Madrid concludes auction for controversial 6.7 million euro penthouse linked to regional president

Penthouse sale and bidding terms

Public company Planifica Madrid concludes the bidding window for the 481-square-metre residential property at Paseo General Martínez Campos, 35 in Chamberí on Monday at 23:59. Designated as "lot 2" in a public tender that also includes a building at Gran Vía, 6 with a starting price of 11.8 million euros, the penthouse carries a minimum reserve price of nearly 6.7 million euros before taxes. The sale operates under an upward bidding process, awarding the asset to the highest offer submitted by solvent buyers without outstanding administrative debts. The opening price represents an increase of at least 400,000 euros compared to the amount paid by the regional company earlier in the year. Authorities did not authorize physical visits to the property, leaving bidders to rely on official dossier photographs of the interior and its terrace.

Acquisition history and government explanations

Planifica Madrid completed the purchase of the penthouse for 6.3 million euros on 14 April 2026, though the transaction remained undisclosed until 29 July. Regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso visited the property on 15 April, one day after the deed was signed, following reports that she had looked for housing in Chamberí alongside a presidency director. Initial statements from the regional executive indicated that the residence would house the president during renovations at the government headquarters in Puerta del Sol. Officials subsequently adjusted their explanation, while Ayuso argued that national cabinet ministers and the prime minister hold official residences. In late July, Ayuso announced that the apartment would be sold to allocate the proceeds toward assisting victims of wildfires in the western sierra.

Assets and parliamentary breakdown

Transparency disclosures show Ayuso receives a gross annual salary of 103,930.30 euros, holding 75,860 euros in bank accounts and a flat valued at 140,547.31 euros obtained through a donation in bare ownership in October 2012. The controversy over her living arrangements worsened broader political disputes regarding her partner, Alberto González Amador, who is under investigation for alleged tax fraud. In September 2025, an official round of consultations between Ayuso and opposition spokespersons broke down when Socialist representative Mar Espinar asked about González Amador, his residence, and whether the couple shared it. Ayuso halted the meeting immediately and stood up.

Cancellation of opposition talks

One year after that meeting, the regional government confirmed that pre-session talks with opposition groups remain suspended as Madrid approaches the 2027 regional election year. Regional minister of presidency, government spokesperson, and head of Planifica Madrid Miguel Ángel García Martín defended the decision.

The only thing they came for was to sow discord and to insult.

Opposition parties Más Madrid, the PSOE, and Vox confirmed they received no invitations for institutional dialogue. Más Madrid parliamentary leader Manuela Bergerot and her group described the halt as sectarian governing, observing that past meetings allowed parties to exchange viewpoints despite deep political divisions.