Living in Bidart: Second Home Woes and a Promising Ban
Bidart Village's Second Homes Restrictions: Over 30% of Secondary Homes Banned in this Basque Community
In the heart of the Basque Country, Bidart, a charming coastal village with 8,000 inhabitants, is grappling with a housing dilemma. Some 31% of the homes here are second homes, making it a hotspot for out-of-towners, predominantly Parisians, who swoop in and splurge on pricey properties. A local resident laments, "It's always a hassle to find housing here, what with the Parisians buying everything expensive."
The Scourge of Second Homes in Bidart
Faced with this escalating issue, the municipality of Bidart has taken a stand against the influx of second homes, particularly for new constructions. The ban will initially be implemented in a car park, soon to house apartment buildings. This move aligns with the Echaniz-Le Meur law, which allows, when the rate of second homes surpasses 20%, to restrict this type of housing in new projects. The new buyers will be obligated to make the property their primary residence.
Mayor Emmanuel Alzuri considers this measure a lifesaver for the commune: "House sales increasingly elude local residents", he admits, with an aspiration to "rekindle the village's spirit as it once was." The move has been met with support in the local community.
The Wider Implication of Second Home Bans
While specific data on Bidart's situation isn't readily available, we can examine the broader impacts of second home bans:
- Availability of Housing: A ban on second homes can help alleviate housing shortages by reducing the number of properties left vacant, fostering a more equitable distribution of housing.
- Cohesive Communities: Prioritizing local residents in housing can lead to more cohesive communities, as permanent residents tend to integrate into the community, contributing to its social fabric.
- Local Economy: Such bans can breathe life into local businesses by ensuring a stable and consistent customer base.
- Property Prices: The impact on property prices can vary. In some cases, prices may stabilize or decrease as more homes become available for locals, potentially reducing demand from outside buyers. However, a lack of investment could also affect property values.
In regions like Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the has been introduced to make housing more affordable. This model allows individuals to purchase homes at lower prices, subject to conditions like resale restrictions. This approach aims to keep housing prices stable and facilitate local residents' access to affordable homes.
If Bidart has implemented a second home ban, it may form part of a wider strategy to preserve local housing and foster stability in the community, echoing the essence of the . However, more information about the specifics of Bidart's situation is yet to surface.
- Facing surging demand for second homes, the municipality of Bidart opted to regulate the real-estate market, particularly restraining new second home constructions to encourage permanent residency.
- The ban on second homes in Bidart has the potential to rebalance the housing market and improve housing availability, ensuring a more equitable living environment for locals.
- If successful, the second home ban in Bidart could serve as a model for similar initiatives aimed at preserving local lifestyles, while potentially bolstering community cohesion and spurring growth in the local economy.
