A new national survey reveals that Spaniards see the housing crisis as their number one problem, with most blaming a shortage of new home building and the impact of tourist rentals.
Widespread concern, especially among the young
According to the first edition of the Observatorio Social de la Vivienda (Prensa Ibérica–Santander), concern about housing scores 8.6 out of 10 nationwide. The anxiety is even higher in the Balearics (9.7) and Canary Islands (9.5), areas under intense tourist pressure. Young people and lower-income groups are hit hardest: nearly half of Spaniards aged 18–24 still live with their parents, and only 17% in this age group own a home, compared to a national average of 73%.
The main culprits: not enough building and too many holiday lets
When asked about causes, 58% of respondents blamed the shortage of new housing, while 55% pointed to the impact of short-term tourist rentals reducing supply. High property taxes (42%), rising construction costs (33%), and slow bureaucracy (29%) were also cited. The prominence of tourist rentals as a perceived problem is particularly strong in the Balearics (82%), while in Catalonia opinion is split between rentals (65%) and lack of construction (58%).
Barriers to buying
For many Spaniards, the obstacle is not finding a mortgage but saving for the deposit. More than a third (36%) of those without a home said they cannot afford the upfront payment, while another 22% said they couldn’t buy even with favourable loan terms. Yet around one in five (19%) admitted they could buy but choose not to, often for lifestyle reasons.
What solutions do people want?
Looking ahead, Spaniards appear clear on priorities. The most popular measure, backed by 59% of respondents, is to make it easier to build more homes. This is followed by faster eviction procedures for squatted properties (45%), rent caps in high-pressure areas (39%), subsidies for renovating old housing (38%), and public guarantees for first-time buyers (36%).
When asked how to speed up construction, three out of four (74%) favoured more social housing (VPO). Other suggestions included cutting red tape (44%), freeing up urban land (43%), and converting other buildings like offices into homes (38%).
A call for a national pact
Above all, nine in ten Spaniards would like to see a national pact on housing to bridge political divides and deliver solutions. The survey highlights how deeply the crisis affects ordinary citizens, with younger and poorer households carrying the heaviest burden.
