1,359 Forced Evictions in First Nine Months of 2026
Barcelona’s courts held 2,658 eviction trials between January and September 2026, with around half, 1,359, ending in a forced eviction, according to Cristina Ferrando, president of the Barcelona Court of First Instance. The figures, shared on Tuesday 27 October 2026 during the Bon dia, Barcelona broadcast, are comparable to those from 2025, indicating no significant decline in housing dispossession cases.
Social Services Intervene in Over 550 Cases
Of the 2,658 proceedings, social services were called in by the courts in 559 cases involving vulnerable residents. In 183 of these, evictions that had already been scheduled were successfully suspended. Ferrando stressed that judges do not make policy decisions but apply existing legal frameworks, which prioritise property owners’ rights to reclaim possession of their assets.
We cannot decide what should be done," Ferrando said. "Judges have ideologies, but we leave them at home when we go to work.
Judges Call for National Housing Pact
Ferrando highlighted the difficulty judges face amid constantly changing housing legislation. She urged political leaders to establish a state-level housing pact to develop sustainable solutions across short, medium, and long-term horizons. "It is a problem that concerns us greatly," she said, underscoring the judiciary’s limited role in addressing systemic housing insecurity.
What This Means for Residents
Tenants facing eviction can seek legal aid through the Barcelona City Council’s housing mediation services. Those in vulnerable circumstances may qualify for emergency accommodation or protection measures via municipal social services. Information is available at bcndades.cat.
Sources: betevé.
