Almería Closes 2025 with the Highest Rents in Its History: Where Is Housing Becoming Unaffordable?

Monika
5 days ago
3 min read

As 2026 begins, the province of Almería faces a stark reality: finding a home has become increasingly difficult—and financially risky—for many residents and newcomers alike. This is no longer just a perception shared by people endlessly scrolling through property portals. Official year-end data confirms it: Almería has closed 2025 with the highest rental prices in its history.

According to Idealista, the average rental price in the province now stands at €8.50 per square meter, representing a 7.5% year-on-year increase. For many families and professionals, this rise has pushed housing costs to a critical threshold.

Price Increases Are No Longer Limited to the Capital

One of the most significant shifts in 2025 is that rental pressure is no longer concentrated solely in Almería city. Municipalities that once offered affordable alternatives have now reached record highs.

Vera closes the year at €8.80/m²
Vícar reaches €8.40/m², its highest level ever
Carboneras rises to €7.00/m²
In the west, Roquetas de Mar approaches €8.40/m², while El Ejido, driven by strong labor demand and limited supply, remains under pressure at €7.40/m²

The message is clear: the rental crisis has become provincial, not local.

The Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Almería City

Within the capital, the divide is even sharper. The triangle formed by Vega de Acá, Nueva Almería, and Cortijo Grande has become the most exclusive—and expensive—area in the entire province.

With average rents exceeding €10.30 per square meter, monthly prices for family-sized apartments often surpass €1,000. Tenant turnover is extremely low, as homeowners hold onto their properties, drastically reducing available supply. Access to these neighborhoods is now largely restricted to high-income households and specialized professionals.

Tourist Rentals and the Displacement Effect

The epicenter of social tension lies in El Zapillo and the Historic Center, where the expansion of short-term tourist rentals has absorbed nearly 15% of the long-term rental stock.

El Zapillo, traditionally home to UAL students and working families, has been particularly affected. Its proximity to the beach—once an advantage—has become a liability. With prices nearing €9.60/m², long-term residents are increasingly unable to compete with the profitability of weekly holiday rentals, forcing many to relocate to the outskirts.

An “Elitized” Rental Market

Francisco Iñareta, spokesperson for Idealista, describes the current situation as a clear “elitization” of the rental market.

With dozens of applicants competing for each listing, landlords are increasingly prioritizing ultra-low-risk profiles, often rejecting financially stable families in favor of applicants with exceptional guarantees. In this environment, having a payslip is no longer enough. The required level of financial security frequently exceeds what the average salary in Almería can realistically support.

The Last Buffers—and Their Limits

Neighborhoods such as Nueva Andalucía, Los Molinos, and San Luis are acting as temporary pressure valves, with prices ranging between €7.50 and €8.50/m². However, this stability is fragile.

According to Pisos.com, any well-maintained property listed in these areas can receive dozens of inquiries within hours, highlighting just how strained the market has become.

Turning Inward: The Rise of the Interior

As coastal and urban prices climb, many residents are being pushed inland. Towns in the Almanzora Valley—including Macael, Olula del Río, Cantoria, and Tíjola—have experienced sharp increases in demand.

The resurgence of the marble industry, combined with families fleeing coastal prices, has transformed these towns from a “Plan B” into new pressure zones. While buying under €90,000 is still possible in some areas, the rental market is rapidly shrinking, even in places like Vélez Blanco.

What to Expect in 2026?

As we move into 2026, the market appears to be entering a phase of consolidation. Property sales are still expected to grow—by up to 10%, according to forecasts—but rental prices may have reached a psychological ceiling.

Experts caution, however, that this is not a correction, but rather a pause at the peak. Without meaningful incentives to activate vacant housing or a serious commitment to affordable rental policies, access to housing in Almería will remain a privilege rather than a right.

What This Means If You’re Planning to Move to Almería

For newcomers, families, and investors, understanding these dynamics is more important than ever. Choosing the right area, timing your move, and navigating the legal and market realities professionally can make all the difference.

At Move to Almería, we help individuals and companies: