Over the years the number of Spaniards living in single-person households, or only as a couple, is increasing. An increased longevity and new family models are gaining ground in the world of housing.
The current Spanish demographic trend, begins to draw a disconcerting picture for the next years.
The publication of two reports by the National Statistics Institute (INE): ‘Population Projections 2016-2066’ and ‘Household Projection 2016-2031’, foresees that the number of single-family homes will exceed 5 million in just 15 years.
In parallel, the INE also predicts a decline of 5.4 million in the number of inhabitants in 50 years (-11.6%) and a percentage of population over 64 years of 25.6% in 2031 and 34 , 6% in 2066.
Is our economy ready for it? What about our residential market?
New needs will emerge in upcoming years, but we should be prepared for demographic change.
A longer life expectancy, more dependence
In the coming years, the Spanish demographic will suffer one of its most profound changes.
A population decline by endemic and increased deaths and fewer births over two decades.
Following the current population trend, Spain will lose 11.6% of its population over the next 50 years.
A process that will be noticed in 15 years, until 2031, because a loss of 552,245 inhabitants that will leave a population of 45.9 million. And it will continue with the fall of 5.4 million in 2066, bringing the national population to 41.1 million
CCAA gaining and losing weight
Among the major changes in the different age groups, there is an increase between veterans and a decreased youth.
Habitants over 64 years will reach 11.7 million in 2013, while those between 30 and 49 years will be reduced by 4.2 million.
This demographic change will not be uniform throughout Spain.
The Autonomous Communities most affected will be Asturias with a loss of 11.7% of inhabitants and Castile and Leon with 10.7% less population.
Among the population increments in large communities, there is the Balearics with 7.7% or more inhabitants of the Canary Islands (+ 5.6%) and Madrid (+ 5.2%).
5.5 million one-person households
The projection of Spanish households for the next 15 years also makes meaningful data.
Our country will have a total of 19.2 million family households in 2013. That represents an increase of 902,663 over current numbers.
But in contrast, households have fewer occupants.
Single-person households will be 5.5 million, 19.8 more than in 2016. While households with two persons will reach almost 6.2 million, 10.2% higher than today.
These two types of housing will take away some weight to households with 3 persons (-1%), with 4 people (-8.8%) and with 5 or more persons (-24.8%).
A reflection of the social changes that await us and the opportunity that opens to the housing market.
