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Spanish election: How bad is the housing crisis?

POLITICO.eu • November 11, 2026 • world

Key Points:

Spain is holding its first general strike in 14 years amid widespread anger over the unaffordable housing crisis, just weeks before a snap election called by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The crisis intensified after the eviction of an elderly woman in Madrid sparked nationwide protests, leading Sánchez to propose a housing bill that was rejected by parliament, prompting the election call.
Between 2015 and 2025, Spanish house prices rose by 80%, doubling by mid-2026, while wages increased only 30%, making housing increasingly unaffordable, especially for young people who often remain living with their parents.
The housing shortage is driven by factors including speculative investment post-2008 financial crisis, population growth in cities, limited social housing, and a significant portion of rental properties used for tourism.
Although Spain's housing affordability issues are severe, similar or worse rent and price increases are occurring across Europe, making housing a key political issue in upcoming elections throughout the continent.

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