The cities of Spain: too full for coexistence, too empty for the housing crisis

Juan Alayo discusses urban density issues in cities like Portland and Mexico City, highlighting the challenges of infrastructure costs and low-density development. In Spain, the Bank of Spain's 2025 report reveals a dysfunctional housing market, with demand concentrated in a few municipalities. It suggests that increasing urban density could yield up to 1.2 million additional homes. The report also notes that Spain has some of the most densely populated areas in Europe, with significant population growth in urban neighborhoods post-pandemic. L'Hospitalet exemplifies these challenges, facing issues of overcrowding and inadequate public services, while struggling to retain its middle class.