Andorrans' Housing Cost Concerns Hit Record 74% in New Survey

A new survey from Andorra Recerca + Innovació (AR+I) shows housing costs topping Andorrans' concerns at 74%, up from 70% in the first semester, as the rental contract freeze nears its end in about a year.

The second-semester Observatori, presented on Monday, polled 794 residents from 4 to 20 November. It found housing prices as the Principat's main issue for 74% of respondents—a four-point jump from the prior survey and the highest in recent years. Traffic congestion ranked second at 19%, down two points, followed by low salaries at 18.2%. Immigration placed fourth with 13.4%, nearly double its first-semester share, while 13% cited infrastructure and equipment issues like urban overgrowth or road improvements.

Direct impact feels widespread: 42.3%—around four in ten—report the housing situation affects them personally, the highest since the question started in late 2019 and up two points from 40.4% last semester. Among those, 120 of 273 highlighted excessive rents relative to salaries as the core problem. With 62% renting and 38% owning, two-thirds of tenants see it disrupting daily life.

Rental disparities stand out sharply. New leases under one year average €1,332 monthly, €550 above the €785 for contracts over 10 years old. Joan Micó, AR+I's sociology head, pointed to high deviation in recent deals—€772—reflecting broad price spreads. Overall, households spend €1,012 monthly on housing, whether rent or mortgage, up 5% from €963 a year ago; mortgages average €1,136 versus €991 for rentals. Nearly half (46%) signed their current contract within three years, and only one-third have lived there over five.

Additionally, 18% of respondents actively seek new housing, increasingly open to locations beyond central parishes compared to two years ago.

The findings underscore rising pressures amid affordability debates as the rental cap approaches its 2025 lift.