The housing issue in Spain remains one of the most pressing social problems of 2025. High property purchase and rental prices make housing unaffordable for many citizens. Economic journalist José María Camarero analyzed the key market factors during a broadcast on laSexta Xplica and highlighted the growing conflict between traditional and tourist rentals.
According to the expert, the main driving force in the market is property owners’ pursuit of maximum and rapid profit. He illustrated this with a clear comparison: to earn the same income, a landlord needs to rent out a property for a whole year on a long-term basis, while in the tourist sector it takes just 200 days. This difference in profitability pushes many to leave the permanent housing segment in favor of short-term tourist rentals.
Camarero also addressed attempts at government regulation. He noted that any restrictions imposed on owners only force them to look for new, alternative ways to make a profit. If the government limits one type of activity, property owners quickly find another, since their main goal—return on investment—remains unchanged.
The expert believes that the government should acknowledge the complexity and long-term nature of the issue. According to him, it is impossible to solve the housing crisis within a single legislative term. Nevertheless, he viewed some initiatives positively, such as increasing the stock of social housing, calling them a step in the right direction for the long term.
In his speech, Camarero addressed entrepreneurs and property owners directly. He urged them to openly admit that their main objective is to achieve higher profits in less time. In his view, there is nothing shameful about such an admission, but it is essential as a starting point for finding real and structural solutions to the country’s affordable housing problem.
