Business · Companies · 9 hrs ago
Spain faces a shortage of more than 528,000 student beds
Spain had about 118,762 student residence beds at the end of 2025, after a decade of growth.
But the country still faces a shortage of more than 528,000 beds, according to Savills.
Demand is driven by more university students, international arrivals and limited accommodation for people studying away from home.
The gap is linked to high prices, with student residence fees in Madrid and Barcelona around €1,300 a month.
Spain’s 8% bed provision rate is among the lowest in Europe, compared with 30% in the UK.
The government has approved €45 million in grants for projects in seven cities, expected to provide nearly 2,000 places in an initial phase.
More beds are planned, including about 5,550 in 2026 and another 10,500 in 2027 and 2028.
Spain has a shortfall of more than 528,000 student beds, according to Savills.
The country had about 118,762 operational beds at the end of 2025, despite a 62% increase over the previous decade.
CBRE estimates unmet demand at 546,000 places, while Atlas Real Estate Analytics estimates potential demand at 677,390 students.
Growing university demand and more international students are contributing to pressure on an insufficient supply of accommodation.
The Spanish government has approved €45 million in grants for university residence projects in seven cities, expected to add nearly 2,000 places in an initial phase.
- Who
- Students in Spain, particularly those seeking accommodation away from their home cities, face the shortage.
- What
- Spain has a shortfall of more than 528,000 student beds, according to Savills.
- When
- The shortage is reported in an article published on 24 October 2026; Spain had about 118,762 operational beds at the end of 2025.
- Where
- Spain, with Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia among the main destinations.
- Why
- University demand is growing and more international students are arriving, while accommodation supply remains insufficient.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Investment in student residences in Spain was €452 million.
Investment in student residences reached €985 million.
Spain ended the year with about 118,762 operational student beds, and investment in the sector approached €2.2 billion.
About 5,550 new beds are expected to be added across 16 residences.
A further 10,500 places are anticipated.
- Reported shortfall
- More than 528,000 beds, according to Savills
- Operational beds
- About 118,762 at the end of 2025
- CBRE unmet-demand estimate
- 546,000 places
- Approved government grants
- €45 million for projects in seven cities
- Expected initial additions
- Nearly 2,000 places
- Expected 2026 additions
- About 5,550 beds across 16 residences