The knowledge of certain articles of the Constitution by a significant part of society can be interpreted as a sign of democratic strength, a sign that citizens are aware of their rights. In Spain, this is the case with the famous Article 47: "All Spaniards have the right to enjoy decent and adequate housing. The public authorities will promote the necessary conditions and establish the appropriate regulations to make this right effective."

A large part of the population has heard or read this article at some point. However, rather than reflecting a good democratic sign, its constant mention is proof of a problem: the inability of public authorities to guarantee it. The housing crisis is one of the main problems in Spain. Not only has it become, in the last three months, the main concern of the population, according to the Center for Sociological Research (CIS), but it has also triggered a wave of protests across the country. Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Málaga, Seville, Albacete, Burgos, Jerez, Oviedo, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Bilbao… all these cities have taken to the streets to demand decent housing for everyone.

In light of this situation, a key question arises: what do we really mean by decent housing? Despite being a frequently used concept, there is no exhaustive bibliography that clearly defines its parameters and meanings.

Continue reading (article in Spanish)

Article by Joan Roca, Raluca Budian, and Ignasi Martí from the Decent Housing Observatory of the Esade Institute for Social Innovation, published in Cinco Días on April 23, 2025.

Image by Paco Puentes "Viviendas de la localidad de Cáceres".