Council to ask for social homes to rent

A BID to promote affordable social housing for rent in Orihuela Costa was supported in last Thursday’s full council meeting by all parties.

The motion, submitted by the Socialist party (PSOE), focused on 36 social properties (VPO) at PAU-8 in Villamartín, which have remained unsold and empty for many years

PSOE councillor Carolina Gracia said the council should ask the regional housing department to also offer the option of renting them.

She said that 114 applications for social housing have been made in Orihuela, which proves there is a high demand for affordable properties.

“Many people cannot afford to buy a property and subsidised renting is the most feasible option for them,” she said.

The councillor highlighted that in August the regional government invested €140,000 to repair the apartments and communal areas because they had been allowed to deteriorate.

“These properties have been repaired and could be rented out at an affordable price with great success, but first the council has to apply for this change of use,” she said.

Sra Gracia pointed out that another 63 social properties at El Barranco have finally been sold after huge efforts and large price reductions.

Further information on social housing in the province is available on the regional housing association website at www.evha.es