In Catalonia, rental prices in residential areas classified as tense markets have seen a second consecutive quarterly increase, despite the implementation of price regulation intended to alleviate rent pressures. Notably, this increase occurred in the 140 municipalities deemed under tension, where rental prices for new contracts have risen to levels last seen before the price regulation took effect in March 2024. This development raises questions about the efficacy of the legislative measures aimed at stabilizing the rental market.

The new data shows that, between July and September 2025, rental prices soared, particularly in areas outside Barcelona, which contributed to a broader perception of the real estate market's instability. The increasing rents highlight a fundamental issue: the persistent lack of housing supply, which continues to outpace demand. As the pressure on landlords increases, this scenario poses a significant challenge for the local government in addressing housing affordability and accessibility concerns across the region.

Additionally, the slight increase in rental prices observed in Barcelona itself indicates that even major urban centers are not immune to these trends. With rent prices reflecting pre-regulation figures, the efforts of the Generalitat de Catalunya to implement these regulations are coming under scrutiny as stakeholders in the housing market question their effectiveness. The ongoing rise in rental rates suggests that without significant changes to supply-side policies, the intended benefits of the rental price regulation may remain unfulfilled, leaving many residents grappling with the realities of an increasingly expensive housing market.