Sourced fact
The News
The Spanish government has approved a package of new measures to address the housing crisis in the country, following widespread public protests. This decision came after the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her home in Madrid last week. Health Minister Mónica García announced these measures, which include a ban on evictions until 2030, extending rental contracts until 2028, and tightening regulations on short-term rentals and rooms. Although these measures take immediate effect, they require parliamentary approval within a month.
In this context, García expressed hope that these measures will help achieve a balance between citizens and real estate companies. She stated, "It is time for the state to intervene in the transformative real estate market and begin to balance citizens and investment funds." García also thanked the demonstrators for their role in achieving these measures, noting, "These measures would not have been possible without you."
On the other hand, Meriam Noguera, spokesperson for the right-wing party Unión, criticized these measures, arguing that the eviction ban should only apply to investment companies and not individual property owners. She stated to RTVE television network, "Including everyone in the same category is a mistake."
These measures come amid a severe housing crisis in Spain, where Spain's central bank estimates a shortage of approximately 700,000 housing units. Housing prices increased by 12.2% last year, while rental costs rose by 8.5% in 2025. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are experiencing a sharp rise in rental prices, increasing pressure on residents.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
From an analytical perspective, these measures reflect the political and social tensions in Spain regarding the housing crisis. The current leftist government, led by Pedro Sánchez, faces difficulties in obtaining support from right-wing parties to pass these measures. Additionally, these measures raise concerns among small property owners who fear that their rights will be restricted.
In a broader context, Spain is experiencing a severe shortage of housing units, leading to a significant increase in rental costs. According to the central bank of Spain, the country is short by about 700,000 housing units. This shortage puts pressure on residents who struggle to afford rent, increasing the need for government measures to protect tenants.
It is worth noting that this issue is not new in Spain, with protests rising over a long period due to the housing crisis. The case of MariScarman Abalascar, the woman who was evicted, has increased pressure on the government to take effective measures.
