Cost overruns in a development of 34 subsidized apartments in Sabadell are delaying its delivery

BarcelonaThe future tenants of an affordable rental housing development in Sabadell have been waiting almost a year to move into their homes. The apartment building in the Can Llong neighborhood, developed by the Catalan Land Institute (Incasòl), has had to overcome unforeseen bureaucratic hurdles that have delayed the process, even though the residents had seen that construction was finished some time ago and the apartments had already been allocated. The development of 34 subsidized housing units on Ronda Europa is now "in the final phase of the administrative process for its handover," according to sources from the Department of Territory. Construction began in early 2022 and, as detailed by the department, was "at a very advanced stage by the end of 2024 and practically finished by the beginning of 2025." The allocation was made last spring among residents registered in the Sabadell Municipal Housing Registry (Vimusa), as has been reported by Sabadell DailyHowever, the works weren't completed until the fall.

They had been awarded to the company Garcia Riera for €4.36 million. Upon completion, the contractor increased the final cost, which is when negotiations began with the Department of Territory, which did not agree with the budget increase requested by the company. This extra time was compounded by the fact that the properties had been awarded months earlier, even though all the paperwork wasn't finished. "The administration understands the situation, but it must ensure that costs are controlled. It's obligated to do so," sources from the Department of Territory emphasized.

Furthermore, the final works certificate was issued at the end of September and approved at the beginning of November. Once this phase was completed, the first occupancy license was requested from the Sabadell City Council that same November, and the municipal technical services carried out the corresponding inspection visit at the beginning of December.

In parallel, the application for final certification of the homes was processed in mid-December. This process is currently underway, and the certification will be issued shortly. "As soon as the first occupancy license is obtained, the 34 homes will be handed over," explained the Department of Territory.

What are the apartments like?

The building, located at the intersection of Ronda Europa and Calle Copenhague, has 34 apartments with a usable area of approximately 60 square meters. Allocated to tenants under 35 years of age, the rent will be 500 euros per month, including community fees and property tax (IBI). The project was designed by architects Jordi Roig and Marc Mogas. In addition to the apartments, Incasòl has also promoted the construction of 43 underground parking spaces and three commercial premises. Regarding the parking spaces, although completed, their opening is contingent upon the completion of the access road infrastructure, a project planned as part of the development of the industrial park where the building is located.