Business · Economy · 7 hrs ago
44% of home sales in Spain are made without a mortgage
Nearly half of home purchases in Spain are made without a mortgage: notary data show that 44% of sales are paid for in cash.
This comes as housing and rents have become increasingly unaffordable, especially for young people.
Wages have risen more slowly than home prices, while higher interest rates have made mortgages more expensive.
Many cash buyers, the account says, already own property or have investment capital.
Some sell an existing home to buy a better one, while others buy homes to earn a return.
The figures point to wealth shaping who can buy homes in Spain, even as many people face high housing costs.
No next step or policy change is stated.
Notaries’ data show that 44% of home sales in Spain are completed without a mortgage.
The figure covers property transactions recorded by notaries.
The article says this is one of the lowest percentages in recent years.
It says many cash buyers may have significant existing wealth, including people selling a property to buy a better one and investors seeking returns.
The report notes that housing prices and rents are prohibitive, especially for young people, while mortgage costs have risen with interest rates.
- Who
- Home buyers in Spain; the article says some pay without a mortgage.
- What
- 44% of home sales are completed without a mortgage.
- When
- The article was published on 14 October 2026; the period covered by the figure is not stated.
- Where
- Spain.
- Why
- The article says some buyers have substantial prior wealth, including from selling another property or investing capital for returns.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The previous episode in the Economía Indiscreta series was published and discussed why insurance prices rise even when no claims are made.
20minutos published an article reporting that 44% of home sales in Spain are completed without a mortgage.
- Share of sales without a mortgage
- 44%
- Country
- Spain
- Data source
- Property transactions recorded by notaries
- Trend
- One of the lowest percentages in recent years
- Possible buyer profiles
- Existing property owners and investors