Tens of thousands of people marched in cities across Spain today, April 5, to protest against rising housing costs. Demonstrations were held in nearly 40 cities, including Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, and Madrid, where the biggest crowd gathered. The protests were led by tenants’ unions, calling for lower house prices, fairer rent, and long-term rental contracts to give people more security.

Spain’s housing crisis has worsened in recent years, with rising rents and home prices rising faster than wages. Many young people and families are struggling to find affordable places to live. Protesters argue that the high cost of housing is eating into their incomes and preventing them from building stable lives.

Madrid Sees Massive Turnout as Anger Grows

In Madrid, organizers estimated the crowd at between 100,000 and 150,000 people, while official figures from the government counted about 15,000 participants. Protesters filled the streets, chanting against the growing ‘business of housing’ and calling for immediate reforms.

Many demonstrators criticised the national Housing Law, claiming it does not go far enough to protect renters. Slogans like ‘housing is a right, not a business’ echoed through the city. Protesters sent a clear message that, regardless of who governs, the right to affordable housing must be respected.

MILES de personas sacuden sus llaves al aire en la #manifestación por el derecho a una #vivienda en #València. "No es una festa, és una protesta", corean en la Plz de América. Gente diversa, de todas las edades y de muchos barrios diversos, exigiendo el derecho humano a un techo. pic.twitter.com/TzmXCL2M0k

— Pilar Almenar (@Pilar_Almenar) April 5, 2025

Strong Turnout Across Nearly 40 Cities in Spain

The protests drew large crowds in cities across the country. In Barcelona, around 15,000 people gathered to demand lower housing costs. Valencia and Sevilla also saw thousands take to the streets, while cities like Zaragoza, Bilbao, and Málaga reported significant participation. In Murcia, demonstrators highlighted the particular challenges of housing shortages in the region, adding their voices to the nationwide call for change. Overall, organisers estimate that hundreds of thousands of people joined the demonstrations in almost 40 cities, making this one of Spain’s largest coordinated housing protests. The strong turnout reflects growing public frustration with the housing market and increasing support for urgent reforms to protect both renters and homebuyers.

‼️🏠 Hoy, en Sevilla, hemos salido a las calles en dos manifestaciones: por la defensa de nuestra Sanidad Pública y por el derecho a una vivienda digna, pública y social. pic.twitter.com/3nXGADdRtU

— PCA Sevilla (@PCA_sevilla) April 5, 2025

Tenant Leaders Call for Stronger Protections and Rent Strikes

The Madrid Tenants’ Union, demanded an end to landlord impunity and stronger protections for tenants. They declared that tenants are pushing for long-term rental contracts to prevent displacement from their neighborhoods every few years.

They also encouraged the continuation of the rent strike, a movement that started in autumn and has, according to activists, already reduced some rents by up to 30%.

Spain’s Growing Housing Crisis Sparks Public Outcry

The protests reflect a rising frustration among citizens who feel abandoned by public authorities. Many accuse the government of favoring property investors over ordinary people. Rapid real estate speculation has pushed up prices, especially in major cities and tourist hotspots, making home ownership and even renting unaffordable for many.

Protesters are calling for stronger rent control laws, an end to evictions, and public investment in affordable housing. Tenants’ unions argue that without urgent action, Spain risks deepening social inequalities and pushing more people into housing insecurity.

A Call for Fair and Affordable Housing Policies in Spain

These nationwide demonstrations show that housing is no longer a local issue but a national crisis. Protesters hope that continued public pressure will force policymakers to introduce meaningful changes. With growing support, the movement for affordable housing in Spain is gaining strength, pushing for a future where everyone can afford a safe and stable home.