The housing crisis in Europe is aggravated in Spain: “It is a multifaceted problem”

The accommodations have become one of the main ones Social and economic problems in Europewith a particularly remarkable impact on countries such as Space and cities like Madrid and Barcelona. According to the latest Eurostat data, the cost of homes in European Union (EU) represents an unsustainable burden for many families.

In the big cities of the blockade, 10.6% of allocate families More than 40% of your income to pay the rentwhile in rural areas the figure drops to 7%. In GreeceFor example, over 31% of urban families exceed this threshold. It is the country with a worst situation. In this context, the escalation of prices, the lack of offer and the boom of tourist rentals They are complicating access to dignified homes, especially for young people.

Increase in prices: a European phenomenon with a great impact on Spain

Between 2015 and 2023, The prices of homes in the EU increased by 48% on averagewith significant variations between countries. Hungary leads the ranking With an increase of 173%, while Finland has just recorded 5%.

In SpaceThe increase was remarkable. Second Quique Villalobosspokesman for urban planning and homes of the Federation of Madrid neighborhood associations“In just one year the price of the house was 20% for the purchase and 15.4% for rent”. This phenomenon is allowed above all in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, where The demographic pressure and tourism aggravate the situation.

In MadridThe District Center “saw an increase in the 21% rent in a year, with prices that rarely descend from 2,000 euros per month. In the municipalities of the metropolitan crown, three bedrooms in bed are required Rentals from 1,200 to 1,500 euros“Adds Villalobos.

In BarcelonaThe panorama is similar, with the boom in tourist floors as a key factor. Second Eurostat, rentals in the EU Increased by 18% between 2010 and 2022Partially guided by the growth of short -term lease contracts, which reduce the offer available for residents.

The most affected are young people

Access to homes is a particularly difficult obstacle for young Europeans, who They leave the paternal house at 26.3 years on average. In Spain, this age rises to 30 years of age, the second highest of the EU, only behind Croatia (31.8).

“Housing explains 70% of inequality in this country,” he says Victor CaminoPSOE deputy in the congress. “Thousands of young people pay up to 70% of their salary for rent or in a purchase, which is a labyrinth.” In Madrid, the The youth emancipation rate is the lowest recordedWith less than 15% who manages to become independent, according to Villalobos.

Paula de las HerasDeputy of the PP in the Madrid assembly and in the spokesperson for housing construction, recognizes the difficulty: “young people have gone through strong moments of the Spanish economy for ten years”.

“They have a small savings capacity, The salaries are not loading“To access a house, an initial mattress between 20,000 and 40,000 euros is required, something unattainable for many.

Political responses: between regulation and offer

The EU has adopted measures to face this crisis. In 2021, the European Parliament approved a resolution that recognizes adequate accommodation such as a Right human fundamental.

In July 2024, Ursula von der leyenPresident of European CommissionHe announced that housing construction will be a priority, with the creation of a specific commissioner for this area. In December 2024 a special committee was established to propose solutions within a year.

In Spain, political positions diverge

The central government, led by PSOE, is engaged in Housing lawwhich includes measures such as Top to rent in tension areas. “In Catalonia, rentals from 3%to 5%have decreased,” says Camino, who criticizes community such as Madrid for not having applied it: “Here the prices increased by 14%”.

For its part, De Las Heras defends the strategy of the Madrid community: “We do not apply the tension areas. In Barcelona there has been a minimum reduction of rents, but now they are at the historic tops.” Madrid manager leads the Regional pact for housing constructionWith initiatives such as the live plan, which has already provided 3,300 houses, and the program of accommodation for MI, which offers guarantees to young people.

From civil society, Villalobos says to Park for public housing construction which reaches 9% of the total, compared to the current 1% in Madrid. “We have to invest between 2% and 3% of GDP,” he also claims to support Empty homes taxes and prohibit evications No housing alternative. “The housing solution is a multifaceted problem,” he underlines, insisting on the need to combine European regulation, construction and financing.

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A shared challenge

The housing crisis transcends the boundaries. In capital such as Stable (Estonia) e Budapest (Hungary), the prices also triggered, reflecting a Structural problem in the EU.

While European and national institutions seek answers, millions of citizens, in particular young people, face a uncertain future under the weight of a real estate market on the run. In the words of the way “we cannot afford a society divided between rich Multipropier and poor tenants”. The solution, all coincide, requires a political will and coordinated action.