Spain’s housing crisis drives surge in real‑estate scams

The sharp rise in property prices across Spain has coincided with a marked increase in fraudulent real‑estate offers. Victims report being asked for advance deposits of 350 €, often via Bizum, before a viewing can be scheduled. Police and consumer‑rights groups warn that scammers impersonate legitimate sellers, using platforms such as Idealista to list phantom apartments.

According to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, cyber‑fraud offences related to housing rose to 430,493 cases in 2025 – 88 % of all cybercrime and 17.4 % of total recorded crime – up 4.3 % from the previous year. Judicial procedures for such “ciberestafas” grew 16 % year‑on‑year, though only 13 % resulted in formal charges. The housing market itself saw a 12.9 % price increase in March, the strongest monthly gain since 2007, intensifying demand and desperation among buyers.

Authorities advise that payments be made only through secure platforms and to verify seller identities before any money changes hands.