The issue of housing affordability continues to be a central topic of conversation in the country. Citizens are increasingly focused on the housing market, as the difficulties in accessing a home, rising prices, and employment concerns dominate public discourse. Experts propose several solutions to address the unprecedented housing crisis in the nation, ranging from expanding housing construction to market regulation. This situation particularly affects segments of the population like the youth, who find the current real estate landscape prohibitive. Many are hopeful that the situation will become more moderate by 2026, offering greater opportunities to purchase a home. Experts note that as long as demand far outstrips supply, buyers are willing to pay more for the limited availability. However, there are currently no signs of a favorable shift in the short term. One leading economist, Santiago Niño Becerra, was unequivocal in an interview with Cadena Ser radio: “Unfortunately, I believe that both sale and rental prices will continue to rise.” He attributed this to the constant and growing demand from the public amidst a scarce supply of housing. This bleak outlook is shared by various economic experts who have shared their perspectives publicly in response to public concerns. However, some alternative viewpoints also exist. For instance, economist Gonzalo Bernardos pointed to an unconventional scenario that could gain prominence in the coming years, suggesting that buying used caravans might be an excellent business. Meanwhile, economist Raquel Jurado noted that when a pension plan is liquidated, it is taxed as work income. Financial expert Natalia de Santiago commented: “Financial stress has a terrible impact on our lives and the lives of those we love.” Despite the overall negative trend, some economists express hope. One of them stated: “When the demand can or is not willing to pay more, prices will stop rising.” He also emphasized that an increasing number of people are interested in buying a home in a market where supply is growing slowly.
