Living in a vehicle: "We used the savings for the entrance to the apartment to buy a motorhome... it was going to take a lot"

Marta and Antonio, using pseudonyms to protect their identities, have been living in a motorhome for four years near Madrid. They chose this lifestyle after deciding against signing another rental agreement, opting instead for a more flexible and cost-effective solution. The couple saved nearly €19,000 initially for a house deposit, but they realized that continuing to save would take too long. Instead, they invested in a motorhome for €19,500, which has become their permanent residence. Their decision reflects a growing trend among individuals nationwide who are choosing alternative housing solutions amid rising living costs. The motorhome, spanning just 16 square meters, includes a bed, a gas stove, two small wardrobes, a fridge, a portable toilet, and accommodates both Marta and Antonio. Living expenses are significantly lower compared to traditional apartment rentals. For instance, they previously spent €1,400 monthly on rent in Getafe, which was becoming unsustainable. Now, with careful budgeting, they manage on around €600 per month, covering essentials such as food, utilities, and occasional travel. Their daily life revolves around resourcefulness and creativity. The shower is located at a nearby low-cost gym, where they sometimes take showers. Electricity comes from public libraries, where they plug in powerful portable batteries while working. Gas supplies power their fridge, stove, heating, and hot water, with one cylinder used monthly in summer and three to four in winter. A solar panel serves as their primary energy source, providing power even on cloudy days. Waste water is disposed of in designated areas, and odor control is managed through tablets. Additional items, such as a winter mattress, are stored in a rented storage unit in Villaverde. Despite the unconventional setup, Marta and Antonio feel comfortable and content. They run a business in event animation, makeup, and mobile discos, often performing within Madrid’s metropolitan area. Their work requires frequent movement between parking lots and overnight stays, making their nomadic lifestyle practical. Occasionally, they travel to other Spanish cities for events deemed worth the fuel cost. Similar situations exist in other parts of Spain, particularly in campsites near Madrid. At locations such as Camping Osuna, Camping Alpha, and Camping Arco Iris, families and individuals live in static mobile homes, some for years. These sites attract many foreign tourists, primarily British and Nordic visitors, but also host residents who have chosen this lifestyle permanently. Lucía, a security worker at Madrid's Barajas Airport, lives in one of these static mobile homes under a pseudonym due to fears of eviction. She highlights the precariousness of her situation, noting that speaking openly could lead to consequences. “Fixed residents don’t contribute much; we just cause problems,” she explains. Her monthly payment is around €300, plus additional costs for electricity and water. A single night in a mobile home can range from €100 to €150, meaning the campsite generates the equivalent of her monthly rent in just two days during peak season. The phenomenon of living in motorhomes or static mobile homes is increasingly common across Spain, driven by economic pressures and changing lifestyles. While some view it as a temporary measure, others see it as a sustainable and flexible alternative to traditional housing. The experiences of Marta, Antonio, and Lucía illustrate the diverse motivations and challenges faced by those embracing this unconventional way of life.