Opposition Open to Studying FA Project to Regulate Studio Apartments; Expecting Agency Appearances

Uruguay's opposition parties have expressed willingness to consider a proposal from the Frente Amplio aimed at regulating studio apartments. The initiative seeks to reinstate a minimum size requirement of 35 square meters for dwellings constructed under the tax incentives of the Promoted Housing Law.

Senator Gustavo González, who introduced the bill, clarified that the intention is not to eliminate studio apartments entirely. Instead, he argued that while the construction industry can build them, the state should not offer tax exemptions for such units. "If the construction industry wants to build studio apartments, let them do it, but without all sorts of exemptions," González stated.

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If the construction industry wants to build studio apartments, let them do it, but without all sorts of exemptions.

Senator Tabaré Viera of the Colorado Party found the proposal's argument compelling, emphasizing the importance of quality of life for residents. He indicated that his party would study the proposal, consult within the party, and await input from invited delegations before forming a definitive stance.

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The proposal is welcome, and we will study it with our advisors, we will consult within the party, and we also have to receive the proposed delegations.

Senator José Luis Falero of the National Party also stressed the need for clear information from invited delegations. While not opposing the project outright, he highlighted the necessity of precise data on studio apartment construction since 2021. Falero explained that having solid justifications is crucial, especially since his government coalition initially supported the inclusion of studio apartments in the law. He expressed a desire for the proposal to have logical foundations to warrant modifications to the original policy.

The commission plans to invite representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning, the Chamber of Construction, the Chamber of Real Estate, the National Construction and Annexes Union (Sunca), and the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Urbanism (FADU) of the University of the Republic for consultations.

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We need to have precise data on what has happened from 2021 to date regarding the construction of studio apartments.