Mortgage Appraisers Strike Over Precarious Conditions

The mortgage appraisal sector has entered a period of significant disruption as professionals took to the streets on December 15, 2025. This collective action involves thousands of independent workers who perform essential valuations for real estate transactions across the country. The strike is described as indefinite, signaling the workers' commitment to securing substantial changes to their working environment.

At the heart of the dispute is the classification of these professionals as autónomos, or self-employed workers. Despite the critical nature of their role in the financial and housing markets, they argue that the current system treats them as a low-cost labor force rather than skilled professionals. The Asociación Española de Tasadores Hipotecarios (AETH) serves as the primary voice for this group, claiming to represent roughly 75% of the entire profession. This significant membership base provides the strike with substantial backing and highlights the widespread nature of the grievances.

The working conditions cited by the striking appraisers paint a picture of extreme professional strain. According to reports from the organizing association, the standard workweek has ballooned to 80 hours. This figure represents a workload that is more than double the standard full-time schedule, leaving little room for personal time or professional development.

Despite these grueling hours, the financial rewards are reportedly insufficient. Many appraisers earn less than the national Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI), which is currently set at 16,576 euros per year. For self-independent professionals, this income level is particularly problematic as it must cover not only living expenses but also business overheads, social security contributions, and taxes. The disparity between the effort required and the compensation received is the primary driver of the current industrial action.

A critical factor exacerbating the current crisis is the stagnation of fees over the last decade and a half. The appraisers point out that their remuneration rates have been frozen since 2008. Over this seventeen-year period, the cost of living, inflation, and business expenses have risen significantly, yet the income generated per valuation has remained static.

This long-term freeze has eroded the real value of their earnings, effectively reducing their purchasing power year after year. The combination of stagnant fees and excessive working hours has created a "race to the bottom" dynamic within the industry. The AETH argues that this model is not only unfair to the workers but also threatens the quality and sustainability of the valuation services that are crucial for the stability of the housing market.

The following data points summarize the core issues driving the strike action:

• Strike start date: December 15, 2025
• Number of striking workers: Approximately 3,000 self-employed individuals
• Representative body: Asociación Española de Tasadores Hipotecarios (AETH), covering 75% of the profession
• Maximum reported weekly hours: 80 hours
• Annual earnings: Frequently below 16,576 euros (SMI)
• Fee history: Frozen since 2008

Why are mortgage appraisers on strike?
They are protesting against precarious working conditions, specifically the combination of excessive working hours that can reach 80 hours per week and remuneration that often falls below the legal minimum wage. They are also demanding an end to fee freezes that have been in place since 2008.

Who is leading the protest?
The Asociación Española de Tasadores Hipotecarios (AETH) is the main organization behind the strike. They represent the majority of the profession, specifically 75% of all mortgage appraisers in the country.

When did the strike start?
The indefinite strike began on December 15, 2025. The workers have not set a specific end date, indicating they will continue the action until their demands are addressed.