Protesters have taken to the streets across Spain after the government’s housing bill was rejected in Parliament on Friday, demanding stronger tenant protections and a halt to investment funds buying residential property.
Around fifty planned marches are taking place in Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona and other cities, with some already underway. In Valencia a demonstration began on Saturday after the Valencia Tenants’ Union began camping in city squares.
The grumbling crowds were sparked by the eviction of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal, who could no longer afford a steep rent increase. Her eviction triggered nationwide protests demanding lower rents, an end to evictions and a ban on so‑called “vulture funds.”
Madrid’s petition is the biggest: the city’s main square, Puerta del Sol, has been hosting an encampment for days. "We’re not here for pleasure or comfort. We’re here out of conviction," said protester David to Spanish broadcaster RTVE.
The ruling coalition presented two decrees last Friday. The first was to suspend evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extend leases expiring before 2028 by two years, increase taxes on tourist apartments and restrict the purchase of residential property by investment funds. The second decree would automatically renew rental contracts.
Parliament rejected the first decree 178–172 and the second 184–166. The conservative People's Party and far‑right Vox had opposed both, and the pro‑independence Catalan party JxCat voted against both as well, leaving the minority government politically exposed.
The Bank of Spain estimates that the country is short of 700,000 homes, while house prices rose 12.2% over the past year and rents in Madrid increased 9.7% in 2025. Spain’s most expensive rental markets are Barcelona and Madrid, at €23.80 and €22.70 per square metre, respectively.
With the legislature in turmoil and an early general election on the cards, the Spanish people are holding out hope for decisive housing reforms that could put end to the crisis and protect everyday citizens from being displaced.
