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 it is more worthwhile to pay a mortgage than to rent, as soaring rental prices and fears of a new housing bubble drive a structural shift in market psychology. A report by Fotocasa Research found that 71% of individuals surveyed consider paying a mortgage more cost-effective than renting at current levels, with a consensus score of 7.6 out of 10.
While accessing homeownership remains challenging due to savings requirements and high purchase prices, the perception is that a mortgage payment is a more profitable option than continually increasing rent. This sentiment underscores the significant imbalance in the rental market. The analysis also revealed that 68% of respondents view property as a safe investment, and another 68% stated that the desire for homeownership is deeply rooted in Spanish society, though this conviction has slightly weakened from the previous year.
However, the rapid rise in both purchase and rental prices has also fueled concerns about a potential property bubble, with 56% of respondents expressing this fear. Concurrently, the perception of renting remains pessimistic, with 50% of active private individuals still considering it 'throwing money away'. Expectations for Spain to converge towards a European rental model have also declined to 40%.
The report further highlighted the widespread lack of public approval for the current Housing Law, with its assessment remaining in negative territory. Although the share of individuals approving the law increased slightly to 28%, its average rating is only 4.7 out of 10.
The survey was conducted in February 2026, reflecting the impact of a period marked by easing interest rates and rising rents. The recent increase in interest rates by the European Central Bank in June adds a new layer of uncertainty, the impact of which on citizens' perception of mortgage profitability will be examined in future reports.