As Spain grapples with an ongoing housing crisis, two residents, Daniel Torrejón and Romana Flores, share their personal experiences and struggles with affordability and secure housing. The challenges they face illustrate a broader socio-economic issue that raises the question of whether housing remains a fundamental right or has become just another commodity.
On March 24, 2025, Daniel Torrejón, a resident of a modest 24 m² apartment in a suburb of Barcelona, opened up about the dramatic changes in the rental landscape. Paying 658 euros each month, he pointed out that the influx of illegal tourist rentals has exacerbated existing problems in the housing market. "Barcelona is the epicenter of all possible problems. We have a huge number of illegal tourist rentals that the mayor has decided to ban completely now," he said during a segment on laSexta Xplica. Torrejón expressed his support for this crackdown, which he believes is a necessary step to manage the market better.
However, he also criticized Spain's housing laws, indicating that the recent legislation has created significant issues. He commented, "In Barcelona, it has created a hole. It’s true that rental prices have dropped, but many owners have shifted their properties to seasonal rentals because the law was poorly designed." Reflecting on his own journey, he noted that when he first rented his apartment six years ago, verification requirements were far less stringent than today. "When I signed my contract, they only asked for three payslips, and I could afford it. Now, to rent a place for 600 euros, you have to prove at least an income of 2,100 euros," he elaborated.
Despite his improved economic situation, Torrejón emphasized that the current requirements would make it impossible for him to secure a new rental in the city. His account underscores the significant financial pressure many renters face today.
In Madrid, Romana Flores, who shares an apartment with two friends, is similarly struggling to find affordable housing. Participating in the same laSexta Xplica discussion, she lamented her inability to purchase a home in the current market. Flores highlighted the frustration surrounding the government's young rental assistance program, known as the 'bono joven', which is designed to help renters under 35 years. The program offers up to 250 euros a month toward rent, but the property must cost no more than 900 euros.
Flores expressed her disappointment with the program's limitations, saying, "I look on Idealista, and out of 3,000 available homes in Madrid, only 72 meet that price requirement. And out of those 72, I have to filter which are tourist rentals and which have a minimum level of habitability." The filtering process adds additional stress to an already challenging situation.
Financially, Flores finds herself in a tight spot, earning 765 euros with 425 euros going solely toward rent. She pointedly remarked, "55% of my salary goes only toward housing, not counting other expenses. I have to do magic with my money to make ends meet." Her story echoes a sentiment shared by many young adults in Europe's major cities who feel trapped in an unsupportable situation.
In a related debate on the show, property investor Pau Antón shared his perspective on the housing crisis. He argued that finding a home is not purely a market issue; it also hinges on individual choices. "In the same situation, some of us act one way and others do another," he insisted. He suggested that with the right mindset, anyone can succeed in Spain's housing market. This position did not sit well with others in the discussion.
Paco Gaspar, another young participant, shared his contrasting view, recounting how he had to go into debt just to afford the down payment on his own house. Gaspar reflected, "If I had been born 50 years ago, I would have had three houses, because back then, buying property was more accessible." His struggle is compounded by family responsibilities and a desire for a stable living environment. "I just want a normal house, to live peacefully and enjoy my family," he stated, poignantly revealing how deep the issue runs for many.
As the discourse intensified, Gaspar criticized Antón's perspective. "You talk about effort, and I’m fine with that. But what we’re experiencing is not just effort; it’s an overwhelming obligation. We feel forced into these situations," he said. His remarks encapsulate the emotional toll of the housing crisis, where many young adults find themselves grappling not just with the difficulty of affording homes but also with a societal structure that seems stacked against them.
The narratives of Torrejón, Flores, and Gaspar represent just a fraction of the widespread discontent regarding housing rights in Spain. As scrutiny mounts over the housing policy failures, there are growing calls for reform. Residents, advocates, and policymakers alike are left to ponder the fundamental question: Has housing shifted from being a basic necessity to a challenging commodity? With mounting economic pressure gripping cities like Barcelona and Madrid, it is becoming increasingly essential to address these systemic issues to reassure citizens that housing can again be within reach.
