THOUSANDS of people took to the streets of central Madrid on Sunday to call for affordable housing.
The march was organised by Madrid Tenants’ Union with backing from Spain’s two largest trade unions, the CCOO and UGT.
Many people have been priced out of the housing market, especially in city areas.
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The protesters chanted slogans and held banners highlighting their right to housing.
“We want neighbours, not tourists,” one banner read.
Organisers claimed that more than 100,000 people attended the demonstration, while government officials estimated the turnout at around 23,000.
Before the march began, CCOO secretary-general Unai Sordo criticised the government’s pace of reform, saying that although some measures were heading in the right direction, progress was happening ‘at a snail’s pace’ while the crisis itself was worsening rapidly.
Rental prices have gone up due to rising demand caused by increased tourism and population growth linked to migration.
Estrella Baudu, a 28-year-old teacher who was among the protesters, said she was living with her grandmother.
“The situation for many young people like me is quite complicated, and it is very difficult to find a rental home due to the prices and low salaries,” she said.
Housing costs rose nearly 13% year-on-year at the end of 2025, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat.
Last month, the government approved a €7 billlon package to build more public housing over the next four years.
It will also provide help for young renters and homebuyers, who are among the hardest hit by high rental and home costs.
“The government may say it is taking measures, but the reality for those of us who rent is that we are receiving notices from our landlords who want to evict us,” said protester Fernando de los Santos, a 36-year-old university professor.
“The only thing they offer us are abusive price increases.”
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