Extremadura and Marina Alta regions dispute tourism‑driven housing affordability crisis in Spain

In the Assembly of Extremadura, tourism director Óscar Mateos told lawmakers that the region’s tourist‑apartment stock is limited – about 2,114 units, roughly one per 20 km² – and that there is no conclusive evidence linking short‑term rentals to rising home prices. He noted that housing prices rose 3.6 % year‑on‑year in the first quarter, far below the national average of 14.3 %, and argued that tourism helps sustain rural economies. Opposition deputy David Araúvo warned that pressure may be concentrated in historic neighbourhoods, calling the issue “silent luxury.”

Meanwhile, in the Marina Alta comarca of the Valencian Community, local officials highlighted a severe shortage of affordable homes for residents. Vice‑mayor Josep Signes lamented that “the workers who build the houses cannot buy a flat.” A forum organized by Levante‑EMV, Caixa Popular, the Valencian Chamber and Veolia emphasized the paradox of a tourism‑rich area with one of the lowest per‑capita incomes in the region. Participants called for economic diversification, better quality jobs, and measures to retain younger residents, noting low unemployment yet prevalent low‑paid positions and gender disparities in joblessness.