Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Madrid and cities across Spain to demand affordable housing and an end to speculation in the rental market. The protest, which saw up to 150,000 people join, comes as housing costs have soared beyond reach for most Spaniards.
The situation has become dire, with 1.4m households spending over 30% of their income on housing, and 200,000 families facing similar struggles since 2017. The cost of renting has increased by up to 40% in some areas, including the Balearic Islands, where a small apartment’s average rent now stands at €1,400 (£1,190) per month.
The young have been disproportionately affected, with 85% of those under 30 still living with their parents due to unaffordable housing. Protesters are demanding lower rents, indefinite leases, and an end to property speculation.
Experts say the problem is deep-seated, with the rich getting richer as they buy up properties, driving up prices and increasing inequality. Jaime Palomera of the Barcelona Urban Research Institute calls for taxing those who own multiple properties, citing Singapore’s model of offering support to first-time buyers while imposing taxes on subsequent homes.
As protests continue across Spain, residents are calling for change to address the root causes of the housing crisis and create a more affordable society.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/05/spain-protest-march-housing-crisis