Rental prices have increased across most of the country in recent years. Those most affected by this situation are the youngwho with an average income of 1,000 euros must spend up to 100% of their salary on housing.
Elena Sanders, a young woman of 32 years old, is a teacher in Barcelona and, although she has wanted to become independent for two years, she continues to share an apartment because “the market is exploding“. Even if she wants to live alone, the truth is that rents in her city are not affordable.
“The studies cost 800 euros and, in many, the bedroom is in the same place as the kitchen”, he denounces the poor condition of these accommodations. Added to this is the fact that their price would force him to devote more than 50% of his salary to rent “I felt helpless because I don’t think I’ll ever get paid again. My salary is what it is, so what options do I have”, he laments. And, although he loves Barcelona, it is clear that his future is not in this city.
Like her, many young people are torn between living alone in much smaller houses, with almost no light or ventilation, or continuing to share to have more acceptable conditions. This resulted in the provision of shared apartments increased by 29% over the last six months.
Natalia, Julia and Rocío There are three young people who are forced to share an apartment, all in Madrid. All three work, but the idea of living alone or buying a house in the future is virtually unthinkable. “It’s a frustration,” says Julia, because she sees that she will never be able to live alone. “I’ll have to rent and share until God knows when,” she complains, and she can’t help but feel negative when she thinks about her future: “I can never be independent and self-sufficient.”
Rocío calculated how much it could cost her to live independently of her companions, but when she added up the expenses, she realized that it was not enough: “We only arrive to survive, not to live,” she emphasizes. . “It’s desperate and sad. All my friends are the same» Deplores Natalia, for her part.
Sharing an apartment is no longer a choicefor many people, especially for certain young people whose salaries do not exceed 1,000 euros; in fact, it has become rather the only an alternative for many to live.
