Spain’s housing crisis: Evicted 87-year-old to return home as government unveils eviction ban

Key points

• Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old wheelchair user, was forcibly evicted from her Madrid home in late September after living there since 1956.
• Her landlord, Urbagestión, increased her rent from approximately €500 to €2,650 per month, exceeding her pension, to convert the unit into a tourist apartment.
• Following massive protests in Madrid and other cities, Urbagestión agreed to a deal mediated by the Madrid city council, capping Abascal’s rent at roughly €500 for eight years.
• The Spanish government approved two decrees on Tuesday, including a ban on evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030 and a prohibition on investment funds purchasing housing.
• The measures face potential opposition in parliament from right-leaning parties, including Junts per Catalunya, which fears the laws may unfairly target small landlords.
• Spain faces a housing deficit of approximately 755,000 units, with rents in Madrid rising by 9.7 percent in 2025.

Background

The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal became a national symbol of Spain’s housing crisis after multiple failed attempts to block the removal. Her case highlighted the impact of financialization on residential property, as investment firms bought long-term tenant homes to convert them into higher-yield tourist rentals. The incident occurred against a backdrop of rising house prices and a significant shortage of new construction, with the Bank of Spain estimating a deficit of 700,000 to 755,000 homes.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and BBC report that the landlord’s concession and the government’s new decrees represent a significant victory for protesters, with the tenants’ union calling it a 'historic win.' The Guardian emphasizes the political failure of Sánchez’s government to act earlier, noting that the crisis only prompted action after public outrage. The Financial Times highlights the political risk, pointing out that the minority government lacks a parliamentary majority and that right-wing parties, such as Junts per Catalunya, have expressed concerns that the ban on 'vulture funds' could inadvertently penalize small landlords who invest personal savings. While Al Jazeera and BBC focus on the immediate relief for Abascal, The Guardian and Financial Times stress the uncertainty of the legislation’s passage and the broader structural issues in the housing market.

Why it matters

The resolution of the Abascal case and the subsequent legislative response mark a potential turning point in Spain’s housing policy. The government’s move to ban evictions and restrict investment fund purchases signals a shift toward stronger tenant protections, addressing a top concern for voters. However, the success of these measures depends on parliamentary approval, which is uncertain due to the government’s lack of a majority. The outcome will determine whether Spain can effectively address its housing shortage and prevent similar cases of displacement among vulnerable residents.

What to watch

The Spanish government aims to secure parliamentary approval for the housing decrees by Friday, with a formal vote expected within a month. The legislation includes a ban on evictions until 2030, rolling over rental contracts until 2028, and stricter regulations on short-term rentals. If passed, the measures will take effect immediately, but their long-term impact will depend on implementation and potential legal challenges. The tenants’ union has called for further protests if the legislation is not fully approved, indicating ongoing pressure on the government.