Locked Out? 🏠 | PAGS Model 89: Spain’s Housing Crisis, Rent & the Affordability Challenge

English for Adults PAGS / Grado Superior · Preparation 2026/2027

PAGS MODEL 89 · HOUSING & AFFORDABILITY

Your Passport to Higher VET

Housing supply, rent, young adults, tourist accommodation and professional English.

Critical-reading note: Housing figures and policy claims can change over time. In this mock exam, focus on understanding the information presented in each text and distinguishing evidence, interpretation and opinion.

Examen Interactivo N.º 89

45 Minutos Recomendados

TEXT 1: The Top Concern for Citizens

According to recent data published by the Center for Sociological Research (CIS), housing has officially become the greatest worry for the Spanish population, becoming a major source of public concern. Unlike previous decades where unemployment or political instability topped the lists, difficulties in accessing affordable housing affect a broad range of citizens. People from all social classes are demanding that the government take immediate action to solve what is now considered a major social and economic challenge.

Según datos recientes publicados por el Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS), la vivienda se ha convertido oficialmente en la mayor preocupación para la población española, alcanzando máximos históricos de ansiedad social. A diferencia de décadas anteriores donde el desempleo lideraba las listas, las dificultades para acceder a una vivienda asequible afectan a amplios sectores de la población.

1. Based on the CIS data mentioned in the text, what is the current primary worry for people in Spain?

El texto es claro: "housing has officially become the greatest worry" (la vivienda se ha convertido en la mayor preocupación). El desempleo (unemployment) era de décadas pasadas.

a. The rising unemployment rates among young people. b. Political instability and government corruption. c. The impossibility of finding and accessing decent housing. d. The lack of free public transportation in large cities.

TEXT 2: The Structural Deficit

Real estate experts have identified a significant structural deficit in the Spanish property market, estimating a shortage of between 600,000 and 800,000 residential units. Simply put, the country is creating new households at a much faster rate than it is building new homes. This imbalance between supply and demand places upward pressure on the market. Consequently, purchase prices and rents can rise, making housing less affordable for many households.

Los expertos inmobiliarios han identificado un importante déficit estructural en el mercado inmobiliario español, estimando una escasez de entre 600.000 y 800.000 unidades residenciales. En pocas palabras, el país está creando nuevos hogares a un ritmo mucho más rápido de lo que construye nuevas viviendas. Este desequilibrio entre la oferta y la demanda ejerce presión al alza sobre los precios.

2. What is the direct consequence of the structural deficit of housing mentioned in the text?

Busca la palabra clave "Consequently" (En consecuencia). El texto dice que "prices for both buying and renting properties continue to rise uncontrollably" (los precios continúan subiendo incontrolablemente).

a. It forces the prices of buying and renting homes to increase. b. It makes developers stop building homes entirely. c. It allows the middle class to buy much cheaper apartments. d. It completely solves the problem of empty homes in the country.

3. Message Interpretation: Read the following formal text message from a landlord to a tenant and decide what it means for the tenant's finances.

"Dear tenant, please be advised that in accordance with our contract and the current inflation index (IPC), your monthly rent will be adjusted upwards starting next month."

"Estimado inquilino, tenga en cuenta que de acuerdo con nuestro contrato y el índice de inflación actual (IPC), su alquiler mensual se ajustará al alza a partir del próximo mes."

"Adjusted upwards" es una forma formal (y eufemística) de decir que el precio va a subir. El inquilino tendrá que pagar más.

a. The landlord is offering a discount due to inflation. b. The tenant will have to pay more money for the apartment starting next month. c. The landlord is breaking the contract and evicting the tenant. d. The rent price will stay exactly the same for the rest of the year.

4. Grammatical Transformation: Choose the option that correctly transforms the following active sentence into the PASSIVE VOICE while maintaining the exact original tense: "The government has promised a quick solution to the housing crisis."

Transformación gramatical: Elige la voz pasiva correcta de: "El gobierno ha prometido una solución rápida a la crisis de la vivienda."

"Has promised" es Presente Perfecto. La regla de la pasiva aquí es usar "has/have + been + Participio". Como "A quick solution" es singular, usaremos "has been promised".

a. A quick solution to the housing crisis is promised by the government. b. A quick solution to the housing crisis was promised by the government. c. A quick solution to the housing crisis will be promised by the government. d. A quick solution to the housing crisis has been promised by the government.

5. Formal Register: Choose the best formal phrase to INTRODUCE an academic essay about the current lack of homes.

Elige la mejor frase formal para INTRODUCIR un ensayo académico sobre la actual falta de viviendas.

Evita coloquialismos como "crazy", "let's talk about", o expresiones muy personales. "It is a matter of great urgency to address..." (Es un asunto de gran urgencia abordar...) es perfecto para un texto académico.

a. It's totally crazy that nobody can buy a house right now. b. I am going to write about the fact that flats are too expensive. c. It is a matter of great urgency to address the current housing deficit. d. Let's talk about why paying rent takes all your salary.

