The Madrid regional government has put the Chamberí penthouse up for sale at €6.69 million. The move follows weeks of controversy over its purchase. Funds from the sale will support wildfire recovery efforts.
The Community of Madrid has launched the sale of the Chamberí penthouse for €6.69 million, just days after the property became the focus of intense public scrutiny. The regional government, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, published the contract for the sale of the 485-square-meter apartment and, almost simultaneously, announced the start of renovation works at the presidential headquarters in Puerta del Sol. This rapid sequence of decisions marks a clear attempt to close the chapter on a controversy that has dominated Madrid’s political agenda during the quieter summer period.
The penthouse, located on the ninth floor of Paseo del General Martínez Campos 35 and featuring nearly 200 square meters of terrace, was purchased by the public company Planifica Madrid on April 14. The acquisition went unnoticed at the time, with no public announcement, no entry in the regional bulletin, and no official documentation explaining the need for such a property. The issue only came to light ten days ago, when the purchase was revealed by EL PAÍS, prompting a wave of urgent explanations and actions from the regional administration.
Initially, officials justified the purchase by citing the need for an alternative space during planned renovations at the Real Casa de Correos. However, details of these renovations had not been made public, nor had any contracts been tendered. In her first press conference after the news broke, Ayuso clarified that the penthouse was not intended as her residence and that she would not have an official home. She also distanced herself from the decision, stating that Planifica Madrid acted independently and that further explanations would come from Miguel Ángel García Martín, the regional spokesperson and Presidency Minister.
Just 33 hours after the controversy erupted, the regional government announced the sale of the penthouse, along with four other properties on Gran Vía that had already been on the market for a year. The expected proceeds—around €20 million—are earmarked for aid to areas of the Sierra Oeste devastated by recent wildfires. According to sources close to the president, the decision to sell was also influenced by the realization that the penthouse could not be used as an office as initially planned.
Within a week of the announcement, the property was officially listed for sale at €6.69 million, €400,000 more than its purchase price. The sale is being handled by a high-end real estate agency from La Moraleja, which received a €189,000 commission. The four Gran Vía properties are also up for sale, with a combined minimum price of €11.8 million. Both sales will be conducted through a public bidding process open until September 7.
Three hours before the penthouse sale was published, the government also awarded the contract for the design and drafting of the Real Casa de Correos renovation project. The contract, worth nearly €60,000 and awarded without a public tender, went to the studio of Alejandra Pombo, cousin of influencer María Pombo. The works will affect the ground floor courtyards and the north wing of the second floor, where Ayuso’s office is located. The project is expected to last 19 months, with 12 months dedicated to construction, meaning the need for a temporary office will extend into early 2028.
While the government’s swift actions aim to put the penthouse controversy behind them, questions remain about where the regional president will work during the lengthy renovations. The episode highlights the challenges of public property management and transparency in regional administrations. For context, high-profile events and public figures often draw intense scrutiny in Spain, as seen in other recent stories such as the upcoming streamer showdown at La Velada del Año, which continues to attract widespread attention across the country’s media landscape (see more on the event here).
Spain’s regional governments frequently face criticism over property acquisitions and the use of public funds. The Chamberí penthouse case underscores the importance of transparency and clear communication in public administration. As the bidding process unfolds, the outcome will be closely watched by both political observers and Madrid residents, especially given the significant sums involved and the promise to direct proceeds toward wildfire recovery efforts. The situation also raises broader questions about the management of official spaces and the procedures for major government purchases in Spain.
