Property portal Idealista reports that landlords have become more discriminatory with tenants because of the drastic shrinking of Spain’s rental housing.
The latest data indicates that demand has surged by 319% since before the pandemic, and it has led to property owners conducting ‘rental castings’.
Idealista spokesperson Francisco Iñareta warned that these processes have become the number one concern among families who need housing, often surpassing high prices.
“The increase in competition is the most serious problem facing families who need housing,” Iñareta explained.
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The profiles chosen by the media are becoming more elitist as fewer properties hit the market.
He explained that landlords focus on income levels, stability of finances over time, and the ability recover the property if payment is not made.
The increase follows the surge in interest in listings, from an average 7 by late 2019 to 30 at the end 2024.
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Alicante has experienced a 339 percent increase in demand, while Malaga saw a 437% rise. In both cities, dozens of people are competing to buy each property.
Palma de Mallorca (another tourist hotspot) has also seen one of the largest increases in rents, at 495%. There are now 48 families competing to get each rental listing.
Barcelona, which is always expensive and in high demand but has seen a 478% increase in competition. 54 tenants are now contacting the landlords of each property.
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Sevilla, the gateway to Costa de la Luz has seen a 411 % increase in the rental demand. Tarragona, on the Costa Dorada, saw a staggering 774% rise.
Cadiz has seen the highest increase of all provinces capitals, 176%. Eight families now compete for every available rental.
Experts in the housing industry are calling for a shift in policy to increase housing supply, rather than continue with measures that target landowners.
“It’s essential that policies be reoriented to generate incentives for a rapid and immediate increase in the supply of available housing,” Iñareta urged.
The rental market in the United States will continue to deteriorate at an alarming pace if this 180-degree change doesn’t take place immediately.