6. Advanced Linking Words: Fill in the blank with the correct connector to express CAUSE/REASON: "Housing prices are rising rapidly _______ the lack of new supply."

Conectores avanzados: Rellena el espacio con el conector correcto para expresar CAUSA/RAZÓN: "Los precios de la vivienda están subiendo rápidamente _______ la falta de nueva oferta."

Detrás del espacio tenemos un sustantivo ("the lack of new supply"). Necesitamos una preposición causal como "Due to" (Debido a). "Because" requeriría una frase completa con verbo.

a. Despite b. Due to c. Although d. Therefore

TEXT 3: A National Emergency

Many politicians and economists now refer to the housing situation in Spain as a serious national challenge. The core issue is that there are few immediate solutions available. Building the hundreds of thousands of new homes needed to stabilize the market takes years of urban planning, securing permits, and actual construction. Even with substantial investment, planning, permits and construction take time, so increasing the housing supply is a medium- and long-term process.

Muchos políticos y economistas ahora se refieren a la situación de la vivienda en España como un importante reto nacional. El problema central es que hay pocas soluciones inmediatas disponibles. Construir los cientos de miles de nuevas viviendas necesarias para estabilizar el mercado lleva años de planificación urbana, obtención de permisos y construcción real.

7. According to the text, why is there no quick, short-term solution to the housing crisis?

El texto explica que "Building the hundreds of thousands of new homes... takes years" (Construir las viviendas necesarias lleva años de planificación y obras).

a. Because the government refuses to spend any money on public housing. b. Because citizens actually prefer renting expensive apartments. c. Because all the construction workers have emigrated to other countries. d. Because planning and building the necessary amount of new homes simply takes years.

8. Formal Correspondence: You are writing to a real estate agency (inmobiliaria) to politely complain about hidden fees they charged you. Which phrase is the most appropriate for a formal email?

Correspondencia formal: Escribes a una agencia inmobiliaria para quejarte educadamente por unas tarifas ocultas que te han cobrado. ¿Qué frase es la más apropiada para un correo formal?

Para quejarte formalmente nunca uses insultos ("thieves", "robbed") ni lenguaje emotivo ("I am super angry"). Usa "I am writing to express my dissatisfaction regarding..." (Escribo para expresar mi insatisfacción respecto a...).

a. I am writing to express my dissatisfaction regarding the undisclosed administrative fees. b. You guys are thieves, give me my money back immediately! c. I am super angry because you robbed me with those fake fees. d. It is very bad what you did with my money, I will call the police.

TEXT 4: The Struggle of Young Adults

The average age of emancipation in Spain is currently almost 30 years old, one of the highest in the European Union. This is not a cultural choice, but an economic necessity. Young professionals cannot afford the high upfront costs required to leave their parents' homes. Whether buying or renting, agencies and banks demand thousands of euros in initial deposits, guarantees, and taxes. For workers on modest entry-level salaries, saving these amounts can be extremely difficult and may delay independent living.

La edad media de emancipación en España es actualmente de casi 30 años... Esto no es una elección cultural, sino una necesidad económica. Los jóvenes profesionales no pueden permitirse los elevados costes iniciales necesarios para salir de casa de sus padres. Ya sea para comprar o alquilar, se exigen miles de euros en depósitos iniciales y garantías.

9. Why do young adults in Spain delay leaving their parents' homes?

El texto deja claro que "This is not a cultural choice" (no es por cultura/comodidad). Es porque "Young professionals cannot afford the high upfront costs" (no pueden pagar los costes iniciales).

a. Because Spanish culture dictates that children must live with their parents forever. b. Because they prefer spending their salaries on expensive cars and travel. c. Because they cannot afford the massive initial deposits and costs required to rent or buy. d. Because there are no apartments available in the whole country.

10. Identify the "False Friend": If a politician says "We finally REALIZE there is a housing crisis", what does the verb 'realize' mean here?

Identifica el Falso Amigo: Si un político dice "We finally REALIZE there is a housing crisis", ¿qué significa aquí el verbo 'realize'?

To Realize NO significa "Realizar" (hacer algo físico). En inglés, "Realize" significa "Darse cuenta de algo" o "Comprender".

a. They are physically building houses to solve the crisis. b. They are finally becoming aware of or understanding the problem (darse cuenta). c. They are making the crisis worse on purpose. d. They are ignoring the problem completely.

11. Public Notice Interpretation: You see this legal document posted on a building's door. What does it strictly mean?

"OFFICIAL EVICTION NOTICE. The occupants of this property must vacate the premises within 30 days of this date."

