In recent years, the housing crisis in several regions has highlighted a structural problem that goes beyond simple supply and demand: the legal uncertainty faced by owners in the face of illegal defaults and jobs. This situation has contributed significantly to the decrease in the availability of flats in the market, affecting both those who seek decent housing and those who own properties that cannot be rented or sold calmly.
The problem lies in the difficulty faced by owners in asserting their rights in situations of non-payment or illegal employment. Current legislation, in some cases, presents gaps or long and complex processes that discourage owners from renting or selling their properties. As a result, many choose to keep their properties empty or even get rid of them, thus reducing the supply of housing available in the market.
This scenario generates a vicious circle: legal uncertainty causes owners to be reluctant to rent or sell, which reduces the supply of housing and, consequently, raises prices and limits access to housing for those who need it most. Furthermore, illegal employment, which in some cases has become a social problem, further aggravates the situation, as owners fear losing their assets without effective protection by the judicial system.
Experts in real estate law point out that one of the main causes of this problem is the slowness in judicial processes to evict illegal occupants or recover property in the face of non-payments. The lack of agile and effective mechanisms generates a feeling of impunity and vulnerability among owners, who prefer to keep their properties closed or in disuse instead of risking economic losses or long legal processes.
The institutions have recognised the need to reform the legal framework to offer greater protection and security to owners, thus promoting a more dynamic and accessible housing market. Some proposals include the streamlining of eviction processes, the implementation of preventive measures against illegal occupations and the creation of mechanisms that facilitate the recovery of properties in the event of non-payments.
In conclusion, the legal uncertainty faced by owners is a determining factor in the scarcity of housing available on the market. The solution requires a joint commitment between legislators, judicial institutions and society to strengthen the legal framework and guarantee effective rights for owners, thus promoting a fairer and more accessible housing market for all.