Spain Grapples with Housing Costs, Healthcare Strikes, and Defence Policy

Barcelona faces a surge in foreign property buyers, while doctors across Spain initiate a four-day strike over working conditions. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defends Spain’s defence spending approach amidst European discussions on security.

Rising Housing Costs and Foreign Investment in Barcelona

Foreign buyers accounted for nearly half (49.6%) of all apartment purchases in Barcelona’s Barceloneta neighbourhood in 2025, according to City Council data. This trend extends to Ciutat Vella, the adjacent traditional town, where foreign transactions represented 42% of purchases. Central neighbourhoods and those near the sea are particularly attractive to international investors, with foreign purchases exceeding 35% in these areas.

Across Barcelona, foreigners purchased 23% of apartments, and 15% across Catalonia. The province of Girona recorded the highest proportion of foreign buyers at 27.1%.

In response to escalating housing prices, the Spanish government is considering implementing tax penalties for landlords who increase rents. This measure would complement the existing tax rebate system for landlords who lower rental prices, a policy currently in place in areas experiencing housing stress and potentially expanding nationwide. The proposal, currently under review by the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of Finance, aims to gradually reduce the 50% reduction in net rental income offered to landlords who reduce their rental rates. Barcelona City Council is actively involved in monitoring these trends.

Doctors’ Strike Over Healthcare Framework

A nationwide strike by doctors in Spain began on Monday, February 16th, 2026, in protest against the government’s Framework Statute for healthcare workers. Over 210,000 doctors are participating in work stoppages scheduled for the weeks of February 16th-20th, March 16th-20th, April 27th-30th, May 18th-22nd, and June 15th-19th.

While the strike is indefinite, stoppages will occur for at least one week each month through June. Minimum services will be maintained to ensure emergency care remains available at public hospitals across the country.

Spain’s Defence Policy and European Security

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, emphasized the importance of increased European investment in defence to counter threats like those posed by Russia. He stated that strengthening defence capabilities is crucial for protecting freedoms and providing guarantees to international allies.

However, Sánchez firmly opposed nuclear rearmament, stating, “I believe that nuclear rearmament is not the right way to go.” He also defended Spain’s current level of defence spending, rejecting calls to increase investment to 5% of GDP. Jaume Collboni, PSC, has been the Mayor of Barcelona since June 17, 2023. The City Council of Barcelona plays a role in national discussions.