Real estate in Barcelona – Barcelona.Realestate

Types of real estate in Barcelona

Available for purchase:

• Ready-to-move-in apartments and units in off-plan residential complexes
• Luxury penthouses
• Duplexes
• Various types of houses: villas, townhouses, bungalows, castles and estates, fincas and triplexes
• Commercial properties for shops, hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars, warehouses or fully operational businesses

Apartments and flats

Apartments in Barcelona are available in a variety of layouts. The most compact option is studio apartments, where the kitchen, bedroom and living area are combined into one space. This format is popular among investors.

1-bedroom apartments are more spacious and feature a separate bedroom. The kitchen and living room may be combined or kept separate. These are optimal for single residents and rental businesses.

2-bedroom apartments and larger – with up to 10 bedrooms – are also available. Another popular type is the duplex, a spacious two-level apartment with an internal staircase. These offer clear zoning: the living room and kitchen are on the lower level, while the bedrooms and bathrooms are on the upper level. It’s an excellent choice for families.

Before the decision to buy real estate in Barcelona, consider the type of apartment building. Modern apartments in new buildings often feature ergonomic layouts, panoramic windows, large kitchens and living areas and multiple bathrooms. Many new developments also offer shared amenities, including barbecue areas, swimming pools, landscaped recreation zones, playgrounds, and more.

Older buildings typically offer fewer amenities. They often lack elevators, have outdated utilities, and have apartments that tend to be smaller and less convenient. However, their key advantage is location. Such buildings are usually situated in central neighbourhoods, making them ideal for both living and rental purposes. Still, proceed with caution if you’re buying real estate for sale in Barcelona, Spain, for investment: the region limits the issuance of new short-term rental licenses. Be sure to confirm whether a property has a tourist license or can obtain one.

Villas and houses

Barcelona’s province offers various types of houses, from 3-bedroom villas to exclusive historic castles. Here's a brief overview:

• Villas in Barcelona are standalone luxury homes, often featuring spacious gardens, swimming pools, private garages or parking spaces. They’re typically located in prestigious suburban neighbourhoods and coastal areas. Most are two-story homes. For example, modern 4-bedroom villas usually include an entrance hall, a bathroom, a large open-plan living room, a kitchen and a terrace on the first floor. Upstairs, there are bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets.
• Townhouses are multi-level urban houses divided into several separate units. While sharing walls with neighbours, like in an apartment, they offer a private entrance and a small outdoor area. This makes them suitable for families and less expensive to maintain than a villa.
• Triplexes are three-story urban houses with balconies or terraces.
• Bungalows are single-story homes, often with a terrace and a small garden.
• Castles and estates are historical buildings or manor homes located on large plots of land. Some have protected status. They appeal to those seeking privacy and historical charm.
• Fincas are large rural estates intended for agriculture, typically including residential or leisure buildings.

Penthouses

A penthouse is a luxury apartment located on the top floor of a building, often occupying the entire floor. Besides privacy, its main advantage is the breathtaking views of the city or the sea. Most penthouses feature large terraces that serve as outdoor living rooms in summer. Premium units may come with rooftop Jacuzzis or pools and private elevators.

Luxury

The capital of Catalonia is strengthening its position in the global luxury property market. In the first half of 2025, Barcelona recorded a 0.5% increase in prime property prices, ranking 7th among European cities for growth. This performance contrasts with that of more traditional markets: during the same period, prices in London and Paris fell by 1.6% and 0.7%, respectively.

Several factors contribute to this growth. Political and economic stability make the city attractive to high-net-worth buyers and investors. At the same time, a limited supply of luxury apartments and villas in prime locations drives up prices. In areas where land and high-quality properties are scarce, demand translates into price increases more quickly. Market behaviour is also shifting: investors are prioritising long-term, income-generating assets over short-term speculation. As a result, there’s growing interest in premium properties with strong rental potential and high liquidity.

If political stability persists, quality supply remains limited, and investor interest holds firm, Barcelona is well-positioned to sustain and grow this positive trend in the coming years.

Cheap

Real estate prices in Barcelona are among the highest in the country. For instance, in the prestigious Sarrià – Sant Gervasi district, the price per square metre can reach EUR 6,738. However, relatively cheap property can still be found in the province:

• Studios and small apartments.
• Lower-floor units and buildings without elevators.
• Homes farther from the city centre and in suburban areas.

As of October 2025, districts with the lowest price per square metre include:

• Nou Barris – EUR 2,804
• Sant Andreu – EUR 3,774
• Horta Guinardó – EUR 3,862

In suburbs and satellite towns such as L’Hospitalet, Badalona and Cornellà de Llobregat, apartment prices are typically lower than in the city centre (EUR 2,300–EUR 2,700 per m²), while still offering easy access to the city via public transportation.

Off-plan property

Barcelona’s new-build market is highly diverse. Large-scale redevelopment projects are underway in industrial and old urban areas, while classic residential complexes are being built in the suburbs, and historic buildings are being renovated. Developers focus on energy efficiency, daily comfort and multifunctionality of properties.

