Renting: the growing number of multiproprietors and people without their own homes.

Spain, considered the land of landlords for decades, has become the land of renters for young people. Whereas in 2002 only three in ten households headed by someone under the age of 28 were renting, the percentage is now approaching 70%. A Future Policy Lab report released Thursday draws attention to the current gap between young and old, and between rich and poor. A study of the Spanish real estate market by five researchers focuses on the "polarization of the housing system".

The number of people living in rented housing rose from 13% to 20% between 2002 and 2020, according to the study.

They also note that the problem is the excessive "mercantilization" of housing, which is happening not only in Spain but also in other countries, and which they believe is increasing with the Great Recession. According to one of the study's authors, we should ask ourselves about our housing priorities and determine what is more important to us - using housing for living or using it as an investment.

The report also suggests various measures and proposals to remedy the current situation, including the introduction of rent controls, increasing public housing, changing tax policy and developing new forms of home ownership.