In Spain, despite modern technologies and widespread access to various heating systems, a significant part of the country’s housing stock still lacks any form of heating. According to recent data collected in November 2025, one in four homes or apartments in the country is not equipped with any device to keep warm during the colder months. This statistic is striking, considering the climate differences between regions and the growing expectations for housing comfort.
The Canary Islands and the southern provinces stand out in particular, where the lack of heating has become the norm rather than the exception. Meanwhile, the northern regions of Spain reveal the opposite trend: nearly all homes are equipped with heating systems due to harsher winters and longstanding traditions of energy efficiency.
Map of the cold
A look at the map makes it clear that climate plays a decisive role in heating. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas provincial areas of the Canary Islands, the overwhelming majority of homes lack any heating: 89% and 86% respectively. A similar situation is seen in Andalucía and Murcia, although not as extreme: in Cádiz and Huelva, half of residential properties have no heating, and in Murcia and Almería, the figure reaches 50%.
In the central and northern regions of Spain, the situation is different. In Soria, Salamanca, and Navarra, only 4% of homes are not equipped with heating. In Segovia, Valladolid, and La Rioja, this figure is slightly higher—5%. Here, cold winters set their own rules, and the absence of heating is seen as a rarity.
Urban contrasts
In provincial capitals, these differences are even more pronounced. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 88% of apartments and houses lack heating, while in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the figure is 86%. In the cities of Cádiz and Huelva, more than half of all homes remain without heating. The autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla also lag behind: 64% and 41%, respectively.
In Barcelona, despite its metropolitan status, 17% of homes are not equipped with heating systems. In Madrid, this number is much lower—just 5%. The highest rates of heating coverage are found in Pamplona, Soria, and Salamanca, where only 2% of homes and apartments remain unheated in winter. In Oviedo and Ciudad Real, this figure is 3%, while in Logroño, Burgos, Segovia, Ávila, and Valladolid, it is 4%.
Causes and consequences
Experts note that the absence of heating in southern and island regions is due to the mild climate and historic building practices. In these areas, winter temperatures rarely drop to critical levels, so many property owners do not consider it necessary to install heating systems. However, in recent years, with climate change and an increase in cold days, this situation is gradually changing.
In contrast, heating has long become an integral part of daily life in the northern regions. Here, even in older homes, modern systems are often installed to ensure comfort throughout the winter. In cities with advanced infrastructure and high living standards, residents are increasingly choosing energy-efficient solutions, which also affects the statistics.
Research methodology
The analysis relied on data provided by homeowners and landlords in Spain. The information was collected throughout November 2025 and covers both properties for sale and rent. The study took into account not only official sources but also additional databases, which allowed for a comprehensive picture across the country.
Experts note that such research helps identify regional characteristics of the real estate market and forecast demand for certain services. In the coming years, interest in installing heating systems is expected to grow even in traditionally warm regions, due to climate change and evolving comfort standards.
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