Thousands of people rallied in central Madrid on Sunday against spiraling housing costs that have priced many people out of the housing market despite a recent economic boom, particularly in cities such as the capital and Barcelona. Protesters chanted slogans and held banners highlighting their right to housing, the AP reports. The country has a strong tradition of homeownership and scant public housing for rent, while rents have been driven up by increased demand, including due to tourism and population growth linked to immigration, analysts say. "We want neighbors, not tourists," one banner read.
Spain's housing crisis is one of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's main political vulnerabilities ahead of elections in 2027. On Saturday, tens of thousands of people protested in Madrid against Sanchez, as political tensions and criticism rose over corruption allegations and dissatisfaction with the government. Last month, the government approved a sweeping plan worth more than $8 billion to build more public housing over the next four years and provide help for young renters and homebuyers, who are among the people hit hardest by high rental and home costs. Housing costs rose nearly 13% year-on-year at the end of 2025, according to European Union statistics agency Eurostat.
"The government may say it is taking measures, but the reality for those of us who rent is that we are receiving notices from our landlords who want to evict us," said protester Fernando de los Santos, a 36-year-old university professor. "The only thing they offer us are abusive price increases." Estrella Baudu, a 28-year-old teacher, said she was living with her grandmother. "The situation for many young people like me is quite complicated, and it is very difficult to find a rental home due to the prices and low salaries," she said. The Bank of Spain estimates the European nation of 50 million is short 700,000 homes, comparing demand to the pace of new construction.
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