Madrid protesters decry rising rents and housing shortage

Thousands marched through Madrid protesting soaring rents, high home prices, and a growing housing shortage. Organizers said more than 100,000 people joined, while authorities estimated about 23,000. The demonstration was organized by the Madrid Tenants’ Union and supported by Spain’s two main trade unions. Housing measures were criticized as moving too slowly as the shortage worsens, with new households outpacing new homes built and an estimated gap of about 700,000 homes. Housing costs rose nearly 13% year-on-year in 2025. The government approved a 7 billion euro plan to build public housing and provide assistance for young renters and homebuyers, while a rent-increase freeze decree failed. Protesters also demanded tougher rules on holiday rentals, which they say drive up rents and prices in city centers.

"Thousands of people marched through Spain's capital, Madrid, on Sunday, protesting soaring rents, high home prices and a growing housing shortage. Organizers said more than 100,000 people joined the march, while authorities put the figure at about 23,000. The demonstration, organized by the Madrid Tenants' Union and backed by Spain's two main trade unions, comes despite recent action by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government to tackle the housing crisis."

"Housing measures, although some are moving in the right direction, are advancing at a snail's pace, while the housing crisis is escalating rapidly. Housing shortage worsening Spain's central bank says that between 2021 and 2025, the number of new households grew faster than the number of new homes built, leading to a shortage of about 700,000 homes. More and more people are being forced into overcrowded conditions, having to live in shared rooms or even with other families."

"To help counter this, the government last month approved a new plan worth 7 billion euros ($8.23 billion) to build more public housing over the next four years. It also includes assistance for young renters and homebuyers. A separate decree to freeze rent increases did not pass the legislature. Anger over holiday rentals Another key demand from protesters is a tougher government crackdown on tourist rentals."

"Holiday homes have surged in city centers, outpacing hotel growth for years during Spain's tourism boom, but locals say the spread of holiday rentals is pushing up rents and property prices. Authorities are now tightening rules as pressure mounts to protect housing for residents."

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