The housing affordability issue in Spain remains one of the most pressing, especially for young people, for whom buying or even renting an apartment at a reasonable price is becoming nearly impossible. This issue has firmly taken center stage in political and social debates, with active discussions about the causes and possible solutions to the crisis affecting millions of people.
As part of one such discussion, economist and financial consultant Daniel Vila presented his analysis of the situation. He believes that the main problem does not lie in the legality of tourist apartments as such, but in their large-scale and often destructive impact on the residential housing market intended for permanent residents.
According to the expert, public debates often veer off course, focusing on the profitability of rental businesses for tourists. Vila insists that attention needs to shift to how this sector affects people’s right to have a home and make life plans. It is precisely this pressure from the tourist market that prevents a significant part of the population from accessing decent housing.
The consultant noted that the essence of the housing crisis has long been clear, yet the measures taken are either insufficient or not implemented with the necessary determination. He used a metaphor, comparing the real estate market to a fire that has already caused casualties. According to him, the country is currently “applying tourniquets and creating firebreaks,” but all these actions fail to address the root causes of the problem. This highlights the urgent need for both immediate action and the development of a long-term strategy.
The deterioration of the situation is clearly illustrated by statistics. Vila recalled that three decades ago, it took about four and a half years of average annual salary to buy an apartment. Now, the same purchase requires seven full annual salaries. This figure clearly shows how much less affordable housing has become, impacting younger generations most severely.
Daniel Vila also advocated for more active government regulation. He expressed puzzlement at those who oppose market intervention but at the same time support instruments like the ‘Golden Visa.’ In his view, such programs only worsen the crisis by encouraging speculative real estate purchases and further limiting access to housing for Spaniards themselves.