Aviso público: "AVISO OFICIAL DE DESAHUCIO. Los ocupantes de esta propiedad deben desalojar las instalaciones dentro de los 30 días posteriores a esta fecha."

"Eviction" significa desahucio/desalojo. "Vacate the premises" significa abandonar la propiedad (irse de la casa).

a. The occupants are invited to buy the house at a discounted price. b. The building is going to be cleaned, so they must leave for one day. c. The landlord is reducing the rent price for the next 30 days. d. The people living there are legally required to leave the property within one month.

12. Identify the sentence that uses a CLEFT structure to emphasize exactly WHAT is causing the prices to rise:

¿Qué frase usa una estructura hendida (Cleft Sentence) para enfatizar QUÉ está causando que los precios suban?

Para destacar la causa (la falta de oferta), usamos: "It is [la falta de oferta] that...". Ejemplo: "It is the lack of supply that...".

a. It is the lack of supply that is causing prices to rise. b. The lack of supply is causing the prices to rise. c. Prices are rising rapidly because of the lack of supply. d. What is causing the prices to rise? The lack of supply.

TEXT 5: The Impact of Tourist Apartments

Another factor contributing to the housing crisis in Spain is the proliferation of short-term tourist rentals. In cities like Malaga, Barcelona, and Seville, entire residential buildings have been converted into holiday apartments. This trend removes thousands of properties from the regular, long-term rental market. Because landlords can earn significantly more money renting to tourists by the night, some owners may prefer short-term lets to long-term residential contracts. Consequently, traditional neighborhoods are losing their permanent communities.

Otro factor que contribuye a la crisis es la proliferación de alquileres turísticos a corto plazo. En muchas ciudades, edificios residenciales enteros se han convertido en apartamentos vacacionales. Esta tendencia elimina miles de propiedades del mercado de alquiler tradicional. Como el alquiler turístico puede resultar más rentable, algunos propietarios pueden preferirlo al alquiler residencial de larga duración.

13. How do tourist apartments negatively affect local residents according to the text?

El texto indica que esta tendencia "removes thousands of properties from the regular... market" (elimina propiedades del mercado regular). Hay menos casas disponibles para los que viven allí todo el año.

a. Tourists make too much noise and keep the locals awake at night. b. Tourist apartments force local residents to pay higher taxes to the government. c. They reduce the number of homes available for permanent, long-term rent. d. They make the neighborhoods look ugly because of all the tourist luggage.

14. Language Interference (Spanglish): In Spanish we say "Hacer un esfuerzo". In English, you must choose between MAKE or DO. Which of the following sentences contains a GRAMMATICAL ERROR based on this confusion?

Identificación de errores: En español decimos "Hacer un esfuerzo". En inglés hay que elegir entre Make o Do. ¿Qué frase contiene un ERROR por traducir directamente del español?

En inglés, "esfuerzo" siempre va con MAKE (Make an effort). Decir "Do an effort" es un error grave de Spanglish. Busca la frase que tenga ese error.

a. We need to make a decision about buying the house soon. b. She usually does her homework in the library. c. They made a big mistake when they sold that apartment. d. The government must do a big effort to build more houses.

15. Professional Communication: Your landlord has proposed a 15% rent increase. Select the most polite and professional way to reply asking to NEGOTIATE the price.

Comunicación profesional: Tu casero ha propuesto subirte el alquiler un 15%. Selecciona la forma más educada y profesional de responder para intentar NEGOCIAR el precio.

Negociar requiere diplomacia. "I was wondering if we could discuss/negotiate..." es el estándar perfecto para no sonar agresivo ni cerrar la puerta al diálogo.

a. Are you crazy? A 15% increase is illegal and I won't pay it. b. Given my history as a reliable tenant, I was wondering if we could negotiate this rent adjustment. c. I refuse to pay this new price. If you want, I will pay 5% more, take it or leave it. d. I don't have that kind of money right now, so please forget about the increase.

16. Listening Comprehension Tasks

The Vicious Cycle of Housing (Audio Simulation - 1:30 min)

Full Audio Script:

Welcome to Economy Today. In this special report, we analyze the housing emergency in Spain. Some estimates point to a substantial structural shortage of housing in Spain. What happens when hundreds of thousands of people are looking for a place to live, but there is no new supply? The answer is simple: strong upward pressure on prices. Rents have risen sharply in many areas. But this crisis goes beyond economics; it is affecting the demographics of the country. Young adults, unable to afford a stable home, are forced to delay their life plans, which may also influence decisions about starting a family. Furthermore, solving this issue is incredibly complex. Building new residential areas requires years of bureaucracy and investment. So, to answer the most common question: No, there is no quick fix. Housing affordability is therefore likely to remain an important social and economic issue in the years ahead.

