Overview

• National rental prices have surged 48.3% since the pandemic and Barcelona's average rent now stands at €23.9 per square meter, a 10.6% annual increase.
• House purchase prices have climbed sharply, with Barcelona averaging €4,895 per square meter, making an 80 sqm flat cost about €391,600 plus an 80% mortgage down payment of €78,320.
• Spain's median net monthly salary for young people is €1,048, forcing many under-30s to allocate over 40% of their income to housing, share flats (87%), or rely on family financial aid (30%).
• In Madrid, Entrevías is the cheapest area to buy property at €2,222 per square meter, despite an 11.8% year-on-year rise and only a 0.1% monthly dip.
• Experts warn that chronic supply shortages and regulatory challenges are deepening the affordability crisis nationwide, with Valencia joining Barcelona and Madrid in posting record-high rents.