Spain's Housing Crisis: Government Faces Pressure Amid Rising Rents and Tourists

ESSpain|

The ongoing housing crisis in Spain is intensifying as cities grapple with surging rents and the proliferation of tourist flats. Barcelona's Ciutat Vella, once a vibrant local neighborhood, has transformed into a tourist hotspot, leading to the eviction of residents and the closure of traditional businesses. Recent statistics reveal that rents have increased by 80% over the past decade, with nearly half of Spanish tenants spending 40% of their income on housing costs, significantly higher than the EU average of 27%.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has labeled the situation a "housing emergency" and proposed a comprehensive 12-point plan to address the crisis. This includes a call for increased social housing, which currently makes up only 2.5% of Spain's housing stock, in stark contrast to 14% in France and 34% in the Netherlands. Sánchez's proposals also feature capping excessive rental prices and transferring land for the development of affordable housing.

One of the more controversial proposals is a potential tax of up to 100% on properties purchased by non-EU residents, aimed at curbing speculation. This move has sparked criticism, with opponents claiming it targets UK buyers of holiday homes. While some politicians have embraced the initiatives, others label them insufficient and lacking in immediacy to meet the urgent needs of the population.

As demands for affordable housing escalate, the divide between socio-economic classes grows more pronounced. Many experts warn that if measures are not enacted swiftly, Spain risks creating a society divided between property owners and tenants struggling to afford basic living conditions.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Spain

Spanish Police Rescue Three Children from 'House of Horrors'

Three children, aged 8 (twins) and 10, were rescued by Spanish police from a home in Oviedo where they had been locked inside since 2021, according to local reports. Officers arrested a 53-year-old German man and a 48-year-old American woman, who are facing charges of domestic violence, habitual psychological abuse, and child abandonment. Both suspects are currently in pretrial detention without bail. The investigation was initiated after a neighbor reported concerns when the children failed to attend school. Reports indicated that locals had not seen anyone enter or leave the property since December 2021, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon visiting the property during recent power outages, police found the home filled with rubbish and an excessive amount of medications and masks. Oviedo Police Chief Javier Lozano described the scene as a "house of horrors," stating that the children were in “terrible shape” yet not malnourished. The children have since been taken for medical evaluation and are now in government custody at a juvenile center.
ESSpain

Widespread Power Outage Causes Chaos Across Europe

A significant power outage swept through major parts of Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, disrupting traffic and services in multiple sectors. According to Spain’s grid operator, electricity supply was lost across the entire Iberian Peninsula, with reports of outages extending into parts of France. The blackout severely affected road, rail, and air traffic, halting subway systems and disabling traffic lights in cities like Madrid and Lisbon. In Madrid, Barajas Airport experienced power failures, and train services were halted entirely, leading to crowded metro stations and chaotic street conditions. “I saw a massive bus coming, and I had to accelerate a lot to go past it,” said one driver caught in the mayhem, describing the scene as “a bit of a jungle.” Portugal’s grid operator Redes Energéticas Nacionais confirmed that the outage also hit Lisbon and surrounding areas. Emergency services in Madrid advised residents to minimize movement and avoid roads to facilitate rescue efforts. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the outage, which is expected to last for several hours, compounding frustrations for travelers and commuters alike.
ESSpain

Europe Faces Widespread Power Outage Causing Major Disruptions

A significant power outage affected large areas of Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, leading to widespread chaos across transport networks. According to Spain’s grid operator, electricity was cut off, causing the shutdown of traffic lights, subway systems, and airports, crippling major infrastructure. The outage impacted major cities, including Lisbon and Madrid, as well as northern and southern Portugal. Portugal’s grid operator, Redes Energéticas Nacionais, stated that electrical supply was lost across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France. Stranded passengers at Barajas Airport in Madrid faced significant delays, with the metro services in Valencia completely suspended and other critical services halted. Footage on social media depicted darkened metro stations and commuters navigating pitch-black tunnels. Madrid's mayor, José Luis Martinez Almeida, advised residents to minimize movement and only contact emergency services when necessary amid the escalating crisis. As restoration efforts continue, officials estimate it could take several hours before power returns to affected regions.
ESSpain
All Spain News ->