Spain’s housing crisis has reached a critical juncture as short-term rental platforms and investor activity continue to fuel rising property prices, making homeownership increasingly unaffordable for the local population. Locals are expressing frustration and anger, attributing the crisis to both the influx of tourists seeking short-term stays and the surge in speculative investment in real estate.
Residents in cities such as Barcelona and Madrid are particularly affected, with many struggling to secure affordable housing as properties are increasingly converted into vacation rentals. The situation has led to widespread calls for regulatory intervention to curb the impact of short-term rentals and protect the rights of long-term residents. Some experts suggest that stricter regulations on rental markets and measures to limit foreign investment could help alleviate the crisis.