In Spain, there is a significant challenge in mobilizing nearly four million vacant homes, primarily due to the reliance on outdated statistics. The only official figure provided by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) comes from the 2021 census, indicating 3.9 million empty houses. This figure is not only old but also viewed with skepticism by real estate experts, who argue that the housing market's dynamics have changed since the census was conducted. As a result, these conditions complicate efforts to bring these properties into active use, especially in light of recent legislative reforms aimed at addressing Spain's housing crisis.

The INE's figure, while officially recognized, draws criticism for its lack of comprehensiveness and timeliness. Many in the real estate sector express concern that this sole reliance on outdated census data hampers the design of effective policies needed to manage and utilize empty homes. A more thorough and updated dataset is essential for accurately understanding the vacant housing landscape, which is critical for any governmental or regulatory efforts focused on addressing housing shortages and improving accessibility.

In 2023, a state law was promoted to facilitate the incorporation of vacant units into the active housing market, but experts argue that without reliable and current data, such initiatives may falter. Moreover, the ongoing dialogue about housing in Spain underscores the need for robust data collection and analysis methodologies that can effectively inform policymakers and stakeholders, ensuring that effective solutions can be crafted to combat housing inactivity and address the broader housing crisis that affects many citizens.