Twenty-nine-year-old José Antonio Núñez has been living in a converted van for the past eight months. The reason is simple: renting an apartment in Cádiz has become an unaffordable luxury. In recent months, rental prices in the city have risen by nearly 10%, and buying a home requires even greater investment. Tired of constant moves and unsuccessful attempts to find suitable housing, the young man decided to completely change his lifestyle.
Previously, José rented rooms in shared apartments, but the experience was disappointing. Neighbors changed frequently, conditions left much to be desired, and there was no privacy. One day, while traveling in northern Spain in a car equipped for overnight stays, he realized that living on the road could be more than just a temporary solution—it could be a real alternative to traditional housing.
Freedom and savings
Moving into a van gave José a sense of independence. He notes that he can now choose where to spend the night and is no longer at the mercy of landlords. Another key advantage is savings: maintaining the van costs significantly less than renting an apartment. This has allowed him to start putting money aside for the future.
However, this lifestyle isn’t without its downsides. Space in the van is limited, so he has to carefully consider what to bring. Hygiene issues are solved by using gyms or public showers. Weather can also be a challenge: it gets hot in the van during summer and chilly in winter.
Restrictions and regulations
Cádiz has strict rules for owners of camper vans and motorhomes. Local authorities restrict the number of places where overnight stays in a vehicle are allowed. According to the law, if a van is parked properly and doesn’t disturb others, overnighting is permitted. But if you take out a chair or set up a table, it’s considered camping—which is prohibited in most urban areas.
José admits that these restrictions create additional challenges. Sometimes he has to look for new places to spend the night to avoid breaking the rules. Nevertheless, he does not plan to return to traditional renting and hopes to continue living in his van for at least another ten years.
Plans for the future
In the long term, José dreams of saving enough money to buy a plot of land and build a modular home. He wants to be as independent as possible and not depend on the rental market. For now, he is satisfied with life on the road, despite all the difficulties and restrictions.
The young man is certain that this way of life isn’t for everyone, but for him it has been a real lifeline. He advises those considering moving into a van to carefully study local laws and be prepared for everyday challenges.
If you didn’t know, José Antonio Núñez is one of the few young residents of Cádiz who decided to take such a radical step. His story gained attention amid discussions about housing affordability in Spain. In recent years, more and more Spaniards have been considering alternative living options to avoid the high cost of rent. José himself actively shares his experience on social media, inspiring others to seek unconventional solutions.
