Key facts
- 71% of Spaniards believe paying a mortgage is more financially profitable than renting.
- 68% of respondents view property buying as a sound investment.
- 56% of those surveyed fear a new property bubble is forming.
- 50% of active renters consider renting to be 'throwing money away'.
- Public approval for the current Housing Law remains low at 4.7 out of 10.
Seven in ten Spaniards now believe that paying a mortgage is more financially advantageous than renting, according to a report by Fotocasa Research. This sentiment reflects a significant shift in public perception driven by persistently high rental prices, which are pushing individuals to view homeownership as a more stable and profitable option, despite potential difficulties in accessing the market.
The report, 'Radiografía del mercado de la vivienda en 2026', found that 71% of individuals aged over 18 consider mortgage payments more beneficial than rent at current levels. This view is strengthened by the perception of property as a safe investment, with 68% of respondents maintaining this belief, though slightly down from the previous year. The deep-rooted cultural desire for homeownership also persists, with 59% seeing a home as the best inheritance.
However, the rapid rise in both purchase and rental prices is also fueling concerns about a potential property bubble, with 56% of those surveyed expressing this fear. The perception of renting remains largely negative, with half of active renters viewing it as 'throwing money away'. Expectations for Spain to adopt a more European-style rental market have also diminished.
The study, conducted in February 2026, captures the sentiment following a period of easing interest rates between 2023 and 2025, which made mortgages more accessible, alongside rising rents. The European Central Bank's recent interest rate hike in June introduces a new element of uncertainty regarding the future profitability of mortgages.