Barcelona is facing one of its worst housing crises in decades. Rising rents, a lack of affordable housing, and property speculation are driving residents out of their own neighbourhoods.
In response, the City Council has announced an ambitious plan: the construction of more than 4,600 social housing flats between 2025 and 2027: a firm commitment to expanding the social housing stock and stabilising the property market.
Why is it urgent to take action against the housing crisis in Barcelona?
Skyrocketing prices and a shortage of supply
Over the last 10 years, the average price of housing in Barcelona has risen by 60%, from around €212,000 in 2014 to over €336,000 in 2024. This rise has far outpaced wage growth, making access to housing increasingly difficult.
Furthermore, Spain faces a structural housing shortage of between 450,000 and 600,000 homes, which is reflected in cities such as Barcelona, where supply fails to meet the growing demand.
Impact on families and young people
The groups most affected are young people and families with low to middle incomes. In many cases, rent accounts for over 50% of household income. According to recent data, young people in Barcelona have to spend up to 85% of their wages on rent, which prevents them from leaving home or accessing a mortgage.
The municipal plan: 4,600 social housing flats under construction
Project timeline and phases
The plan envisages the promotion of 4,645 social housing units in various phases between 2025 and 2027.
The developments will be spread across strategic districts such as Nou Barris, Sant Martí, and Sants-Montjuïc, areas where the pressure on the housing market is most acutely felt. The aim is to gradually increase the public housing stock, which currently accounts for just 1.5% of all properties in the city.
Objectives and challenges
- Increasing the supply of affordable housing in the mid- to long-term.
- Relieving pressure on the private market, by curbing uncontrolled price rises.
- Strengthening the right to housing, in line with Northern European models.
- Preventing gentrification of historic neighbourhoods.
Other complementary initiatives to tackle the crisis
Ban on tourist flats
The City Council has also announced its intention to eliminate all tourist flats in the city by 2028. It is estimated that this measure will free up 25,000 properties currently used for holiday rentals, converting them into permanent homes for residents.
International alliances
Barcelona is part of the ‘Mayors of Housing’ network of European cities, alongside Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam. This alliance is calling on the European Union for greater involvement and funding for social and urban housing policies.
Citizen mobilisation
Social pressure has also been key: on April 5th, 2025, a major national demonstration for the right to housing was organised, centred in Barcelona: citizens demanding immediate and structural solutions to the crisis.
Benefits of this investment for the property market
The creation of new public housing will have a positive impact on both citizens and the market:
- Greater stability: less price volatility and greater predictability.
- Reduced competition for access to housing.
- Boost to private investment in sustainable and mixed-use developments.
- Long-term model: transition towards a more balanced and fair system.
Furthermore, initiatives such as the refurbishment of vacant properties are already yielding positive results in other European cities and are beginning to gain momentum in Barcelona.
How does this measure affect you as a buyer or tenant?
If you are thinking of buying a property in Barcelona, this investment could help you indirectly by curbing price rises and increasing supply. More public support is also expected, particularly for young people and families, which could facilitate access to credit or subsidised rent.
Consulta nuestra guía práctica sobre cómo comprar vivienda en Barcelona paso a paso o infórmate sobre las ayudas disponibles para jóvenes y familias.
The housing crisis in Barcelona is a structural challenge that demands firm responses. The council’s investment in 4,600 new social housing units is a decisive step, but not enough on its own. Complementing this measure with urban regeneration, price controls, and public participation is key to restoring housing balance and guaranteeing the right to decent housing.
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