Economic crisis and the new housing transitions of young people in Spain

This article explores the factors involved in young people's housing transitions in Spain which are typically characterised by late emancipation. The paper incorporates a comparative analysis of the housing transitions of young people in Spain with those of young people in other European countries and using longitudinal data it considers the particular impacts of the recent economic crisis. Most studies have linked late emancipation of Spanish youths to factors such as their employment status, difficulties accessing housing, the economic situation, social welfare policy, youth policy and a protective family culture. In particular, the main drivers of change highlighted in the literature are economic factors (education, employment status, housing, public policy and resources) and on the other hand, cultural factors such as attitudes towards home ownership and forming new households. However, there is very little research analysing the effects that the economic crisis has had on youth housing transitions in Spain. The objective of this paper is to provide insights on the effects the economic crisis is having on the housing market and on youth housing transitions in Spain. This is a complex issue; hence, the paper draws upon multiple data sources. The main conclusion is that the economic crisis has begun to change youth housing transitions in Spain.