Spain's housing crisis escalates as residents grow increasingly angry

The Housing Crisis in Spain: A Growing Concern

Since 2010, housing prices across the European Union have increased by more than 50% on average, while rental costs have risen by 26%. Spain has been particularly affected, with rents climbing by as much as 80% over the past decade. This dramatic increase has led to a severe housing crisis, driven by several factors including limited housing supply, high construction costs, the rise of short-term rentals, and foreign investor speculation.

Barcelona is one of the cities most impacted by this crisis. Residents like Rosario Castelló, a long-time resident and member of the tenants’ union Sindicat de Llogateres, are facing eviction after their buildings were purchased by investment firms. Castelló has lived in her apartment for 26 years and has built a life there, including running her clothing brand Pinku No Kuma. However, her building was bought by Vandor Group, a subsidiary of British investment fund Patron Capital, which plans to convert the property into co-living spaces for foreigners.

“I’ve lived in my flat for 26 years,” explains Castelló. “It’s where I raised my children, and where I have my clothing brand. And Vandor wants to take my house away from me, along with everything I’ve achieved here.”

Castelló is now the last remaining tenant in her building, as all other units have been turned into short-term rentals. She refuses to leave, despite her lease having expired, and is currently involved in legal proceedings with the owner, continuing to pay rent. “They offered me a small fee to get me out,” she says, “but rental prices are extortionate. I have nowhere to go.”

Community Resistance and Calls for Action

Residents like Castelló are not alone. Across Barcelona, people are coming together to fight against evictions and demand government intervention. Supported by the Sindicat de Llogateres, they are pushing for stronger protections for renters and a more sustainable approach to housing.

Martina Ges Torra, another member of the tenants’ union, emphasizes the lack of support for the right to housing. “There is a total lack of protection for the right to housing,” she says. “We will collectively defend this right.”

The Spanish government has begun taking steps to address the crisis. Measures include removing 65,000 Airbnb listings, increasing taxes on property purchases by non-EU nationals, and implementing rental caps. Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, notes that these efforts have already led to an 8% drop in rental prices in the city.

Another significant move involves phasing out all Airbnb apartments in Barcelona by 2028, returning 10,000 homes to residential use. Additionally, short-term rentals in Catalonia will be subject to the same price cap, which is expected to reduce profitability for investment funds and serve as a deterrent.

A Broader European Effort

Collboni is leading the ‘Mayors for Housing Alliance,’ a coalition of 15 major European cities. Together, they have presented the EU with a European Housing Action Plan, urging Brussels to invest in affordable housing and exempt such spending from state aid rules.

“The European Commission must act,” Collboni insists. He warns that if European institutions fail to address the housing crisis, it could lead to a loss of public trust in the EU. “It’s not just a social issue. The future of the European project, and of democracy itself, are also at stake.”

As the housing crisis continues to impact millions across Europe, the need for comprehensive and effective solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The fight for affordable housing is not just about shelter—it is about preserving communities, protecting residents, and ensuring a fairer future for all.