Agents Report Vandalism During General Strike
The College of Real Estate Property Agents of Barcelona (COAPI) and the Association of Real Estate Agents of Catalonia (AIC) have condemned "vandalic acts" targeting numerous real estate agencies across Catalonia on Wednesday 11th November 2026, coinciding with a general strike over the housing crisis. In a joint statement, the two bodies said they had received "multiple communications from professionals reporting damage and other incidents" at their offices, though they could not yet specify the number of agencies affected. They described it as "deeply unjust" to hold real estate professionals responsible for a crisis rooted in structural causes, stating that such actions misdirect public anger toward intermediaries rather than addressing systemic housing shortages.
Leaders Call for Policy Stability
Montserrat Junyent, president of both COAPI and AIC, warned in an interview published by ARA on Wednesday that piecemeal legislation was creating legal uncertainty in the sector. "We keep changing the rules of the game like someone playing Ludo," she said, calling for a halt to short-term fixes and urging the development of medium- and long-term housing policies. Junyent stressed that the housing crisis cannot be resolved overnight and criticised recent decrees for lacking financial clarity, particularly around administrative subrogation for vulnerable tenants. She said trust in public administration has "gone bankrupt" due to delays in disbursing funds from previous aid schemes.
"The housing crisis will not be solved overnight, the strike will not make us have more housing tomorrow." , Montserrat Junyent, President of COAPI and AIC
She also highlighted growing concern among property owners, who seek security in rental agreements and fear being unable to recover their homes at the end of contracts. This uncertainty, she said, leads some to withdraw properties from the rental market entirely.
Broader Business Impact
Barcelona Comerç, representing over 5,000 businesses across 24 commercial districts, reported that between 50% and 65% of small businesses joined the strike. In areas including Sant Andreu, Fabra-Virrei, and Sant Antoni, shop shutters were defaced with graffiti and some locks were filled with silicone, preventing access. The association said many shops opened but later closed "out of fear" and called for increased police presence, particularly in Sant Andreu, where "hooded individuals" were seen and street furniture vandalised. Despite the unrest, most supermarkets and food retailers remained open, and some restaurants on Rambla Catalunya operated with reduced outdoor seating.
What It Means for Residents
While the strike aimed to highlight housing insecurity, the backlash against real estate agencies has sparked debate over tactics. Homeowners, tenants, and agents alike face uncertainty under shifting regulations. The AIC urges policymakers to depoliticise housing and focus on building supply and streamlining construction permits.
Sources: Catalan News.
