Spain faces housing shortage as land remains unused, experts urge renovation

Analysts note that Spain does not lack land for new homes; the main problem is converting existing plots into housing. In Andalusia, especially around Sevilla and Málaga, the potential for new units exceeds 30% of current demand, yet large swaths of land remain idle. The Bank of Spain estimates a cumulative deficit of about 750,000 homes nationwide, with affordability worsening – in Málaga it would take roughly ten years of median rent to purchase a home, and about 7.5 years in Sevilla.

Architect Jaime Prous argues that the most sustainable response is to renovate the existing building stock rather than pursue new construction. He highlights how retrofitting can boost energy efficiency, lower environmental impact, and improve habitability, citing projects that reuse former offices, factories, and parking structures for residential use. Prous calls for a shift in policy and professional mindset to treat renovation as a core strategy for addressing both the housing crisis and climate goals.