According to the European Commission (EC), homelessness in Europe has increased significantly over the past 10 years. DW likened the housing crisis in Europe's leading economy to the point that finding affordable housing is like "winning the lottery". However, in Spain, the severity of the problem is obscured by the trend of young people living with their parents for longer.
Just over 60% of 18-34 year olds in Spain live in their own homes. The proportion of young Spaniards living with their parents grew the fastest among major European economies between 2008 and 2022. Spain's social housing stock accounts for just 1.5% of total housing stock, compared with a European average of 9%, the report added.
The housing crisis is having a profound impact on the lives of Europeans, especially in urban areas.
Low-income earners, especially young people and families with many children, face difficulties in accessing housing due to high house prices and limited social housing supply.
According to official statistics, the number of homeless people in Spain has increased by 24% since 2012, to 28,000. According to a report by the Bank of Spain, about 45% of people living in rented accommodation are at risk of falling into poverty or being left behind, the highest rate in Europe. The tourism boom has left many Spaniards homeless, as landlords reclaim their homes to renovate for short-term rentals. Along with that, the cost of living crisis has also contributed to making the dream of owning a home increasingly distant for some people.
In Barcelona, which is facing overtourism, the price of rents as well as consumer goods and necessities has increased. Due to the large number of tourists, in the past 10 years, rents in Barcelona have increased by 68% and home prices have increased by 38%.
Locals are struggling to find affordable accommodation around tourist hotspots, and unmanageable costs are making it difficult for even landlords. Rents in Barcelona are more expensive than ever, according to El Pais. In the third quarter of last year, an apartment in the city cost an average of 1,171 euros a month.
The cost of living crisis has also contributed to making the dream of owning a home increasingly distant for a segment of the population.
Thousands of people recently protested in the center of Barcelona against the influx of tourists. In order to solve the situation in the short term, many charities in Spain have tried to work with real estate companies to support those in need of renting houses at prices about 30% lower than the market price. But this is not a long-term solution.
The Spanish government’s current plan for social housing is to add 184,000 units over the next three years. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in May that he wanted the social housing stock to be on par with the European average by the end of his term in 2027. But the Bank of Spain estimates that another 1.5 million homes are needed to reach that target.
According to official figures, the rate of housing construction in Spain at 90,000 units a year is lagging behind growth demand and is far below the 650,000 units built in 2008. Analysis by Eurostat, the European Union's statistics agency, previously found that 44.8% of Spanish renters were at risk of falling into poverty because property prices were higher than incomes.
Tackling the housing crisis is an urgent task for the Spanish government. Increasing investment in social housing and finding practical solutions to increase the share of social housing are key to ensuring that everyone has access to safe and suitable housing.
