Protected Housing Construction Fell 23% in 2025 Amid Ongoing Access Crisis

The construction of subsidized housing in Spain has experienced a significant drop of 23% in 2025, at a time when access to housing remains a critical issue for many families, especially for women, who often face greater economic challenges. According to data from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, only 11,104 new official protection houses (VPO) were completed in 2025, representing a decrease of more than 3,000 homes compared to the previous year.

Despite a rebound in 2024 with more than 14,000 VPOs completed, the highest in the last decade, the trend did not continue. This situation is exacerbated by the decline in provisional ratings, a worrying indicator that suggests fewer VPO projects are underway. This is particularly concerning for women, who, according to statistics, are more likely to find themselves in situations of economic vulnerability and, therefore, are more dependent on affordable housing options.

The State Housing Plan 2026-2030, led by Isabel Rodríguez, promises a significant investment of 7 billion euros, of which 2.8 billion are earmarked for the creation of affordable housing. However, the current pace of construction does not seem to align with the plan's ambitions. For women, who often have lower-paid jobs and face additional barriers such as the wage gap and the disproportionate responsibility of household care, this slowdown in the production of subsidized housing is an additional blow.

The lack of continuity in the supply of affordable housing not only poses an obstacle for women seeking to improve their housing situation, but it can also perpetuate existing inequalities. VPOs, intended for both purchase and rental, are essential to ensure that women, particularly those with children in their care or in precarious employment situations, have access to decent housing.

Looking ahead, it is crucial that housing policies not only regain lost momentum but are also designed with the specific needs of women in mind. The effective implementation of the State Housing Plan could be an opportunity to address these inequalities. However, for this to occur, a strong commitment and efficient execution will be needed to ensure that political promises translate into tangible results for all people, especially for the women who need it most.