Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Casa Orsola apartment building in Barcelona on January 31 to block the eviction of long-time tenant Josep Torrent, drawing attention to the city’s deepening housing crisis.
Torrent, who has lived in the building for 23 years, was facing eviction after prolonged legal battles. The Casa Orsola building, purchased by an investment fund in 2021, has become a symbol of the housing crisis in Barcelona. Since the sale, residents have reported unrenewed rental contracts, sparking concerns that the property will be converted into luxury tourist apartments exempt from rent cap regulations.
On the day of the eviction, protests led to a postponement after Catalan police and judicial authorities cited safety concerns. A new eviction date has been scheduled for February 4, but activists remain determined to prevent the removal of Torrent from his home.
The housing crisis in Barcelona reflects a broader issue across Spain, where rent prices have doubled in the past decade. The cost per square metre has risen from €7.2 in 2014 to €13 in 2023, according to Idealista. Meanwhile, incomes have not kept pace, leaving many residents—especially young adults—struggling to afford housing amid high unemployment rates.
A Bank of Spain report reveals that nearly 40% of renters in Spain spend over 40% of their income on rent and utilities, significantly higher than the EU average of 27%. The rise in short-term rentals aimed at tourists has further exacerbated the situation.
In response to the crisis, Barcelona’s town hall has pledged to eliminate the city’s 10,000 tourist apartments by 2028 in an effort to reduce pressure on local residents. However, many locals continue to face difficulties, as Spain remains one of the lowest-ranking countries in the OECD for public housing availability, with less than 2% of homes designated for affordable rental accommodation.
