In Barcelona, where the real estate market is already grappling with high rental costs—often exceeding 1,200 euros per month—some real estate agencies have recently implemented a controversial new practice. Prospective tenants are now being asked to pay a fee simply to view properties, adding another obstacle to an already difficult rental landscape.
This new approach has sparked significant backlash on social media. The controversy began when an advert from Grup Capital, a real estate agency, went viral. The advert stated that there would be a charge of 9.90 euros for each visit to a flat in Santa Coloma de Gramanet.
Many users on X (formerly Twitter) reacted angrily, with comments such as “You have no shame” and “Charging 9.90 euros for a single visit is just a scam.” The overall sentiment expressed by many was that this practice feels like an exploitative tactic in a market where finding affordable housing is already a challenge.
The criticism extends to comparisons with everyday situations, with some users pointing out that “charging to visit a flat is like paying an entry fee to buy bread.” Others described the practice as “disgusting” and “potentially illegal,” underlining the widespread disapproval and frustration it has generated.
These reactions reflect a growing concern over perceived abuses in the housing market, where new fees and costs only make securing accommodation more challenging for those already struggling with high rental prices.
