The concern over affordable housing, the tense political climate, and the issue of immigration continue to dominate public debate in Spain. A recent survey conducted by the DYM Institute in January 2026 shows that more than half of Spaniards perceive these three issues as the country’s biggest problems.
Spain Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Housing Comes First
With 30.7 %, the housing situation sits undisputed at the top of the list of concerns. For many people, rising rents, a shortage of available homes, and difficult conditions on the property market have become pressing everyday issues. European studies also confirm this trend, highlighting Spain as one of the countries most affected by housing scarcity.
Political Climate Fuels Pessimism
The political climate is cited by 17.3 % of respondents as a central issue. A large portion of the population looks to the near future with pessimism: around 63.6 % expect the political climate to worsen in 2026. Political uncertainty and social tensions thus shape the outlook and daily life of many Spaniards.
Immigration – An Issue with Diverging Perceptions
Immigration tops the list of concerns for 16.5 % of respondents. However, this perception varies significantly depending on political orientation. While voters of certain parties view immigration as a major problem, it ranks much lower for others. Overall, these three issues – housing, politics, and immigration – account for the worries of nearly 65 % of the population.
Additional Challenges
Economic concerns are cited as a significant issue by 16.2 % of respondents, followed by employment (7.4 %) and the healthcare system (6.7 %). Education ranks much lower on the list, at 1.8 %.
Expectations for 2026
In addition to assessing the current situation, many respondents also expressed concerns about the coming year:
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59.1 % expect a deterioration or a continued high level of problems in the housing market.
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Half of the population expects immigration to continue increasing.
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Over 40 % anticipate a negative development for the economy and the healthcare system.
Need for Action and Social Challenges Shape Spain’s Mood
The survey highlights the urgent need for action in Spain, particularly in the area of housing, which is becoming an increasing social challenge for many people. At the same time, it shows that political tensions and societal issues such as migration are a major concern across the country. The overall mood is marked by uncertainty and a general pessimism about future developments.
