Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist party has opened up an almost 12-point lead over the conservative Partido Popular in the latest state-run opinion poll.

The October survey by the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS) puts the PSOE on 34% of the estimated vote, up three percentage points from September.

Alberto Nuñez Feijoo’s PP trails on 22.2%, while far-right Vox stands at 17.1%, ahead of the November 29 general election.

The poll was conducted between October 1 and 6, during the announcement of the snap election.

It does not provide a projection of parliamentary seats, meaning the figures do not establish who would be able to form a government.

Sumar-Frente Amplio takes 6.1% and Podemos 3.1%. Their combined support of 9.2% remains below the 12.3% secured by Sumar in 2023, when Podemos was part of the same coalition.

Meanwhile, the parties that backed Sanchez’s investiture collectively reach 50.6%. PP, Vox and UPN total 39.4%, rising to 41.2% if Alvise Perez’s Se Acabo la Fiesta is included.

Housing dominates public concerns

The survey also reveals a sharp rise in anxiety about housing.

Some 55.7% of respondents name it among Spain’s three biggest problems, up from 37.4% in September. Almost 30% identify it as the country’s single most pressing issue.

Immigration follows on 20.9%, narrowly ahead of the economic crisis on 20.3%.

The findings come amid political fallout over the eviction of Maricarmen and fierce debate over government housing measures.

Asked what should take priority in cases involving vulnerable people, 57.1% favour protecting them, while 32.7% prioritise enforcing the law and contracts.

Several housing proposals attract support across political divides. A proposed 10% tax on tourist flats is backed by 60.8% of PP voters and 56.1% of Vox voters.

However, more than eight in ten voters from both parties oppose automatic rental contract extensions and indefinite tenancies.

PP voters drift towards Vox

The survey suggests the PP is struggling to hold on to parts of its electorate.

Among those who voted for the party in 2023, 62.7% would support it again, while 13.4% would switch to Vox.

It also points to stronger mobilisation on the left, as 89% of previous PSOE voters and 90.5% of Sumar voters say they will definitely vote.

The equivalent figures for PP and Vox voters have fallen to 85.3% and 84.5%, respectively.