The Fallacy of 'Deserved Housing' and the Realities of the Property Market

• The concept of 'deserved housing' frames homeownership as a reward for merit, effectively turning systemic failures into individual blame.
• Data shows that for young people in cities like Madrid, spending over 50% of income on rent is common, making saving for a down payment nearly impossible.
• Housing access has become increasingly dependent on 'anticipated inheritance'—financial help from family—rather than individual wages.

Shift in the Property Market

• Ownership among households led by those under 35 dropped from 69.3% to 36.1% between 2011 and 2020.
• Residential housing is increasingly commodified, with long-term tenants competing against tourists, digital nomads, and investment funds that prioritize profit over stability.
• The eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen illustrates 'domicide'—the destruction of a home and the social roots tied to it—as properties are cleared for higher-income owners.

Structural Solutions Required

• The current housing crisis is a consequence of political decisions, such as the neglect of public housing and the promotion of private ownership as the only path to autonomy.
• Reducing reliance on private ownership requires shifting toward stronger social protections.
• Recommended solutions include expanding public rental housing, implementing rent caps, and strengthening legal protections for long-term tenants to ensure housing security.