Overview of the Report
The article, published by elDiario.es, reports on a series of housing protests across Andalusian cities, particularly focusing on the large demonstration in Málaga. It highlights the escalating housing crisis in southern Spain, linking soaring rents, tourist‑driven housing conversion and stagnant wages to social tension. The piece is part of a broader editorial effort tracking civic activism and housing policy in the region.
Scale of the Crisis
Between 2015 and 2024, Andalusian rents rose by an average of 23.03 %, with Málaga experiencing a 32.7 % increase, outpacing the regional average. Nationally, the average rent price reached €2,315 per square metre in the first quarter of 2026, a 13.9 % rise year‑on‑year. In Málaga the price hit €2,988 /m², a 14.2 % increase from the previous year. A citizen now spends up to 48 % of their salary on housing, underscoring severe affordability issues.
Mobilisation in the Streets
More than 4,500 people gathered in Málaga on a sunny morning, marching under the slogan “por la vivienda, contra la precariedad y la destrucción del territorio”. Similar protests occurred in Cádiz, Córdoba and other cities, with local tenant unions and student platforms joining forces. In Cádiz, approximately 500 demonstrators marched from Plaza de San Antonio to Plaza de San Juan de Dios, demanding protection against speculative rent hikes.
Drivers of Housing Pressure
The article identifies touristification as a key factor: Andalusia’s stock of tourist‑rental apartments grew by 8.8 % in 2025, representing 2.06 % of total housing, while Málaga alone accounts for 50.3 % of the region’s tourist rentals (48,412 units). Simultaneously, the construction of social housing (VPO) covered only 6.5 % of new builds over a decade, leaving supply insufficient to meet demand.
Regional Price Comparisons
Rent price growth in 2026 varied across provinces: Huelva (+11.1 %, €1,480/m²), Sevilla (+12.8 %, €1,839/m²), Cádiz (+13.4 %, €1,988/m²), Málaga (+14.2 %, €2,988/m²), Córdoba (+10.7 %, €1,285/m²), Jaén (+8.8 %, €868/m²), Granada (+14.9 %, €1,635/m²), Almería (+11.2 %, €1,454/m²). These figures illustrate the uneven impact of the crisis within Andalusia.
Vacancy and Empty Housing Stock
The report notes 152,774 vacant dwellings across the region, with 16,638 located in Málaga alone. Despite this vacancy, the city recorded the highest proportion of tourist rentals, suggesting a misallocation of housing resources away from long‑term residents.
Voices of Activists
María Sánchez, spokesperson for the Sindicato de Inquilinas in Cádiz, warned that the city is not a “paradise of speculation”. In Málaga, Lula Mir of the Vivir platform described the crisis as “a limit that destroys territory and ecological footprints”. Alberto Martín, another activist, called for a general housing strike, highlighting the perceived failure of political parties to address the issue.
Implications for Sustainable Housing
The data underscore the environmental and social costs of unchecked touristification and rent inflation. High vacancy rates alongside unaffordable rents point to inefficient land use, increased commuting distances and greater pressure on urban infrastructure. Sustainable housing solutions would require expanding affordable long‑term rental stock, curbing the conversion of residential units into short‑term tourist accommodations, and implementing rent‑control measures aligned with wage growth.