Finding a flat to rent in Spain has become a headache for thousands of people. In many cities, prices have climbed far beyond what average salaries can comfortably cover, while the number of available homes keeps shrinking. For many would-be tenants, the problem isn’t choosing between properties – it’s finding anything at all.

Against that backdrop, the government has launched a new affordable rental housing initiative, offering something that has started to sound almost unrealistic in today’s market: rents well below the going rate.

Under the name Casa 47, the plan aims to make housing accessible again for ordinary households, with public rental homes designed to stay in public ownership permanently.

What Casa 47 is trying to change

Casa 47 is a newly created public housing company set up to deliver quality rental homes at controlled prices. The idea is not to compete with the private market, but to offer an alternative for people who are being priced out of it.

As a first step, the programme has launched two pilot calls covering a total of 171 homes. These are spread across Vigo, several Valencian towns affected by the DANA, and Mieres, in Asturias.

The government sees this as a testing phase. If the model works, the plan is to roll out new housing offers on a regular three-month cycle, all managed through a single national portal. That means even those who don’t succeed in the first round should have more chances later on.

How much are these affordable rents?

The figures are what have drawn most of the attention. According to the Ministry of Housing, the rents under the Casa 47 scheme are set well below typical market prices in each area.

In Valencia, the monthly rent comes in at €485.42.
In Vigo, it is higher, at €662.84.
In Mieres (Asturias), rents are much lower, averaging €412.89 per month.

While not every flat costs €400, the Asturias properties show that renting at around that level is still possible under public housing schemes. Prices are adjusted to local conditions, rather than being driven by demand.

The ministry says the programme is designed to respect Article 47 of the Spanish Constitution, which states that citizens have the right to decent and adequate housing – a principle that has often felt out of reach in recent years.

Who can apply for Casa 47 housing

Applications must be made through the Casa 47 portal, which forms part of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda’s electronic platform. The scheme is open to individuals and households, including people living alone, as long as the property will be used as a main residence.

There are, however, several conditions that applicants must meet.

To begin with, no one in the household can already own a property. Applicants must also be up to date with their tax and Social Security obligations.

Income limits apply as well. In most locations, household income must fall between two and 7.5 times the IPREM. With the IPREM set at €600 per month, this translates to an annual income of between €16,800 and €63,000.

In Mieres, the thresholds are lower, reflecting local income levels. There, eligible households must earn between €16,800 and €37,800 per year, or between two and 4.5 times the IPREM.

How the homes are allocated

Unlike many housing schemes, Casa 47 does not use a points-based system. Instead, homes are allocated through a lottery among all applicants who meet the requirements.

The draw determines the order in which successful applicants can choose from the available properties. The aim, according to the ministry, is to keep the process simple and transparent, without complicated scoring systems that often frustrate applicants.

For this first pilot phase, the deadline to submit applications is 20 February 2026. Housing officials recommend checking the Casa 47 portal regularly, as future calls will be published there along with full details of each development.

A small step in a much bigger housing problem

There is no illusion that Casa 47 will solve Spain’s housing crisis overnight. With rents still rising across much of the country, 171 homes barely scratch the surface.

Still, for those who meet the criteria, the scheme offers something rare in today’s market: a realistic chance at an affordable, stable rental. More broadly, it signals a shift in direction, with housing treated as a long-term public responsibility, not just a private investment.

For now, renting a flat for around €400 a month remains out of reach for many. But with Casa 47, it is no longer just a theory – it is a possibility, even if only for a limited number of people, and a sign of where housing policy may be heading next.

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Cash still has a place in Spain. Despite the rise of cards and mobile payments, many people continue to rely on it for everyday life – and for bigger things too. Buying a car, helping family, moving savings, settling a private deal. None of that is illegal.

What has changed, quietly but decisively, is how closely large cash movements are watched.

Spain’s Tax Agency hasn’t banned cash, and it hasn’t announced a war on people who prefer it. But it has tightened the net around certain transactions. Cross the wrong threshold without realising it, and what feels like a normal operation can quickly turn into a serious problem – with fines that, in extreme cases, can reach €150,000.

And for many people, the shock comes not from doing something wrong, but from not knowing the rules existed at all.

When ordinary cash starts raising red flags

Most scrutiny begins at the bank. Any cash deposit or withdrawal over €3,000 is automatically reported by financial institutions to Hacienda. There’s no form to fill in and no warning at the counter. The information is simply passed on as part of routine monitoring. The same applies when €500 notes are involved, as these bills are considered higher risk due to their limited circulation and traceability.

