Madrid set to unveil Spain’s first municipal wooden modular apartment block in 2026
52 affordable rental homes now completed, catering to families and residents with reduced mobility
Technology and speed
Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida proudly notes that Madrid is leading the way in industrial building methods for city housing. He says the city will continue using modular technology to quickly meet rising demand for affordable homes. More than 760 similar flats are currently in the works, with new developments coming soon to Barajas, Moncloa-Aravaca, and Villa de Vallecas.
The remaining 600 apartments will be included in the Suma Vivienda program and built in Vicálvaro, in the new neighborhoods of Los Ahijones and Los Berrocales. Private developers will also take part in the process here, which is expected to speed up project delivery. Authorities assure that construction timelines will be cut almost in half, meaning thousands of families could receive keys to their new homes within the next few years.
Ecology and Innovation
The main focus is on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The use of timber and modern modular structures helps reduce CO2 emissions and lowers heating and cooling costs. As energy prices continue to rise, this becomes a real solution for tenants. Moreover, these buildings can be more easily adapted for people with disabilities, making them truly universal.
Authorities emphasize that Madrid is not just building more, but reshaping its approach to the urban environment. The new housing is being constructed quickly and integrates seamlessly into the existing infrastructure. These are not temporary dwellings, but fully equipped apartments designed for long-term living.
Market Leadership
In recent years, the municipal company EMVS has implemented 69 projects, building nearly 9,300 apartments. By 2026, total investments in the sector will exceed 1.5 billion euros. Madrid firmly leads Spain in the number of affordable municipal rental apartments. According to the Ministry of Housing, the capital even outpaces Barcelona in the pace of new housing construction.
More than 6,000 apartments are currently under construction in various neighborhoods across the city, and this momentum is only increasing. In the first half of 2026, new lotteries are planned for those seeking municipal housing, along with the handing over of keys for four more new buildings. This will give even more Madrid residents the opportunity to access affordable rentals.
New horizons
Madrid is betting on industrialized construction—and it’s already paying off. The city is not only addressing the housing shortage, but is also setting a trend for the entire country. Similar projects are expected to appear in other regions of Spain in the coming years. For now, the capital confidently maintains its leadership, offering residents modern, eco-friendly, and affordable apartments.
