Rent takes up 45% of median net salary
The average rent in Catalonia has risen by 60% between 2015 and 2024, almost double the 30.46% growth in average gross salaries over the same period, according to a report by the trade union UGT published on Friday 30th October 2026. Rent now accounts for 45.21% of the median net salary in the region, a figure that exceeds the 30% threshold considered unaffordable by housing experts. In 2015, rent consumed 39.35% of net income.
Cost of new homes jumps 96%
The disparity is even greater in the property sales market, where the cost of new housing has surged by 95.87% in nine years. UGT general secretary Camil Ros said the data confirms that "the cost of living is out of control". He warned that the growing imbalance between wages and housing costs is eroding workers' purchasing power and putting pressure on social stability.
My feeling is that there is a strike atmosphere. The sentiment that we must stop the right and the far-right is also there, although the strike is against all political parties.
Call for 24-hour strike before elections
Ros linked the housing crisis to the upcoming 24-hour general strike planned for 11th November 2026, citing the deaths of Olga and Maricarmen as catalysts for mobilisation. He described the period before the elections as a "good time" for industrial action, saying it could influence political decisions and voter behaviour.
Government plans to ease anti-speculation rules
Meanwhile, the Catalan government is considering relaxing its anti-speculation housing law to allow investment in flats if they are designated for "habitual residence", according to a report from eldiario.es. Critics fear the move could further inflate prices despite its stated aim of increasing supply.
Sources: elDiario.es, El Nacional (ACN).
