Housing prices

Spain’s Congress of Deputies has rejected two emergency housing decrees proposed by the government, bringing an end to measures that included a 2% cap on rent rises, VAT on tourist rentals and new protections for tenants.The vote took place today, 2 October 2026, after the two decrees were published

Europe's housing affordability crisis is widespread, though its impact varies significantly by location. A study by Vienna University of Technology, published in the Journal of Maps, examined how much housing people can afford when allocating 33% of their income to mortgage or rent. The findings reveal that 44% of Europeans live in towns or cities where they can only afford homes smaller than 50 m2, based on local incomes and property prices. When looking at rental housing, the figure falls slightly to 39%, highlighting persistent affordability challenges across the continent.

Spain’s property market often brings to mind rising prices in Madrid, Barcelona or along the Costa del Sol.

Can you negotiate house prices in Spain in 2026? The answer is yes — and more buyers are doing it than ever.

Last July 2025, we published this article: Property prices in Spain reached all-time highs. Can they continue to rise?We got a lot of flak because in it we claimed we were in a new property bubble.

More homeowners in Spain are trimming their asking prices in 2026, offering would‑be residents, first-time buyers and second‑home hunters a bit more room to negotiate. New data from property portal idealista shows that sellers in key cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante, and Valencia are

If you’re buying property in Spain from abroad, it’s easy to fixate on the asking price, notary fees and taxes.

Madrid is known for its wide range of properties, which includes some expensive neighbourhoods that stand out for their elegance and sophistication. These areas, known for their opulent homes and high-quality services, typically boast prime locations and exclusive amenities.

Just a decade ago, Nou Llevant was a collection of empty plots and industrial buildings.

Across Europe, finding a decent home at a price you can afford has become harder every year.

The gap between Spain’s capital city and the rest of the country has widened considerably. Madrid isn’t just expensive now, it’s eye-watering.

Many still assume Spain is broadly affordable, yet there are several surprisingly expensive cities in Spain where prices rival those in the capital.

The gap between Spain’s biggest cities and their surrounding towns has become impossible to ignore.

Strong demand for housing and limited supply are pushing prices up in Spain. According to the Tecnocasa Group Chair – UPF Market Analysis, resale prices rose 15.3% year-on-year in the second half of 2025, reaching €3,338/m² at year-end – comparable to early 2006, at the height of the housing bubble.

House price growth across 55 global markets accelerated in Q3 2025, reports Knight Frank, with average prices rising 2.4% annually. Turkey, North Macedonia and Portugal led gains, while Finland and China posted the steepest declines amid easing monetary policy globally.

Essential costs in Spain are tightening their grip on household finances.

Housing prices in Spain’s urban areas are now 99% higher than in rural locations, according to idealista. The widest gap is in Madrid, where city prices exceed rural ones by 131%. Urban homes also cost at least double those in the countryside across five other provinces: Álava, Salamanca, Cáceres, Valladolid and Palencia.

Finding the most affordable town in Valencia in which to buy a home has become a priority for many people seeking to escape the high prices of the capital without sacrificing quality of life.

As Spain enters 2026, the country’s high-end property market remains firmly led by the Balearic Islands.

Madrid’s luxury residential market has entered a new phase of maturity and structural strain. In just a decade, access to the prime segment has fallen to historic lows.

Valencia’s new-build housing market is under intense pressure due to scarce land, rising construction costs and strong demand. As a result, average home prices have surged over 60% since 2022, with the price per square metre rising around 75%, according to a study by Foro Consultores Inmobiliarios.

idealista spokesperson Francisco Iñareta analyses the housing market situation and his forecasts for 2026. The housing situation in Spain at the end of 2025 is clear: a national emergency. The lack of supply has become endemic, but the focus remains on attacking prices from highly ideology-based positions.

Spain is home to some of the best natural wonders in Spain, offering both visitors and residents a surprisingly varied mix of landscapes.

BBVA Research predicts further price increases in housing. According to its latest real estate report, the residential market is expected to experience a slowdown in sales, an increase in new builds, and further price increases in the coming months.

Legal uncertainty from the Housing Act and the failed Land Act has defined Isabel Rodríguez’s tenure, as she pushes for more public housing and defends rent intervention.