Spain Imposes Anti-Eviction Ban and Housing Reforms Following Widespread Protests

Spain's coalition government has approved a series of emergency housing measures, including a temporary ban on evictions until 2030, following nationwide demonstrations triggered by the forced eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid. The new policies, introduced through two cabinet decrees, aim to address soaring housing costs and tighten restrictions on corporate property investments.

The legislative action comes after intense protests erupted across several major cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, and Cadiz. Demonstrators have been demanding stronger protections for tenants amidst escalating rental prices and a severe housing shortage. Health Minister Mónica García stated that the measures would bring relief to over five million residents by intervening in the speculative market and restricting investment firms from purchasing residential properties.

Key Provisions and Political Opposition

In addition to the eviction freeze, the government's decrees automatically extend existing rental contracts until 2028, place stricter limits on short-term and room rentals, and prohibit corporate investment funds from acquiring homes. Minister of Social Rights Pablo Bustinduy described the package as an initial step toward broader social and economic transformation.

Although the decrees take effect immediately, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's minority government must secure approval from Congress within 30 days. The administration faces potential hurdles from right-leaning parties whose support is necessary for ratification. Míriam Nogueras, spokeswoman for the centre-right Catalan nationalist party Junts, criticized the measures for failing to distinguish between large investment funds and small property owners who have invested their personal savings into housing.

Catalyst and Housing Market Pressures

Public outrage intensified last week following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was removed from her Madrid apartment on a stretcher after an investment firm raised her rent beyond her monthly pension income. Ahead of Tuesday's cabinet announcement, Abascal's legal representative indicated a tentative agreement had been reached allowing her to return to the property, though the contract remains unsigned while she recovers. Elsewhere, an eviction involving a mother and her child in Zaragoza was temporarily suspended on Tuesday.

Spain continues to grapple with severe housing imbalances. Figures from the Bank of Spain indicate a structural shortage of 700,000 homes relative to current demand. Data from the national statistics institute INE showed residential property prices rose by 12.2% in the second quarter of 2026, while real estate platform Idealista reported an 8.5% national increase in rental costs in 2025, with Barcelona and Madrid recording the highest rates per square metre.