Audio Summary (Español): El podcast analiza la emergencia habitacional. Explica que algunas estimaciones apuntan a una importante escasez estructural de vivienda. La falta de oferta ejerce presión al alza sobre los precios y puede retrasar los proyectos de vida de los jóvenes. Construir requiere años de burocracia, por lo que no hay solución rápida (quick fix). Es una emergencia nacional para la próxima década.

16.1 What does the audio say about Spain's housing supply?

a. There is a large surplus of empty new homes. b. There is no imbalance between supply and demand. c. Some estimates point to a substantial structural shortage of housing. d. Housing supply is described as unlimited.

16.2 How does the lack of new supply affect the real estate market?

a. It creates upward pressure that pushes prices up. b. It forces landlords to lower their rental prices immediately. c. It makes construction companies go completely bankrupt. d. It stops tourists from visiting the major provinces.

16.3 What hidden demographic consequence is mentioned as a result of the housing crisis?

a. Older people are moving back to the countryside. b. The population is growing too fast in the city centers. c. People are migrating to other continents in record numbers. d. Young adults are delaying their life plans, contributing to low birth rates.

16.4 Is there a quick fix for this situation according to the report?

a. Yes, the government can solve it entirely in six months. b. No, building new areas requires years of bureaucracy, so there is no quick fix. c. Yes, but only if the banks give free money to everyone. d. No, because the European Union forbids Spain from building more homes.

Welcome to Economy Today. In this special report, we analyze the housing emergency in Spain. Some estimates point to a substantial structural shortage of housing in Spain. What happens when hundreds of thousands of people are looking for a place to live, but there is no new supply? The answer is simple: strong upward pressure on prices. Rents have risen sharply in many areas. But this crisis goes beyond economics; it is affecting the demographics of the country. Young adults, unable to afford a stable home, are forced to delay their life plans, which may also influence decisions about starting a family. Furthermore, solving this issue is incredibly complex. Building new residential areas requires years of bureaucracy and investment. So, to answer the most common question: No, there is no quick fix. Housing affordability is therefore likely to remain an important social and economic issue in the years ahead.

Preguntas de Reserva (Ampliadas)

TEXT 6: Empty Homes & Taxation

To combat the severe lack of available properties, some regional governments are proposing a controversial new law. They plan to apply additional taxes on 'empty homes'—apartments that have been completely unoccupied for more than two years. The goal is to financially penalize owners who keep properties vacant for speculative reasons, encouraging them to put these empty houses on the rental market. Moreover, authorities hope this measure will quickly increase the local housing supply without the need for new construction.

Para combatir la grave falta de propiedades disponibles, algunos gobiernos regionales proponen una nueva y controvertida ley. Planean aplicar impuestos adicionales a las "viviendas vacías". El objetivo es penalizar económicamente a los propietarios que mantienen propiedades vacías por motivos especulativos, incentivándolos a poner esas casas en el mercado de alquiler. Además, esperan que aumente la oferta sin necesidad de construir.

17. What is the main objective of applying extra taxes on empty homes?

El texto dice literalmente: "The goal is to... force them to put these empty houses on the rental market" (obligarles a ponerlas en alquiler).

a. To encourage landlords to sell their homes exclusively to foreign tourists. b. To collect more money to pay for the politicians' salaries. c. To force landlords to put their unoccupied properties on the rental market. d. To force construction companies to destroy the oldest buildings.

18. Grammatical function: What does the linking word "Moreover" indicate in the last sentence of the text?

Gramática aplicada: ¿Qué indica la palabra de enlace "Moreover" (Además) en la última frase del texto?

"Moreover" es un sinónimo muy formal de "Además" (Besides / Furthermore). Sirve para añadir información extra a un argumento.

a. It adds extra, supporting information to the previous idea. b. It expresses a strong contrast, similar to 'However'. c. It indicates the specific time the law will be passed. d. It shows the direct negative consequence of the tax.

Glosario Inmobiliario V.89

Term	Meaning
Housing / Real Estate	Vivienda / Sector Inmobiliario
Shortage / Deficit	Escasez / Déficit
Tenant / Landlord	Inquilino / Casero (Propietario)
Eviction notice	Aviso de desahucio / desalojo
Upfront costs	Costes iniciales / Pagos por adelantado
To realize	Darse cuenta (Falso Amigo)
Short-term rental	Alquiler a corto plazo (turístico)
Hoard	Acaparar / Acumular

CLAVE DE RESPUESTAS V.89

01. C

02. A

03. B

04. D

05. C

06. B

07. D

08. A

09. C

10. B

11. D

12. A

13. C

14. D

15. B

16.1 C

16.2 A

16.3 D

16.4 B

17. C

18. A

© 2026 Manuel Molina Porlán. All rights reserved. Part of the NEUROEDUCATION Educational Publishing Project. Original articles, educational materials, activities, illustrations and multimedia content are protected by intellectual property legislation.

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