Access to housing in Spain: main barriers

Abstract

In the 21st century, access to housing is one of the greatest challenges facing society. Considering housing as a fundamental human right, this article focuses on identifying and analysing the main barriers affecting or impeding access to housing for a large part of the Spanish population. It employs key affordability indices and mortgage effort ratios to assess the extent of the crisis, and situates the Spanish case within the European context. The research seeks to answer the question: What are the main barriers that hinder access to affordable housing in Spain, and what strategies could help to overcome them? The analysis reveals a severe supply-demand imbalance, weak public housing policies, rising costs, and limited alternatives to home ownership. Lastly, this article proposes evidence-based strategies, including the reinforcement of public-private partnerships, the optimization of unused public land and existing housing stock, and the permanent protection of social housing. These measures are aimed at increasing affordable housing supply and ensuring housing as a guaranteed right for all.