The housing crisis in Europe is intensifying: one country is suffering particularly.

The housing crisis in Europe is deepening, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona, where prices for buying and renting homes are rising. This information is provided by Euronews, citing Eurostat.

The delay in affordable housing has become one of the major issues in Europe, especially in countries like Spain and cities like Madrid and Barcelona. According to the latest Eurostat data, the cost of housing in the EU has become too heavy a burden for many families.

A large number of households in major cities spend more than 40% of their income on rent, while in rural areas this figure is only 7%. In Greece, over 31% of urban households exceed this level, making the country one of the most problematic. Rising prices, insufficient supply, and an increase in the number of tourists renting homes complicate access to decent housing, especially for young people.

The average housing prices in the EU have risen by 48% from 2015 to 2023, but different countries show significant discrepancies. Hungary has marked the largest increase at 173%, while Finland only has 5%.

In Spain, the price increase is most noticeable. According to a representative of urban planning and housing from the Madrid Federation of Neighborhood Associations, housing prices have risen by 20% in purchasing and 15.4% in renting over one year. This particularly affects large cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, where demographic pressure and tourism worsen the situation.

The situation in Barcelona is similar, especially due to the increase in short-term rentals for tourists. According to Eurostat, rental prices in the EU have risen by 18% from 2010 to 2022, which is a partial reason for the decreased supply for residents.

Youth Struggles

Obtaining housing is particularly difficult for young Europeans, who, on average, leave their family homes at the age of 26.3 years. In Spain, this age rises to 30 years, which is the second-highest figure in the EU after Croatia (31.8 years).

According to deputy Víctor Camino from the PSOE party, housing accounts for 70% of inequality in Spain. Thousands of young people are forced to pay up to 70% of their income for renting or purchasing housing. To be able to buy a home, one needs a down payment ranging from 20 to 40 thousand euros, which is unattainable for many.

Actions by the EU and Authorities

The European Union is taking steps to address this crisis. In 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing that affordable housing is one of the fundamental human rights.

In July 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the housing issue would be prioritized, and a housing commissioner position was created. In December 2024, a special committee was established to propose solutions within a year.

The Madrid government is actively implementing the Regional Housing Pact, including initiatives such as the Vive plan, which has already contributed to the construction of 3,300 homes, as well as the 'My First Home' program, which provides guarantees to young people. Authorities are also calling for an increase in the share of public housing from 1% to 9% in Madrid.

It is worth noting that Spain, which faces an aging population problem, is actively attracting skilled workers from abroad. Over the next three years, the plan is to employ one million foreign workers, including Ukrainians.