A fierce battle for housing rights has erupted in the heart of Madrid. Around a hundred residents living in buildings managed by a foundation linked to the archdiocese took to the streets to protest the planned sale of their homes. The protesters fear that if the deal goes through, their apartments will become just more tourist rentals, forcing them to find somewhere else to live.
The dispute concerns 13 buildings located on some of the city’s central streets, including Fuencarral, Churruca, and San Bernardo. For years, these properties served as a financial lifeline for social programs: children’s homes, schools, and shelters. Now, however, the foundation overseeing these assets has become embroiled in scandal after attempting to sell the buildings to a private company. According to the residents, the deal’s price tag is well below market value, raising suspicions of shady dealings.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the potential buyers have already been implicated in criminal cases involving fraud and corruption. Despite this, the foundation and the archdiocese insist that the sale is necessary, citing financial troubles and the need to support ongoing social projects. The residents, however, are convinced that the real goal is to evict them and clear the way for a more profitable business.
Legal battles and mounting uncertainty for families
The legality of the deal has been under court review for several years. In 2019, the property transfer process was suspended due to identified violations, but last year, the parties once again attempted to reach an agreement. Residents claim that not only were they kept in the dark about the details of the deal, but they were also not offered any alternative relocation options.
Many of those living in these buildings are elderly people who have spent their entire lives here. For them, the prospect of moving is a real source of stress. They complain about ongoing uncertainty, lack of information, and fear for the future. Some have noted that strangers have started appearing in the buildings to take measurements and conduct inspections, which only heightens residents’ anxiety.
The foundation and the archbishopric: conflicting accounts and accusations
The foundation managing the property claims it has not owned the buildings since 2019 and that the previous sale was carried out with violations. According to them, the new attempt to sell is a necessary step to avoid bankruptcy and continue supporting children from low-income families. However, residents believe that the foundation and the archbishopric are acting in the interest of business rather than the community.
At the same time, despite claims about a social mission, the foundation last year withdrew from the lawsuit against the purchasing company, raising even more questions among residents. They fear their homes will ultimately be handed over for commercial use and their rights left unprotected.
The Future in Question
While the legal battles continue, residents are still fighting for their homes. They demand transparency, justice, and the preservation of social housing in the city center. For many, these are not just apartments but part of their lives and Madrid’s history. How this story will end remains unknown, but one thing is clear: the conflict between business interests and people’s rights in the Spanish capital is only intensifying.
