What happened
Spain's construction sector faces a significant shortfall in housing supply. According to El Español, the Confederación Nacional de la Construcción (CNC, the national construction confederation) says the country should build 250,000 new homes every year to start reducing the current deficit. This figure contrasts with the 153,000 homes expected to be started this year, according to BBVA Research.
Housing demand keeps growing faster than supply. Approximately 223,000 new households will be formed this year, but only 153,000 homes will be built, which creates growing pressure on prices. BBVA Research forecasts that housing prices will rise 12% in 2026 and 5.7% in 2027.
The debate over the 'Maricarmen' decrees has focused attention on measures affecting rents and taxation, but the sector insists that the main problem is the lack of housing supply. According to El Español, the CNC points out that the housing crisis has a structural supply dimension that must be addressed.
Why it matters to a construction company
For a construction company, the housing shortage is both an opportunity and a challenge. Growing demand suggests a potentially lucrative market, but it also means pressure to increase building capacity. Companies must be prepared to scale their operations and meet demand, based on the figures presented by the CNC.
The current market context, with rising prices and demand that outpaces supply, creates a competitive environment where construction companies must optimize their processes to be more efficient. Permits and land availability are bottlenecks that directly affect how quickly companies can respond.
The practical consequence for construction companies is the need to adapt to a market where material and labor prices are constantly changing. The CNC warns that failing to update prices in public tenders can make some projects unprofitable, which calls for careful management of contracts and budgets.
What changes in day-to-day site work
The workflow on construction sites could change significantly because of delays in obtaining permits and in rezoning land. According to El Español, in many municipalities it takes longer to obtain the permit than to build, which forces construction companies to plan their projects far in advance.
Budgets and payment certificates are affected by the volatility of material costs. The CNC stresses that the lack of price updates in tenders can lead to projects that are not profitable, which means construction companies must be more proactive in managing their contracts.
Site staff will be the first to notice these changes, since the shortage of skilled workers is another problem facing the sector. The CNC estimates that 700,000 additional workers will be needed in the coming years to meet construction demand.
Specific cases
Imagine a construction company planning a new residential development. The company faces permit delays that could postpone the start of construction by more than a year. This delay affects not only cash flow but also resource and staff planning.
Other companies are choosing to diversify their funding sources to mitigate the impact of regulatory changes. The Asociación de Promotores Inmobiliarios de Madrid (ASPRIMA, the Madrid real estate developers' association) maintains that private investment is crucial to doubling current housing output.
For these strategies to work, companies need a team dedicated to risk management and long-term planning. This includes constantly evaluating material costs and looking for alternatives to keep projects profitable.
Data and context
According to El Español, the average price of free-market housing rose 13.9% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 2,316 euros per square meter. This increase is directly related to the imbalance between supply and demand.
Spain's construction sector is at a crossroads, where the need to increase housing supply collides with regulatory and cost challenges. The CNC emphasizes that the housing shortage is a structural problem that requires comprehensive solutions.
However, the data do not fully reflect the impact of regulatory uncertainty on private investment. ASPRIMA warns that changes in the rules may drive away the capital needed to boost the construction of new homes.
Risks and limits
Construction costs, driven by international tensions, are a significant risk for construction companies. The CNC complains that tenders are not updated at the pace of materials, which can lead to projects that are not profitable.
In some cases, rising prices and the lack of updates in tenders can mean that projects do not justify the effort and resources invested. Companies must carefully assess the viability of each project before committing to it.
Organizational risks include the need to hire and train a significant number of workers to meet demand. Without a clear strategy to address these challenges, construction companies could struggle to complete projects on schedule and within budget.
What a company can do now
Construction companies can start by reviewing their internal processes and looking for ways to speed up permit acquisition and project management. This includes investing in technology that enables better planning and cost control.
It is crucial that companies set clear criteria for decision-making, especially when it comes to project selection and risk management. Constant market assessment and adaptation to regulatory changes are essential.
The next realistic step for companies is to take part in pilot programs that let them test new strategies and technologies in a controlled environment. Bloqbase is running free pilots with real companies in the sector, offering an opportunity to explore solutions that can improve operational efficiency.
Sources
El Español: https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/observatorios/vivienda/20261005/sector-pide-casas-no-decretos-maricarmen-espana-necesita-construir-ano-frenar-precios/1003744406970_0.html