Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Barcelona on Saturday, demanding immediate measures to address soaring rents in Spain’s second-largest city. Organised by the Catalan Tenants Union and backed by left-wing parties and unions, the protest highlighted the mounting housing crisis that has overtaken traditional political issues in Catalonia.
The rally featured banners declaring “Lower the Rents,” reflecting a growing frustration among residents. Protesters called for rent reductions, indefinite leases, and a ban on speculative property sales. Organisers also proposed a bold measure—a rent strike—if landlords fail to address tenant demands.
Housing Concerns Eclipse Political Issues
The scale of the protest recalled the mass demonstrations of Catalonia’s independence movement in the last decade. However, housing has now eclipsed political causes as a primary concern, with rental prices in cities like Barcelona and Madrid reaching unprecedented levels.
According to real estate platform Idealista, average rents in Spain have nearly doubled in a decade, rising from €7.20 per square metre in 2014 to €13 this year. This surge is particularly severe in major urban centres, leaving many unable to afford housing despite steady employment. Meanwhile, wages have only grown by 17% in the same period, exacerbating the gap between income and living costs.
Tenants Speak Out
For tenants like Samuel Saintot, the situation is untenable. After 15 years of renting in central Barcelona, he was recently informed that he must vacate his apartment, likely to make way for renovations and a subsequent price hike.
“Even looking in a 20- or 30-kilometre radius outside town, I can’t find anything within the price range I can afford,” Saintot said. “And I consider myself fortunate because I earn a decent salary. Even so, I may be forced to leave the city.”
Such stories are increasingly common. A report by the Bank of Spain revealed that nearly 40% of renters spend over 40% of their income on housing and utilities, significantly above the EU average of 27%.
Underlying Causes of the Crisis
Several factors contribute to Spain’s rental crisis. The country has one of the lowest levels of public rental housing in the OECD, with just 2% of housing stock available for social rent, compared to the OECD average of 7%. In contrast, countries like France, the UK, and the Netherlands boast figures of 14%, 16%, and 34% respectively.
Tourism is another driver of rising rents, particularly in Barcelona, a global tourist hotspot. The city attracts millions of visitors annually, many of whom stay in short-term rental apartments. These tourist accommodations have reduced the availability of long-term rental properties, driving up prices for residents.
In response, Barcelona’s city council has pledged to eliminate the city’s 10,000 short-term rental apartments by 2028. However, many residents argue that such measures come too late to reverse the damage.
Political Response and Criticism
Spain’s housing crisis has placed considerable pressure on the national coalition government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Recent legislation includes rent caps for “highly stressed” areas and incentives for regional governments to enforce price controls. Catalonia was the first region to adopt these caps, applying them to parts of downtown Barcelona.
Despite these efforts, critics argue the measures have been insufficient. The Catalan Tenants Union boycotted a government-led housing summit last month, accusing officials of prioritising the interests of developers over tenants. “It’s like calling a summit to cure cancer and inviting tobacco companies to participate,” said Carme Arcarazo, the union’s spokesperson.
Arcarazo emphasised that tenants must take direct action to force change. “We can’t keep asking and waiting for the authorities to act,” she said. “If landlords won’t lower rents, we will force them through a rent strike.”
Implications
The Barcelona protest follows a similar rally in Madrid last month, where tens of thousands marched against rising rents. Together, these events signal a nationwide movement pushing for greater tenant protections and affordable housing solutions.
Spain’s housing crisis reflects a broader trend in Europe, where cities like Berlin and Paris face similar pressures. However, Spain’s unique challenges, including a lack of public housing and a reliance on tourism, have intensified the situation. Migrants and young people are particularly vulnerable, often unable to save enough to secure stable housing.
For many in Barcelona, the urgency of the crisis demands immediate action. “We are talking about a housing emergency,” said Ignasi Martí, head of Esade Business School’s Dignified Housing Observatory. “People are struggling to access and remain in their homes.”
As protesters dispersed on Saturday, the message was clear: without substantial reform, the housing crisis will only deepen. Whether through policy changes, grassroots activism, or tenant-led rent strikes, the fight for affordable housing in Barcelona—and across Spain—continues to gain momentum.
Image source: catalannews.com /Jordi Borràs
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