Popular property

Betty Henderson

SPAIN continues to be a highly sought­after destination for homebuyers, as the country’s housing stock dwindles. According to a study released by European property portal, Idealista, on Friday, April 28, the number of available homes for sale in Spain has decreased by 5 per cent in the last year.

This drop is even greater than the 3 per cent decline seen in the last quarter of 2022. While this may seem concerning to some, it is a sign of the growing popularity of Spain as a desirable location for homeowners and is also set to boost property value.

Major cities like Barcelona have seen a decline of 11 per cent in homes for sale, while Madrid has experienced an unexpected 4 per cent in ­ crease in supply.

This trend is not limited to major cities, as even smaller towns have seen a decrease in available homes for sale. However, this has not deterred homebuyers, as Spain continues to be a popular destination for those seeking a beautiful and comfortable lifestyle, and property sales have continued to soar.

It is clear that Spain’s property market is thriving.

€163 million for drought

ON Tuesday, April 25, the Governing Council of the Junta de Andalucia approved the third decree against the drought. It entailed the allocation of €163 million in hydraulic works and aid. The measure is forecast to provide some 184 cubic hectometres for supply and irrigation and plans to benefit almost three million Andalucians.

The Andalucian Government revealed that this third decree brings the funding allocated in response to the lack of water suffered by the Community to €300 million. There are also plans for the installation of ir­ rigation pipes, the improvement of the water supply, the search for new water sources, the reduction of water losses, and the digitalisation of water management. It also includes a package of direct and exceptional aid for farmers, ranchers and fishermen, amounting to €43 million.

Among these is direct aid of €10 million, plus €6 million for the expansion of the line of drinking troughs. Subsidies for the construction of rafts, watering holes and connectivity infrastructures will receive €5 million.

Betty Henderson

IN an unprecedented move, the government of the United States announced a plan to send migrants to third coun‐tries including Spain and Cana‐da. The plan was announced on Thursday, April 27, as part of the country’s efforts to man‐age the flow of immigrants in‐to the country.

The migrants’ applications for residency will be processed through legal processing cen‐tres set up in South and Central American countries including Colombia and Guatemala.

The move comes as the US seeks to reduce the number of migrants crossing the border with Mexico, with the suspen‐sion of Title 42, a controversial policy allowing authorities to expel migrants without first