Spain’s house prices have risen three times faster than wages since 2015
Housing prices in Spain rose 84.6% between 2015 and 2025, while average gross wages increased 27.85%, according to figures cited by Euronews. Oxfam Intermón says housing costs have pushed in-work poverty to 15.49%, with one in three workers renting at market rates left in poverty after paying rent.
Bottom line — The Bank of Spain estimates a housing shortfall of around 750,000 homes built up between 2021 and 2025.
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Euronews reports prices rose 12.2% year on year in the second quarter of 2026, against wage increases of 3–4%, citing Labour Ministry figures.
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Oxfam Intermón puts the in-work poverty rate at 34.08% for market-rate renters, compared with 10.22% for mortgage payers and 7.95% for outright owners.
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The Bank of Spain says four in ten renter households spend more than 40% of their income on rent.
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Economist Rafael Pampillón estimates a buyer needs about €60,000 for the deposit and purchase costs on an average home priced around €200,000.
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The European Commission describes Spain’s housing market as facing a severe mismatch between supply and demand, alongside a lack of affordable and social housing.
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CC.OO. and UGT have called a 24-hour general strike for 11 November under the slogan “wages, housing, prices”.
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The unions are seeking a minimum-wage increase of at least 7% in 2027, to more than €1,300 in 14 instalments.