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Citizens take part in a massive protest against the soaring cost of living and housing crisis in Madrid, Spain, on May 24. / Photo via Reuters

As demand for housing surges in Spain due to a rising influx of tourists and immigrants, skyrocketing rents and property prices have driven citizens to the streets in mass protests, urging the government to implement effective countermeasures.

Deutsche Welle (DW) and other media outlets reported that thousands of demonstrators marched through the capital city of Madrid on May 24, protesting against soaring housing costs and severe property shortages.

The demonstration was organized by the Madrid Tenants' Union, with backing from Spain’s two largest trade unions. Organizers stated that over 100,000 people took part in the rally, though government authorities estimated the turnout at approximately 23,000.

"More and more people are being forced into overcrowded living conditions," Fernando Santos, a spokesperson for the Tenants' Union, told AFP. "They are being left with no choice but to share rooms or move in with other families."

Unai Sordo, Secretary General of the Workers' Commissions (CCOO), Spain’s largest trade union, noted, "While some housing policies are moving in the right direction, they are progressing at a very slow pace, whereas the housing crisis is intensifying rapidly."

A report released on May 22 by the Spanish Youth Council (CJE) revealed that as of the second half of last year, the average monthly net salary for employed citizens aged 16 to 29 stood at 1,190 euros. For those living alone, housing expenses consumed an astonishing 98.7% of their net monthly income.

According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, housing costs in Spain rose by approximately 13% last year compared to the previous year.

Citizens are demanding stricter regulations on short-term tourist rentals. Spain welcomed a record-breaking 97 million tourists last year, and critics point out that the resulting boom in holiday rentals has driven up long-term rents and property prices for local residents.

The Bank of Spain analyzed that the pace of new household formation outstripped new residential construction between 2021 and 2025, leading to a shortage of roughly 700,000 housing units.

In response, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s cabinet announced a suite of measures last month, including expanding public housing supplies, supporting young tenants and homebuyers, curbing rent increases, and tightening regulations on holiday rentals.

Furthermore, the government approved a public housing construction plan backed by an investment of 7 billion euros over the next four years, which includes dedicated financial support initiatives aimed at helping young renters and property buyers.

                                                                                                             Kim Hyun-min