In recent years, notary offices in Valencia have seen a significant increase in a crucial procedure: parents donating money or property to their children looking to purchase a home. Since 2019, financial donations have almost quadrupled, while home transfers have also escalated. This surge aims to support young individuals entering an increasingly expensive housing market.
The Data Behind the Boom
The Notarial College of Valencia recently revealed statistics that highlight three interlinked aspects of the residential market: the rising housing prices, the decreasing presence of young buyers, and the burgeoning donations from parents to children.
Financial and Property Donations on the Rise
Data indicates that home donations from parents to children have doubled between 2019 and 2025, skyrocketing from 3,015 to 7,776 — a 158% increase over five years. Meanwhile, monetary donations have nearly quadrupled, climbing from just under 3,000 operations to almost 11,100 within the same timeframe, which reflects a striking 279% rise.
Regional and National Trends
This phenomenon isn’t unique to Valencia. Nationwide, the General Council reported more than 225,300 donations across Spain in 2025, marking the highest figures since 2011. This indicates a robust upward trend, with donations growing by 15.2% between 2023 and 2024, followed by a further increase of 13% in 2025. This makes donations and inheritances essential tools for accessing housing, part of a broader “Great Transfer of Wealth.”
What Fuels This Trend?
The driving force behind these donations is twofold: soaring housing prices and a significant barrier to entry for young buyers. The cost of residential properties has skyrocketed in the Valencian Community, reaching an average of €1,676 per square meter in 2025—an increase of 69.1% since 2013. In Valencia alone, prices can reach up to €2,489 per square meter, exacerbating the challenge for young buyers.
Implications for Young Buyers
Rising property prices mean that young individuals need higher savings and debt capacity, which can be out of reach, especially if they are first-time homeowners. A study by Infojobs in 2024 revealed that Spaniards spend an average of 47% of their gross salary on rent, significantly above the recommended threshold, further straining their financial situation.
Shifting Buyer Demographics
The demographic landscape of home buyers is changing as well. In 2007, individuals aged 18 to 30 accounted for 21.58% of home purchases in Valencia. This has plummeted to 8.39%, lower than the national average of approximately 9.6%. In contrast, foreign buyers now make up about 36.9% of overall purchases in Valencia and even more in Alicante.
Conclusion
The ongoing shift in the housing market, characterized by increased parental donations to children, underscores the challenges young people face when trying to purchase homes. As housing affordability continues to decline, family support has become a necessary measure for many, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of homeownership in Spain.