In the UK care home sector, we’re used to seeing ambitious pipelines on paper. Of all the schemes that enter the planning system, surprisingly, only around a third typically come to fruition. Speculative applications, funding delays, and planning bottlenecks are familiar challenges to many working in this space.
So, when we saw data suggesting Spain has a similarly sized pipeline – c. 44,000 new beds expected – we found ourselves asking the question: how likely is this to come forward?
Understanding the spread of care home developments across Spain
To understand where this growth is concentrated, we’ve been digging into the geographic spread of Spain’s development pipeline. Unsurprisingly, Madrid and Barcelona are leading the way, both in terms of the number of schemes and total beds proposed.
As specialists in the UK elderly care sector, we’re acutely aware of the development dynamics that influence whether a care home gets built or shelved. And we’re increasingly curious about how those same dynamics (or different ones) play out in Spain.
Highlighting Spanish market potential
Here’s what’s caught our attention so far:
- The growth headlines are compelling. Spain’s pipeline mirrors the UK in volume, and the conditions appear favourable.
- There’s consistent investment activity in key areas like Madrid and Catalonia, and several of the larger operators are actively expanding.
- The delivery environment seems more straightforward in places. Spain doesn’t have a discretionary planning system like the UK’s. Instead, development is guided by local zoning laws and administrative permits, which can make the process more predictable in some areas, especially where the zoning is already aligned with care provision.
- That said, it’s not without complexity; regulatory requirements still vary significantly between autonomous communities, and timing and ease can differ markedly from one municipality to the next.
- The wider economic context is supportive. Spain’s GDP growth has outpaced much of Europe, including the UK, in recent years. Tourism, domestic demand, and access to EU recovery funds have all helped.
- Labour availability, especially in construction, is also in a stronger place than the post-Brexit UK landscape.
Want to be part of the conversation?
We’re keen to learn more. If you’re operating in, investing in, or developing for the Spanish care market – whether as a local partner or international entrant – we’d love to hear from you. What’s realistic? What’s optimistic? And what’s quietly evolving that people aren’t talking about yet?
We’re exploring how and where our knowledge can translate to Spain. If you’re exploring Spain, we’d welcome the conversation.
