The report Reimagining Housing in Ibiza, prepared by the organisations (Ma) Laboratorio de Transformación Sostenible and Business Fights Poverty, proposes solutions to the housing crisis on the island and includes data gathered through an online survey in which more than 1,000 residents who had lived in Ibiza for at least one year took part. “More than half of the participants — 58% — were born in Ibiza or have lived on the island for over 20 years”, explains the founder of (Ma), Sofia Ribas Bamber.
According to the survey, “seven out of ten residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and 9% spend more than 70%”. This is one of the most striking findings, although the head of the social enterprise highlights further data. “Fifty per cent of respondents said they could not freely choose their housing because it was the only option within their budget, and among people under 45 this figure rises to 97%”, she notes.
Buying, preferred over renting
The survey also reveals that “home ownership remains an aspiration”, with two-thirds of respondents stating that they would prefer to own a home rather than rent.
Participants were also asked to identify the factors they believe are driving the housing crisis. “The most frequently cited were speculation and profit maximisation (15.8%); inequality in the distribution of wealth and purchases by non-residents (15.5%); and illegal and short-term rentals (14.6%)”, the study notes. “Other commonly mentioned factors include rising prices outpacing wages, a shortage of housing supply and legal and regulatory uncertainty”, it adds.
The report, which combines survey data with other sources such as interviews with expert stakeholders, also highlights additional figures, including that “around 18,000 homes are empty or underused, often as second homes or speculative assets”, and that on the island “more than 80% of property purchases are made by non-residents”.
Another significant finding is that “30% of those surveyed said they were considering leaving the island because they cannot access adequate housing”. According to the study, “a young person would need to spend 102.3% of their salary to be able to rent a home on their own”.
Some of the report’s conclusions will be presented at a participatory conference organised by (Ma) and Business Fights Poverty, to be held tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Centre Cultural Cervantes in Sant Antoni.
The report also reflects the impact of housing difficulties on health and wellbeing. “Almost half of respondents said they suffer constant housing-related stress”, the study notes. These findings form part of the first section of the report, which focuses on the social consequences of the housing crisis in Ibiza.