Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman who became a symbol of Spain's housing crisis, will be able to return to her home in Madrid, according to her lawyer Beatriz Duro. Abascal was forcibly removed from her apartment of over 70 years on September 23, 2026, and was admitted to a hospital following the eviction. The incident sparked widespread protests across Spain, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to promise housing relief measures during a cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
Duro stated that there had been 'goodwill from both parties' and that Abascal would pay a similar amount of rent under a new contract, avoiding a significant price increase. Abascal's father first rented the property in 1956, and she continued as the tenant after her parents died, during which time rent was capped.
Investment firm Urbagestión, which purchased the property in 2018, raised the rent from €500 per month to €2,650. Although the company later offered to reduce the rent to €1,650, Abascal was unable to afford this amount with her monthly pension of €1,350. Three previous eviction attempts were blocked by the courts.
The case led to nationwide protests, with tens of thousands marching in Madrid to oppose the eviction and demand stronger tenant protections amid a housing shortage and rising rents. Duro noted that the agreement, which is yet to be signed, was a result of social mobilization. Abascal, who is currently being treated for exhaustion, will sign the deal when she feels better. Supporters have called this a victory but intend to continue advocating against similar evictions and for more affordable housing. The Bank of Spain estimates a shortage of 700,000 homes in the country, based on the gap between demand and new construction. Sanchez's Socialist Party, which lacks a parliamentary majority, is seeking to pass legislation to address public concerns.