF-BSM Chair of Decent and Sustainable Housing and the Metropolitan House Foundation was also highlighted, as well as Metropolitan House‘s commitment and track record in the field of social housing and in guaranteeing access to housing for vulnerable individuals and families.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Joan Ramon Riera, Housing Commissioner of the Barcelona City Council, and José Vicente Muñoz, General Director of the Metropolitan House Foundation.

“Housing Associations: The Provision and Management of Social Housing” is the eighth applied research project of the UPF-BSM Chair of Decent and Sustainable Housing, a forum for reflection born from collaboration with the Metropolitan House Foundation, with the aim of analyzing the real estate sector from a social, environmental, and economic perspective.

The Chair’s studies aim to adapt the real estate sector to current times, with regulations that translate into benefits for citizens and businesses, and subsequently sharing its findings with key stakeholders.

More information about the Decent and Sustainable Housing Chair
View the Chair’s studies