According to data compiled by the entity, between 2020 and 2024, demographic increase has significantly outpaced the number of new homes completed in a large part of the province. This situation highlights a growing imbalance between housing supply and demand.
In the city of Tarragona, for example, 976 homes were completed during this period, while the population grew by 6,636 people. This translates to a ratio of 6.8 new residents for each home built, a figure much higher than the city's average residential occupancy ratio, which is around 2.5 people per main dwelling.
The problem is even more pronounced in other localities. In Tortosa, the ratio reaches 24 people per completed home; in Reus it is 14.1; in Salou, 15.1; in Torredembarra, 16.5; in Alcanar, 16.4; in La Ràpita, 17.2; and in Cambrils, 5.1. El Vendrell records a ratio of 24.9 people per new home. The most extreme cases are found in Valls and Amposta, with proportions of 49.1 and 52.8 people respectively for each home completed in the last five years.
“"This lack of new supply is one of the structural factors explaining the progressive increase in prices and the reduction of available supply for both purchase and rent."
The entity emphasizes that the current pace of construction is far from meeting the needs arising from demographic growth. Therefore, the Urban Property Chamber of Tarragona argues that the housing debate must incorporate the reality of these data, and that the problem cannot be addressed without acknowledging the insufficient production of new homes in relation to population increase.
In this context, an appeal is made to administrations to implement measures that facilitate the promotion of new construction, streamline urban planning procedures, and incentivize the rehabilitation and incorporation of new properties into the market to alleviate the lack of available housing.
