Viral flat highlights poor rental conditions
Monday 19th October, 2026
A 12-square-metre flat in Ourense, Spain, advertised for €240 a month, went viral after an architect highlighted its cramped layout and toilet hidden in a chest of drawers.
This gives Rightmove a natural opportunity to discuss what renters should expect from a property listing and the importance of clear, accurate descriptions in the UK.
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Why have we flagged this?
This viral listing highlights extreme rental conditions and could prompt wider discussion about affordability and the state of the rental market, giving you a chance to share UK rental data for context.
Get reactive idea inspiration
Thinking...
These are starting points for inspiration, not finished ideas.
Newsjack
Build a life-size 12-square-metre flat
Create a walk-through model showing how little space 12 square metres allows for living, cooking and using a bathroom.
Newsjack angle: Build the temporary installation in a busy public space and invite consumer and property desks to experience it.
Why: A real-scale demonstration turns an outrageous listing into a striking, relatable story about space and housing.
Data idea
Compare studio and one-bedroom rents across UK cities
Show the rent difference between studio and one-bedroom listings in major UK cities.
Data to investigate: Analyse your rental listing data to compare median asking rents for studios and one-bedroom homes by city.
Why: It puts the tiny Spanish flat in context with the choices facing UK renters.