In Spain’s capital, Madrid, social inequality is particularly visible today—it’s literally built into the city’s architecture. Tiny apartments are appearing on the ground floors of buildings, where shops or cafes once operated. Now, these spaces are home to those who can’t afford more: little natural light, street noise, cramped conditions. Where people once sold fruit or poured beer, residents now share areas barely big enough for a bed and a table.
Meanwhile, life on the upper floors—especially in penthouses—looks completely different. It’s spacious, quiet, with panoramic views and plenty of privacy. Owners of such apartments enjoy luxury and seclusion, and the price per square meter here can be 30–50% higher than that of standard flats. While ground-floor housing is noticeably cheaper, the difference is felt not only in price, but in quality of life as well.
The city grows upward as inequality spreads outward
Madrid has always been a city where buildings are stacked on top of each other rather than spread out. Even with open land available, development continues to climb higher. In recent years, demand for housing has soared, leaving almost no vacant apartments. New residents search for any available space, and developers are turning even basements, attics, and former storage rooms into livable homes. The result is apartments without windows, with low ceilings, and minimal comfort.
At the same time, stylish terraces, pools, and lounge areas are appearing on rooftops. Where there were once only utility rooms, these spaces have become venues for parties and relaxation. Even ordinary apartment buildings now feature shared rooftop areas where neighbors get together to socialize over cocktails. Residents of upper floors decorate their balconies with exotic plants, creating urban oases above the city.
Life between the street noise and the sky
For many, moving to Madrid is a search for a better life, but the reality is often harsh. Newcomers face a housing shortage and are forced to accept any conditions they can find. As a result, the city is becoming ever more crowded, and the gap between those who live above and those below only grows. Nowadays, you’re more likely to find living rooms behind curtained windows and blaring televisions on the ground floor than shops.
Meanwhile, tourists and affluent locals opt for life above the city. Penthouses and terraces have become symbols of success and status. Here, you can escape the city bustle, enjoy peace and panoramic views. Ordinary residents can only dream as they walk past luxurious balconies, imagining what it’s like to look at Madrid from above.
