Álvaro González, the delegate for Housing Policies and president of the Municipal Housing and Land Company of Madrid (EMVS), has concluded Living Summit 2026, a key event in Spain focused on flexible rental sectors and new residential models, organised by the Coword association.
In his address, González highlighted the necessity for housing offerings to consider demographic shifts and new forms of cohabitation. According to projections from Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), the country is expected to add over 2.1 million households by 2041, with nearly half of this growth attributed to single-person households, which will become the most common household type. This evolution reflects a social reality that demands diverse residential responses tailored to individual needs at various life stages.
González noted that demographic changes necessitate an expansion of residential alternatives. In Madrid, 180,000 individuals over the age of 65 live alone, and the region boasts the highest life expectancy in the European Union at 85.7 years. This reality presents the challenge of providing options that allow older adults to maintain their autonomy while having companionship.
In this context, González stated, "We must take advantage of new residential models to create more housing" and explained that concepts such as flex living, coliving, and cohousing can meet specific needs and profiles. He also reminded attendees that the traditional family housing model remains valid and prioritised but must coexist with other alternatives. Consequently, Madrid is already incorporating coliving and cohousing into its urban planning regulations.
