A Resonant Farewell Statement
A new controversy has erupted in Barcelona over the future of the real estate market. Janet Sanz, a key figure in the city administration and the right hand of former mayor Ada Colau, has suddenly found herself in the spotlight. Just before leaving municipal politics, Sanz published a scathing remark on the social network X, targeting the heads of Spain’s largest real estate companies. Her words sparked a heated reaction not only among industry representatives but also across the political spectrum.
Sanz, who for many years oversaw environmental and urban development issues, did not mince words when commenting on a report about leading housing market players. Her post—published after a national newspaper released an in-depth analysis—contained a direct insult leveled at top executives managing multimillion-euro assets. Among those mentioned were the leaders of Colonial, Merlin Properties, Hines, Metrovacesa, Neinor Homes, and Azora.
Backlash: Criticism and Confusion
Reactions to Sanz’s outburst were swift. Politicians, economists, and legal experts unanimously condemned this rhetoric. Many emphasized that these very companies have the potential to increase housing supply on the market, and that demonizing them only deepens the affordability crisis. Some pointed out that several of the mentioned firms have worked with city authorities on affordable housing projects, while others are not involved in residential real estate at all.
Particular surprise was caused by the fact that Neinor Homes, one of the companies under criticism, had previously been chosen by the Barcelona administration for a joint social housing project. This project became the first example in Spain of a public-private partnership in the field of affordable rental housing. Meanwhile, giants like Colonial and Merlin Properties specialize in office and commercial real estate rather than residential properties.
Internal contradictions and political background
The domestic political response was equally sharp. Opposition representatives accused Sanz and her party of creating an artificial conflict and trying to shift responsibility for the housing crisis onto businesses. In their view, such statements undermine trust in private investors and hinder market development. Legal and economic experts also expressed concern that this rhetoric could discourage potential investors and worsen the housing shortage.
Some experts recalled that during her years in the municipal government, Sanz pushed for controversial initiatives, such as a mandatory allocation of 30% of new developments to social housing and a ban on short-term rentals. According to critics, these measures not only failed to solve the problem but also led to a decrease in market supply. At the same time, Sanz’s supporters believe her policies aimed to protect residents’ interests and fight speculation.
Real estate market: players and trends
The companies at the center of the scandal hold leading positions in Spain’s real estate market. For example, Merlin Properties and Colonial are among the largest owners of office and commercial space, while Neinor Homes and Metrovacesa are actively developing residential projects. Azora is known as a pioneer in the rental segment, and Hines manages a diverse range of assets across the country. Despite differences in their areas of expertise, all of these companies play a key role in shaping urban environments and providing housing.
In recent years, the market has faced new challenges: rising prices, a shortage of affordable apartments, and tighter regulations. Many experts believe that addressing these problems requires dialogue between authorities and businesses, not confrontation. However, sharp statements from politicians have only increased tensions and made it harder to find common ground.
Consequences and prospects
The scandal sparked by Sans’s statement has highlighted deep divisions in approaches to the housing issue. On one hand, some in society are calling for tighter market controls and more tenant protections. On the other, businesses and some experts insist on the need to stimulate construction and attract investment. As both sides trade accusations, the market remains tense and affordable housing continues to be in short supply.
Sanz’s departure from politics could become a turning point for the city administration. Whether Barcelona’s real estate strategy will change remains to be seen. One thing is clear: without constructive dialogue among all parties involved, it will be nearly impossible to resolve the housing crisis.
A word about Janet Sanz
Janet Sanz was born in 1984 in Huesca and studied law and political science at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. She began working for the Barcelona City Council in 2011, and within a few years, she was appointed Deputy Mayor for Ecology, Urban Planning, and Infrastructure. Throughout her career, Sanz became one of the most prominent figures in city politics, actively championing reforms in urban planning and sustainable development. Her name has been linked to some of the most controversial initiatives in recent years, including the Glòries Square transformation, the creation of ‘superblocks’ in Eixample, and new regulations on rental housing. Despite criticism, Sanz enjoyed support from residents who favored curbing real estate speculation. Her exit from politics could shift the balance of power in the city administration and impact Barcelona’s future development.
