Punjab Newsline | Madrid
Thousands of people took to the streets in Madrid on Sunday to protest against soaring housing costs, as rising rents and property prices continue to make home ownership unaffordable for many citizens across Spain.
The demonstration was held in the city center, where protesters marched with banners and raised slogans demanding affordable housing and stronger government action. One of the banners read, “We want neighbors, not tourists,” highlighting growing anger over the impact of tourism on local housing availability.
Spain’s worsening housing crisis is emerging as a major political challenge for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ahead of the 2027 elections. While Spain has traditionally had a strong culture of home ownership, the country has limited public rental housing, making it difficult for low and middle-income families to find affordable homes.
Housing demand has surged in recent years due to tourism growth and increasing population pressures, pushing rents and property prices sharply higher. The situation is especially severe in major cities and coastal regions, where speculation and rising demand have further inflated prices.
Many protesters said buying a home in Spain has become nearly impossible for ordinary citizens, particularly young people and working families struggling with the rising cost of living.
