> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 8.9 Years' Salary Needed to Buy 90m² Flat in Barcelona - URL: https://barna.news/8-9-years-salary-needed-to-buy-90m2/ - Published: 2026-10-23T12:48:56.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T12:50:14.000Z - Description: A CCOO report reveals housing costs in Barcelona now require nearly nine years of average salary to buy a 90m² flat, up from 5.3 years in 1995. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: Housing ## House Purchase Now Requires 8.9 Years of Average Salary The average salary required to buy a 90-square-metre flat in Barcelona amounts to 8.9 years' worth of earnings, according to a report by trade union Comissions Obreres (CCOO). The figure highlights a widening gap between wage growth and property prices in Catalonia. Since 2013, housing purchase prices in Catalonia have risen by 118%, while salaries increased by only 32%, CCOO's report, "The Cost of Rent-Seeking for Salaries and the Productive Economy", states. In 1995, 5.3 years of average salary were needed to buy a similar property. ## Rising Rents Outpace Wage Growth Rental prices have also surged, outpacing income gains. Between 2015 and 2024, rents in Catalonia increased by 35%, while average salaries rose by 23%. CCOO warns this imbalance means housing effectively "eats up" salary increases, leaving workers with little real improvement in disposable income. The union links these trends to broader economic risks, stating that a property-driven economy undermines productive investment. "An economy in which it is more attractive to obtain income from properties than to develop productive activities is an economy that compromises its capacity for growth, innovation, and job creation," the report says. --- ## Commercial Rents Rising Across Spain The burden extends beyond households. Data from the Spanish Tax Agency shows commercial property rents rose by 5.8% in 2021, 8.3% in 2022, and 4.5% in 2023 on average across Spain. CCOO argues this pressures small businesses and reduces the viability of local enterprises. ## Potential for Economic Boost with Lower Prices CCOO concludes that a 30% reduction in housing prices could stimulate the wider economy by €21–26 billion. This, the union estimates, could lead to the creation of between 330,000 and 411,000 jobs across Spain. The union sees the data as reinforcing the need for action ahead of the general strike scheduled for Wednesday 11th November 2026\. It calls for coordinated measures on both wages and housing affordability. > An economy in which it is more attractive to obtain income from properties than to develop productive activities is an economy that compromises its capacity for growth, innovation, and job creation. ## Tax Relief for Renters in Stressed Markets Under changes introduced by Law 12/2023 on the right to housing, landlords signing new rental agreements in areas with stressed residential markets can benefit from tax reductions on rental income. These range from 50% to 90%, depending on conditions such as rent reductions, tenant age, or property rehabilitation status. The full details are available on the [Spanish Tax Agency's official portal](https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en%5Fgb/irpf/novedades-impuesto/novedades-normativa-2023/principales-novedades-ley-12-2023-mayo.html?ref=barna.news). --- *Sources:* [*betevé*](https://beteve.cat/economia/quants-anys-sou-calen-comprar-pis-barcelona/?ref=barna.news)*,* [*sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es*](https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en%5Fgb/irpf/novedades-impuesto/novedades-normativa-2023/principales-novedades-ley-12-2023-mayo.html?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Barcelona Moves to Regulate Commercial Rents](https://barna.news/barcelona-moves-to-regulate-commercial/) - [Multi-property landlords charge 3.5% more in rent](https://barna.news/multi-property-landlords-charge-3-5/) - [CGT Registers 11 Nov General Strike for Housing and Wages](https://barna.news/cgt-registers-11-nov-general-strike-for/) - [Recoletos and Pedralbes Top Spain's Priciest Rents](https://barna.news/recoletos-and-pedralbes-top-spain-s/)