Then there’s moving cash inside Spain. Carrying more than €100,000 in banknotes within the country requires prior declaration using Modelo S1. This applies whether the money is for a property purchase, a business operation, or personal savings. Without that declaration, the cash can be seized temporarily while its origin is examined.

Travelling adds another layer. Entering or leaving Spain with €10,000 or more in cash must also be declared. This rule affects residents, non-residents and tourists alike. Many people only discover it at the airport – often too late.

In all these cases, the act itself isn’t prohibited. What matters is being able to explain the money clearly and convincingly.

Why fines can spiral – even without criminal intent

Not declaring cash doesn’t automatically mean punishment. But it opens the door to inspection. And once inspectors start asking questions, things can escalate fast if the answers aren’t solid.

Spain’s anti-money laundering legislation focuses less on the movement itself and more on justification. If you can’t prove where the money came from, or where it’s going, Hacienda may treat the situation as an infringement.

Minor administrative failures usually lead to smaller penalties. But when large amounts lack proper documentation, sanctions increase sharply. In the most serious cases – especially where fraud or money laundering is suspected – fines can reach a very high percentage of the unexplained sum, with a legal ceiling of €150,000.

That’s what catches many people out. There doesn’t need to be criminal intent. Confusion, missing paperwork or informal arrangements are sometimes enough to trigger serious consequences.

What tax experts quietly advise

Ask any tax adviser and you’ll hear the same thing: paper matters more than cash.

If money comes from a sale, keep the contract. If it’s an inheritance, keep the documents. Loans, gifts, property transactions – all should be backed up in writing. When inspectors ask questions, explanations without proof rarely go far.

Many professionals also recommend avoiding large cash operations when possible. Bank transfers leave a clear trail and tend to attract far less attention. Cash, by its nature, does the opposite.

And if you genuinely need to carry a large sum, declaring it in advance is far easier than explaining it later. Filing Modelo S1 doesn’t put you on a blacklist. It simply shows compliance.

Cash isn’t the enemy – ignorance is

Spain hasn’t outlawed cash and isn’t about to. But the idea that large amounts can move unnoticed no longer holds.

For most people, these thresholds will never come into play. Daily life goes on without interference. But for anyone dealing with savings, property, or significant payments – even occasionally – knowing where the lines are is essential.

Because in today’s Spain, cash is allowed. Unexplained cash is not.

And the difference between the two can be very expensive.

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The Son Reus Municipal Animal Protection Centre (CSMPA) has donated a pony to the Mounted Police Section of Palma’s Local Police, after rescuing the animal weeks ago wandering in public, at risk and showing signs of stress and disorientation.

Panxo joins the mounted unit

The four-year-old pony, named Panxo, has received veterinary care at Son Reus and will now join the horses housed at the Mounted Police headquarters in Bellver Forest, the Palma City Council confirmed in a statement.

No microchip found

When found, Panxo had no microchip, preventing identification or tracing of its owner. Thanks to his high level of socialisation with people, the Mounted Police plan to use the pony for educational activities with children and teenagers in the future, as well as in parades and official events.

Máximus: the newest recruit

Last year, the Mounted Police Section welcomed Máximus, a four-year-old purebred Mallorcan horse. Once training is complete, Máximus will serve in patrol duties and participate in official ceremonies, helping to rejuvenate the unit’s equine team. He replaces Buscall, also a purebred Mallorcan, who passed away in December aged 21, after 19 years of service.

A role in community engagement

Máximus is noted for his elegant appearance and high energy. Following his adaptation and training, he will become an active member of Palma’s Mounted Police, patrolling the streets of Ciutat and taking part in official events, strengthening community engagement and public space monitoring.

Mounted units across Spain

Mounted police units are a long-standing tradition in many Spanish cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. They play a vital role in crowd control during large events, tourist areas, and urban patrols, combining visibility, approachability, and rapid mobility that cars cannot always provide.

Training and care of the horses

Spanish mounted units invest heavily in the training and welfare of their horses. Horses undergo extensive socialisation, obedience training, and regular veterinary checks, ensuring they can perform in public spaces without stress. Units also use horses for educational outreach, particularly for children, to teach respect for animals and the law.

Comparison with the UK

In England, mounted police units serve a similar role but tend to be more widespread, with notable forces in London, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside. UK mounted units often focus on ceremonial duties, public order, and patrols in parks and crowded city centres. While both countries prioritise animal welfare and public engagement, Spanish units increasingly emphasise educational programmes, whereas UK units have a stronger ceremonial presence.