Housing costs push 770,000 workers into poverty, according to Oxfam Intermón
According to a report by Oxfam Intermón, the rising cost of housing has pushed an additional 770,000 workers in Spain into poverty, bringing the total number of working poor to approximately three million when housing costs are factored in. The study defines 'working poverty' as having employment but living below the poverty threshold after accounting for housing expenses such as rent, mortgages, and property taxes. Using data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), which sets the poverty line at 60% of the median income, approximately €12,220 annually for a single person, Oxfam calculated the impact of housing costs on household budgets. The report highlights that renters are disproportionately affected, with nearly one-third of those renting at market rates falling into working poverty after paying their monthly rent. This represents a significant increase compared to homeowners, who experience much lower rates of working poverty.
In Spain, housing costs have pushed 770,000 workers into poverty, with three times more renters affected compared to homeowners, according to a report by Oxfam Intermón. The study highlights how the burden of housing expenses significantly increases the risk of labor poverty among working individuals, particularly those who rely on rental markets. According to the findings, after paying for their homes, the rate of labor poverty rises from 11% to 15%. Among renters, this increase is even steeper, reaching up to 34%, compared to just over 10% for those with mortgages. The report uses data from the National Institute of Statistics' Survey on Living Conditions and income declarations from 2024. It defines labor poverty based on Eurostat’s criteria, setting thresholds at 12,220 euros annually for single-person households and 25,663 euros for households consisting of two adults and two children. These figures include individuals who have worked for more than seven years. The impact varies widely across sectors, job types, migrants, and Spanish nationals. Households with children are especially vulnerable, with nearly 40% of families with more than three children experiencing labor poverty despite receiving additional support as large families. This percentage drops significantly for households with two adults and two children, reaching around 15%, while it further decreases for childless households. Workers in part-time positions face double the risk of labor poverty compared to those in full-time roles, with 20.62% of part-timers falling below the poverty threshold versus 10.67% of full-time employees. Self-employed individuals also experience higher rates of labor poverty, 21.69%, compared to 10.26% for salaried workers. Certain sectors show particularly high levels of labor poverty. Domestic work has the highest rate at 27.48%, followed by agriculture at 26.24%. Hospitality workers face a labor poverty rate of 21.17%, while construction workers see 18.31% and administrative and auxiliary service workers encounter similar challenges. According to Alejandro García-Gil, head of employment, housing, and social policies at Oxfam Intermón, housing is becoming one of the main drivers of poverty and inequality. He notes that new housing decrees do not fully address structural issues but represent a crucial step toward alleviating the suffering of millions and moving towards a paradigm shift that prioritizes housing rights over speculation, protects the most vulnerable, provides stability for renters, and ensures legal security for landlords offering below-market rents. The report warns that labor poverty disproportionately affects households with children, exposing them to its adverse effects. Despite potential financial assistance, nearly 40% of such households still fall into labor poverty. In contrast, single adults have the lowest poverty rate at 4.24%, although the study does not account for the impact of housing on labor poverty in these cases. The situation underscores the growing challenge of housing affordability in Spain, highlighting the need for comprehensive policy measures to address the root causes of economic vulnerability linked to housing costs.
In Spain, despite economic growth and rising wages, many workers remain trapped in poverty due to high housing costs. According to a report by Oxfam Intermón, nearly three million people in Spain live below the poverty line after paying for their homes, with one in three renters falling into poverty. The study analyzed data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) and found that the poverty rate among working households increased from 11.48% to 15.49% after accounting for housing expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, and property taxes. Despite overall economic improvements, including a 2.7% GDP growth in 2025, the issue of housing affordability has worsened, contributing significantly to inequality and stagnating progress against poverty.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical findings from Oxfam Intermón using official data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) and defines poverty according to Eurostat standards. It does not take a clear ideological stance but highlights systemic issues related to housing affordability and poverty.
In Spain, 770,000 workers fall into labor poverty after paying housing costs, according to a report by Oxfam Intermón. This figure rises significantly among renters, with 34% of working tenants experiencing labor poverty after paying market-rate rents, three times higher than those who pay mortgages (10.22%). The study uses data from the National Institute of Statistics and 2024 income declarations, defining labor poverty based on annual household incomes set by Eurostat. The issue disproportionately affects households with children, where 39.5% face labor poverty despite potential support as large families. Alejandro García-Gil of Oxfam Intermón highlights that housing is a major driver of poverty and inequality, calling for policies prioritizing housing rights over speculation and offering stability to renters.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical findings from Oxfam Intermón and quotes from their representative without overtly favoring any political side. It discusses socioeconomic issues related to housing and poverty but does not take a clear ideological stance or use biased language.
According to a report by Oxfam Intermón, the rising cost of housing has pushed an additional 770,000 workers in Spain into poverty, bringing the total number of working poor to approximately three million when housing costs are factored in. The study defines 'working poverty' as having employment but living below the poverty threshold after accounting for housing expenses such as rent, mortgages, and property taxes. Using data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), which sets the poverty line at 60% of the median income, approximately €12,220 annually for a single person, Oxfam calculated the impact of housing costs on household budgets. The report highlights that renters are disproportionately affected, with nearly one-third of those renting at market rates falling into working poverty after paying their monthly rent. This represents a significant increase compared to homeowners, who experience much lower rates of working poverty.
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents data highlighting the growing economic hardship caused by housing costs, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on renters and framing this as a systemic issue requiring policy intervention. While the information itself is based on Oxfam Intermón’s research, the emphasis on the
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