Mass protests across Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Málaga and Cádiz have forced the Spanish government to act on a housing crisis that has left millions vulnerable. In a rare display of policy responsiveness, ministers announced a temporary ban on evictions that will remain in force until 2030, alongside a suite of reforms aimed at curbing speculative rent hikes.
What the new measures entail
The cabinet approved two decrees that take immediate effect, though they still require parliamentary approval within a month. Key provisions include:
- Eviction ban: A prohibition on evictions that will stay in place until 2030, providing a decade of security for tenants.
- Contract rollover: Rental contracts can be extended automatically until 2028, protecting renters from sudden rent spikes.
- Short‑term rental regulation: Stricter rules on holiday and room rentals to keep more housing available for long‑term residents.
- Investment‑firm restriction: A ban on the purchase of residential property by investment funds, often labeled “vulture funds”.
Political backdrop
The measures were pushed forward after the forcible removal of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid flat, an incident that ignited public outrage and a wave of demonstrations. Health Minister Mónica García framed the reforms as a balance between ordinary citizens and speculative investors, while opposition voices warned that small‑scale landlords could be unfairly penalised.
Pedro Sánchez’s left‑leaning coalition, lacking a parliamentary majority, must now negotiate with centre‑right parties such as Junts to secure the necessary votes. The opposition’s criticism that the ban lumps together private owners with large investment funds underscores the delicate political calculus ahead.
Why the housing crisis matters
Spain faces a severe shortage of homes, with the Bank of Spain estimating a gap of 700,000 units between demand and new construction. House prices have risen by 12.2 % over the past year, and rents have climbed 8.5 % in 2025, with Madrid alone seeing a 9.7 % increase. These figures illustrate the pressure on tenants, especially seniors and low‑income families, who often see rent outpace pension incomes.
Potential impact and next steps
If approved, the eviction ban could set a precedent for other European nations grappling with similar affordability challenges. However, the longevity of the measures depends on parliamentary approval and the ability of the government to navigate opposition concerns about landlord rights.
Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez highlighted the symbolic importance of Maricarmen Abascal’s case, urging lawmakers to view the reforms as a response to “her suffering”. Tenant groups, such as the Madrid Tenants’ Union, remain vigilant, demanding close scrutiny of the decree’s fine print and promising further protests if the package falls short of their expectations.
Looking ahead
Spain’s housing debate is now at a crossroads. The temporary eviction ban offers immediate relief, but its effectiveness will hinge on enforcement and complementary policies that address the underlying shortage of supply. As the government seeks a parliamentary vote, the nation watches to see whether the momentum generated by the protests can translate into lasting change for millions of renters.