Sharp rise in rental prices for students
At the start of the 2025-2026 academic year, Catalonia is seeing a significant increase in student accommodation rental prices. According to recent studies, the average price for a room in Barcelona has jumped from €383 in 2022 to €648 this season. Similar trends are seen in other university cities across the region: Girona averages €400, Tarragona €370, and Lleida €320 per month. This surge has sparked concern among students and their families, as rising living costs make access to education increasingly difficult.
Rental problems and new ways to bypass restrictions
In recent years, property owners have increasingly turned to short-term contracts and room rentals to get around existing caps on maximum rent prices. As a result, students are forced to move frequently, face instability, and risk eviction during the summer when tourist demand peaks. Such practices fuel social tension and widen inequalities among young people seeking higher education in Catalonia’s major cities.
Demands to the government and possible changes
Against the backdrop of the current situation, representatives of the Esquerra Republicana party have called for urgent government intervention. They insist on regulating room rental prices and short-term contracts to prevent further deterioration of conditions for students. Among the proposed measures are stricter enforcement of rental laws and additional steps to eliminate social discrimination in university admissions. The initiators believe that the state must guarantee equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their families’ financial circumstances.
Impact of the Situation on Educational Prospects
Experts point out that the ongoing rise in housing prices could reduce the number of students from less privileged backgrounds enrolling in Catalan universities. As a result, social inequality deepens, and access to education becomes a privilege for those who can afford high rent. Regional authorities are considering various solutions, including expanding public housing and supporting students in need of accommodation. Discussion of new measures is expected to continue in the coming months.
