Shift in Housing Patterns Among Seniors
Catalonia is seeing a noticeable change in housing preferences among people over 65. While two decades ago most retirees owned their homes, by 2024 the share renting on the open market has reached 5.2%. For comparison, in 2004 this figure was just 3.2%. Although absolute numbers remain low, the growth rate is impressive: over the past twenty years, the number of elderly renters has risen by more than 60%.
Why More Seniors Are Choosing to Rent
Experts attribute this trend to the fact that newer generations approaching retirement are less likely to own property. In addition, greater population mobility and high housing prices in big cities like Barcelona are forcing many to opt for renting. In the next 15 years, specialists predict that the number of retirees living in rented accommodation will continue to grow, possibly surpassing 12% by 2040.
Features of the Rental Market in Catalonia
In the region, especially in Barcelona, rental prices often exceed the average pension. This forces elderly people to look for alternatives, such as sharing an apartment with others or turning to social programs. Meanwhile, rental housing supply in Catalonia is limited, due to the popularity of tourist rentals and the introduction of price caps. As a result, competition for affordable apartments is growing, while the number of rental contracts is decreasing.
Owners’ attitudes toward elderly tenants
Although elderly tenants are considered reliable due to their stable income, some property owners are reluctant to rent to pensioners. Their concerns stem from low pensions and the tenants’ age. At the same time, with high demand for rental housing, older people often find themselves at a disadvantage compared to other applicants. However, experts point out that the risk of payment issues with pensioners is minimal, since their income is guaranteed by the state.
Legal aspects and prospects
Legally, refusing to rent solely based on age is prohibited. However, in practice, landlords may use various formal reasons to deny applicants. If a pension is not enough to cover the cost of rent, this can become an obstacle to securing a lease. In the coming years, the rental market is expected to remain difficult for seniors, especially in regions with high housing costs.
