Squatting and rising household costs top housing concerns for Spaniards

Concerns about increasing rents and housing laws are rising

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13 February 2025, 9:00

Illegal occupation and rising household expenses remain the top housing concerns for Spaniards, according to the annual barometer by the Mutua Propietarios Group. The survey also highlights growing unease over increasing rental prices and changes to housing laws.

Laura López, the group’s Deputy General Manager for Strategy, Clients and Alternative Channels, emphasised that in such a "dynamic" context, the difficulty tenants face in securing affordable rentals, along with the risks of illegal occupation for property owners, are key challenges. Addressing these issues, she noted, is essential to restoring confidence and bringing stability to an increasingly strained sector.

Although household expenses remain a top concern, they have dropped to second place in the ranking – a decline that may be driven by stabilising energy prices and the efficiency measures adopted in homes. However, this trend could soon reverse due to the recent VAT increase on electricity bills, López warned.

Meanwhile, property prices continue to hold third place, while concerns over housing laws have risen, now ranking as the fifth most pressing issue for Spaniards.

The barometer also reveals that maintenance and sustainability in housing are of lesser importance to Spaniards compared to other concerns.

The Mutua Propietarios Group's analysis suggests that the average income of Spanish households will remain unchanged from the previous year, standing at €2,621 per month.

However, the report highlights that 41.6% of this income is allocated to the so-called "household bill", which covers mortgage or rent payments, energy costs and essential groceries.

For households with incomes of up to €1,000, this percentage exceeds 90%. It also accounts for 58% of the income of those renting and 54.5% for individuals living alone.

In this context, three in 10 Spaniards report struggling to cover housing costs. Young people aged 18 to 34 face the greatest challenges, with 7% stating they find it "very difficult" and around 33% "quite difficult".

In contrast, those over 65 are in a more favourable position, with 24% stating they have "no difficulties", likely due to lower housing-related expenses, such as mortgage payments.

When considering income levels, households earning less than €1,000 per month are the most affected, with 18% finding it "very difficult" and 39% "quite difficult" to meet housing costs.