Spain is experiencing a significant increase in evictions due to non-payment of rent. In the first quarter of 2025, these rose by 3.7% and now account for 77% of all eviction cases. Although the total number of evictions remains low compared to the 2008 crisis and the pre-pandemic situation, the trend highlights the growing challenge that rising housing prices pose for many households.
Rent Arrears as the Primary Cause of Evictions
According to the latest data released on Monday by the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), a total of 7,334 evictions were carried out in Spain between January and March 2025. Of these, 5,644 – an overwhelming majority of 77% – were due to non-payment of rent. This represents an increase of around 200 cases compared to the same period last year and marks the first increase after two consecutive quarters of decline.
While this rise is notable, the current figure remains the third best for a first quarter since the CGPJ began collecting statistics. It is far below the over 10,000 cases recorded during the peak of the crisis in early 2013 or even in 2019. However, the proportion of rent-related evictions out of the total is the highest in the historical series, reflecting the shift in the housing market where rentals are gaining importance as a housing option.
Decline in Mortgage-Related Evictions
In contrast, evictions due to mortgage defaults continued their downward trend in the first quarter of 2025. With 1,189 cases, a new historical low for a first quarter was reached, a decrease of 17.9% compared to the previous year. This development underscores the effectiveness of the moratoriums and protective measures for financially vulnerable mortgage holders that have been in place since 2013.
Continued Protection and Regional Differences
The Spanish government has continued to implement measures to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, including the suspension of evictions for vulnerable families without alternative housing solutions. These protective shields, supplemented by the mortgage moratorium, have prevented approximately 30,000 evictions of vulnerable households, according to estimates by the Platform for People Affected by Mortgages (PAH).
Regionally, most evictions are concentrated in Catalonia (2,069), followed by Andalusia (1,125) and the Valencian Community (794). The Community of Madrid also recorded a high number with 702 cases. However, in proportion to the population, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands stand out with over 20 evictions per 100,000 inhabitants.
The Rising Cost of Living
The increase in rent-related evictions comes at a time of sharply rising housing costs. According to Idealista, average rental prices in Spain have increased by 9.9% in the last year alone, while house purchase prices have risen by 12.8%. An 80-square-meter apartment costs on average around 1,100 euros in rent per month or about 200,000 euros to buy, with prices significantly higher in metropolitan areas such as Barcelona and Madrid. This development contributes to the housing problem being the top concern for Spaniards for months, according to CIS barometers.
