Spain’s youth council wants 40% of public homes

Renting a home alone would take 98.7% of a young person’s salary in Spain, on average. The Spanish Youth Council wants 40% of public housing set aside for young people. It presented the proposal on Thursday, 5 November, alongside a call to lower the voting age to 16 in every election.

A bigger share of public housing

Just 14.5% of young people in Spain live independently, according to 2025 figures cited by the council. It wants more public social and affordable housing, enough to reach the European average, and permanent protection for homes designated as affordable.

In areas where housing costs are especially high, the council wants measures to keep those costs below 30% of income. It also calls for rental law to cover rooms and shared flats, and for tenants to be spared estate agents’ fees.

Work, votes and mental health

Two in three young people start their working lives in insecure jobs, the council says. It is calling for a 32-hour working week, a higher statutory minimum wage and no social security contributions for young self-employed people. It also wants compulsory course placements paid.

The council cites its own research showing that 93% of 18- to 24-year-olds want new ways to take part in politics. Alongside votes at 16, it wants 16-year-olds included in citizens’ legislative initiatives and a check on how proposed policies would affect young people. Shorter waits for psychological help are also among its demands.

Topics: Housing · Jobs & labour

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com