Demonstrators have once again taken to the streets in protest of high housing costs, with no relief in sight. This issue has been particularly severe in Spain, where rampant tourism has exacerbated the already dire situation. Despite being one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, Spain faces a severe housing shortage, with a strong tradition of home ownership and limited public housing for rent.

The center-left government has struggled to keep housing affordable for average citizens while also attracting tourists. The surge in short-term rentals has become a major factor in the crisis, according to activists who recently rallied in Madrid with keychains as a form of protest. Rent has doubled and house prices have increased by 44% over the past decade, far surpassing salary growth.

Spain lacks the public housing available in other European countries, such as France, the UK, and the Netherlands. The below-average investment in public housing has left renters vulnerable to being priced out of the market. Homeowner associations and experts attest to the current regulatory system discouraging long-term rentals, favoring renting out to tourists or foreigners instead.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/5/demonstrators-rally-across-spain-to-protest-against-housing-crisis?traffic_source=rss