Uruguay Senate approves bill to expedite property expropriation for housing

Uruguay's Senate has unanimously approved a bill designed to accelerate the expropriation process for properties burdened by debts to the state. This legislation, originally introduced by the Frente Amplio party, aims to tackle the issue of urban vacancy and make properties available for housing and urbanization projects. The law focuses on recovering "idle, empty, and degraded" properties where debts exceed the property's value.

Senator Óscar Andrade of the Frente Amplio highlighted the severe delays in addressing urban vacancy over the past 30 years, emphasizing the resulting inequality. He cited a UNICEF report indicating that half of Uruguay's children and adolescents live in precarious housing conditions, facing unmet basic needs, overcrowding, or insecure tenure.

The bill also introduces provisional measures for expropriations related to building safety, sanitation, and public hygiene. These measures can be ordered by the judiciary upon verification of the property's condition by a competent professional. If a property has outstanding debts to the expropriating body, the amount will be deducted from the provisional compensation paid to the owner.

Lawmakers from the National and Colorado parties expressed strong support for the bill. Senator José Luis Falero called it an "important contribution," while Senator Pedro Bordaberry described it as a "very protective" norm. Vice President Carolina Cosse, who previously served as Montevideo's mayor, voted for the project with "great joy," referencing her experience in building and managing the city's land portfolio for housing and urban improvement.