Living

Real estate prices in Spain are rising relentlessly, while the incomes and savings of many households cannot keep pace. This means that the dream of owning a home is increasingly becoming an unattainable illusion for broad segments of the population, especially for young people, families, and even the middle class.

Spain is gearing up for a new era of short-term rentals: As of July 1, 2025, the European regulations governing tourist and seasonal rentals will come into force, fundamentally reshaping the market. The aim is to stabilize the housing market, curb fraud, and create greater transparency. This is a crucial measure to facilitate access to decent housing for all citizens.

Barcelona's population has increased for the third consecutive year, reaching 1,732,066 people, marking its highest level in four decades. This represents a 1.7% growth compared to the previous year, a development that, according to the Barcelona City Council's municipal data office, solidifies trends that have accelerated in recent years.

A recent study by Idealista shows that the number of listings for vacation accommodations is now more than double that for long-term leases.

The 12-month Euribor, the Euro Interbank Offered Rate, continues its downward trend in May 2025 and is expected to close at 2.08%. This figure, approaching the psychologically important 2% mark, signifies the fourteenth consecutive monthly decline and promises substantial relief for millions of mortgage holders in Spain and beyond.

The Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) has introduced a bill in Parliament that has the potential to fundamentally change the real estate market for non-EU citizens, particularly Britons. The proposal envisages an additional 100 percent tax on the purchase price of properties for individuals from outside the European Union.

Rental prices in Spain have shown an alarming trend since 2021: they have increased almost four times faster than wages. While average salaries grew by 7.4% from 2021 to 2024, rental prices skyrocketed by a staggering 29.4% over the same period. This worrying discrepancy, highlighted in a recent study by the Fotocasa Real Estate Index and the InfoJobs platform, is increasingly burdening households in Spain.

Spain, a country that attracts many with its sunny climate, relaxed lifestyle, and seemingly strong affection for animals. However, for all those who wish to share the dream of living on the Iberian Peninsula with their beloved four-legged companions, an unexpected hurdle quickly emerges: The search for a rental apartment with a dog or cat often turns into a veritable gauntlet.

Spain has exerted remarkable appeal to international investors in recent years, particularly through the so-called "Golden Visa" program. This mechanism, which allowed non-residents to obtain a residence and work permit in exchange for purchasing a property worth at least €500,000, has especially attracted Chinese citizens.

Spain's unemployment benefit – the "pago único" – is a little-known gem for anyone who dreams of starting their own business.