90% of Madrid Residents Demand More Housing, Only 12% Seek Investment

A barometer reveals that most residents in the Community of Madrid prioritize housing for personal use, facing significant economic obstacles.

Generic image of housing market challenges in a European city.
AI

Generic image of housing market challenges in a European city.

A recent study in the Community of Madrid indicates that 90% of residents consider the construction of more housing crucial for home access, with only 12% intending to purchase for investment.

The I Housing Barometer of the Community of Madrid, conducted by GAD3 and Valdecarros Madrid, highlights that the vast majority of Madrid residents, 82%, aim to acquire a home for personal residence. Economic factors such as lack of savings, difficulty in affording down payments, security deposit costs, and insufficient income are identified as primary barriers.
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"There is broad demand, and half of the population considers housing construction very necessary."

the head of qualitative research at GAD3
Price is the most significant hurdle for nearly 60% of respondents in Madrid. For purchases, cost affects 56% of those impacted, while for rentals, it reaches 62%. This economic difficulty varies with age; among those aged 40 to 49, price is almost the sole issue (64%), but for those under 30, difficult access to mortgages and limited income are additional concerns.
The report also suggests that 44% of respondents would consider buying if public guarantees covered 20% of the down payment, potentially unlocking demand currently stalled by a lack of initial savings. Two out of three individuals under 49 expect to access housing in the Community of Madrid within five years, with first-time home buying being a priority for 31% of respondents, rising to 45% among young people aged 18 to 29.
The conventional apartment is the preferred option for 46%, especially among those aged 40 to 49, while smaller apartments gain popularity among those under 30 and those seeking to rent their first independent home. Despite these challenges, 89% of Madrid residents express high satisfaction with their current housing, although associated costs are the least valued aspect. Satisfaction is notably higher among homeowners (96%) than among renters (75%).
Regarding the residential environment, Madrid residents prioritize public transport (48%) and healthcare centers (40%), followed by local shops and green areas as key elements for quality of life.