Spain Is Facing a Housing Crisis: What It Means for Property Buyers
Property prices in Spain continue to rise, but not because of an investment boom. The country is approaching a housing crisis where the real issue is not falling prices, but the inability of ordinary citizens to enter the market.
Experts warn that the gap between household incomes and housing costs is widening. More and more families can no longer afford to buy or even rent a home. This is especially true in major cities and tourist areas such as Barcelona and the Costa Brava.
For a deeper look at the current market situation, read our article “Spanish Real Estate Market 2025: You’re Either in the Game or Out.”
Not a Bubble, but a New Type of Crisis
This is not a classic economic bubble. Housing prices are not falling — on the contrary, they continue to rise.
The real crisis lies elsewhere:
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People simply cannot afford mortgages.
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Rental prices are becoming unaffordable.
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The market is increasingly inaccessible to young families and the middle class.
Sergio Gutiérrez, a Spanish real estate expert, notes:
“The market is holding up, but more and more Spaniards are being pushed out. They can neither buy nor rent a home at an affordable price.”
Spain Is Short More Than 1,000,000 Homes
One of the main drivers of the current crisis is a structural housing shortage. According to analysts, Spain lacks more than one million homes to meet current demand.
Key reasons include:
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Slow building permit approval processes.
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A lack of new development projects.
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The absence of effective government programs for affordable housing.
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Bureaucratic obstacles in urban planning.
This creates significant pressure on the market and fuels price growth — especially in highly desirable regions such as the Costa Brava, where demand from foreign buyers remains strong.
What Will Happen to Housing Prices in 2026?
The outlook is concerning. If current trends continue, 2026 could set new records for property prices in Spain.
Those most affected will be:
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Young families.
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Middle-income households.
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Buyers looking for a home to live in, rather than for investment purposes.
Prices may rise not only in Madrid and Barcelona, but also in regions popular with foreign buyers, including the Costa Brava coastline.
Why This Matters for International Buyers
If you are planning to buy property in Spain — especially in high-demand areas — it is crucial to understand the current market realities.
For buyers from the United States and other countries, this means:
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Prices are likely to keep rising.
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Quality properties sell very quickly.
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In some regions, there is a noticeable shortage of good listings.
That is why planning your purchase in advance is essential — and working with an agency that truly understands the market can make all the difference.
How VivendaNova Helps Its Clients
At VivendaNova, we support clients from the United States, Ukraine, and other countries at every stage of the purchasing process.
Here’s how we make the process safe and efficient:
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We select only current, high-quality, and liquid properties.
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We provide full legal support throughout the transaction.
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We offer financial guidance, including fund transfers and mortgage options in Spain.
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We minimize risks by navigating all the hidden pitfalls of the Spanish real estate market.
Conclusion: Now Is the Time to Act
The Spanish real estate market is changing. While some wait for prices to fall, others are already securing high-quality properties.
If you are considering investing in property on the Costa Brava or planning a move to Spain, now is the right time to start the process.
Read a real-life home purchase story on the Costa Brava in “Moving from California to the Costa Brava: Our Family’s Journey of Buying Property in Spain.”
Get in touch with us and we’ll help you take the right step toward a new life in Spain.