The Madrid regional government has acquired a 485-square-metre luxury penthouse in the Chamberí district for use by President Isabel Díaz Ayuso while the Real Casa de Correos government headquarters undergoes renovation beginning in August. The public company Planifica Madrid purchased the property on 14 April from Astrid Gil-Casares, ex-wife of Ferrovial chairman Rafael del Pino Calvo-Sotelo, at an estimated market value of several million euros.
The opposition has reacted sharply. Más Madrid lawmaker Marta Carmona filed requests in the regional assembly to debate the purchase and summon councillor Rocío Albert. The PSOE's Madrid branch secretary-general Óscar López accused Ayuso of spending four million euros of public funds on the property and alleged urban planning irregularities over its residential use. The PSOE has demanded full explanations.
Ayuso has justified the acquisition as necessary for institutional meetings during the renovation. López also referenced a country house in Rascafría bought for 4.3 million euros in 2023 that was similarly used by Ayuso and her family. No senior figures from the governing People's Party have publicly defended the president.