Main types of new developments include:

• Mixed-use complexes that combine residential units, commercial spaces, offices and public areas. Often constructed in former industrial zones. Their main advantage is excellent infrastructure and transport accessibility.
• Historic buildings that have been renovated while preserving their elegant façades and unique architectural style. Their advantage lies in prime central locations.
• Eco-friendly projects, equipped with solar panels, heat pumps, air recovery systems and green roofs. Benefits include low operating costs, high energy-efficiency ratings (Class A), compliance with EU environmental standards, and long-term savings.
• Residential complexes with lifestyle infrastructure, featuring shared spaces such as terraces, gardens, coworking areas, fitness centres, conference rooms, playgrounds, swimming pools and barbecue zones. These ensure comfort in daily life.
• Low-rise suburban developments with private gardens and parking. The key benefit here is the convenience of a private home.

Commercial property

Key types of commercial real estate in Barcelona include:

Best places to buy property in Barcelona

Some of the most popular locations for property investment in Barcelona and the Catalonia region include:

Eixample
The heart of the city is known for its modernist architecture and well-developed infrastructure. This district offers excellent public transportation, plenty of shops and a wide variety of restaurants.

Diagonal Mar
A coastal neighbourhood with modern residential complexes and a high standard of living. The main thoroughfare, Avinguda Diagonal, connects the area to the city centre, which is just a 15-minute drive away. Convenient access to the ring road provides quick travel to other parts of the city and the airport.

Zona Alta
This umbrella term refers to affluent neighbourhoods such as Sarrià – Sant Gervasi and Pedralbes.

• Sarrià – Sant Gervasi is an upscale residential area with quiet streets, green parks and top private schools. Ideal for families and those who value tranquillity with close proximity to the city centre.
• Pedralbes is an exclusive, peaceful neighbourhood surrounded by green hills with scenic sea views. Popular among wealthy residents. With a small population (around 12,000 people), proximity to Collserola Park and only 15 minutes from the city centre, Pedralbes offers optimal conditions for a comfortable life.

Poblenou
A large modern district filled with trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. Many large companies have offices here. Housing options include modern complexes with amenities, plus access to promenades and parks.

Sant Martí
A vast district in the eastern part of the city, stretching along the coastline. It includes most of the city's beaches. Residents enjoy numerous shopping centres, restaurants, sports facilities, kindergartens and schools.

Vila Olímpica
One of the most popular neighbourhoods for living. Located between the historic centre and the coast, it features modern residential complexes. Excellent infrastructure and access to the best beaches make it a top choice for living and investment.

Esplugues
A small town just 10 km from central Barcelona with excellent transportation links. Frequently chosen by affluent families who prefer a quieter environment. It offers international schools, shopping centres, top-tier medical facilities and many parks.

Gràcia
A trendy neighbourhood known for its charming narrow streets, cosy cafes and traditional Catalan squares. It offers a perfect blend of classic architecture and modern housing developments.

Southern coast
A popular area for property buyers. Significant advantages include sea views, proximity to beaches, good transport links, a wide variety of dining options and numerous opportunities for an active lifestyle (tennis academies, golf clubs, sports fields, water sports centres, and more). Most popular towns include Gavà Mar, Castelldefels, Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Coma-Ruga, Calafell, Torredembarra and Cunit.

Northern coast (Costa Maresme)
Extending 50 km north of Barcelona, this area is shielded by the Pyrenees, creating a comfortable microclimate with summer temperatures up to 28°C and mild winters around 10°C. The holiday season runs from May to October. The region has strong road and rail connections, allowing quick access to the city. Most properties are low-rise homes. Notable towns include Alella, Premià de Mar, Cabrils, Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, Mataró, Arenys de Mar and Blanes.

Costa Brava
Stretching 162 km, this coastline is known for its coves, bays and picturesque beaches. Popular places to live include the southern town of Blanes, the well-known resort of Lloret de Mar and municipalities such as Tossa de Mar, Platja d’Aro, Begur, Tamariu, S’Agaró, Llafranc and Palafrugell.

Property investment in Barcelona

Property prices in Barcelona are among the highest in Spain. The average price of resale housing in the province reached a new record of EUR 3,023 per m², representing an annual increase of 10.5%. In the city itself, prices have reached EUR 5,042 per m², showing a 9.7% growth.

Average rental prices in the province have increased by 5.9% year-on-year. At the same time, rental yields in Q3 2025, according to various sources, ranged from 7.17% to 9.76% annually. For comparison, the return on 10-year government bonds is only 3.3%.

Top developers in Barcelona

Leading developers in the region include:

• Metrovacesa – One of Spain’s most prominent developers, established in 1918. In Catalonia, it builds residential complexes with A-rated energy efficiency and eco-certifications. Its 2025 portfolio includes over 1,100 homes under development.
• ARC Homes – A developer specialising in new residential construction and historic building restoration. It has over 75 years of experience.
• CASA – A group of companies with nearly 30 years of experience and more than 100 completed projects in the province. It offers a full development cycle: land acquisition, project development, licensing, construction, renovation, marketing and after-sales services. CASA is a member of the Association of Developers and Construction Companies of Catalonia (APCE).
• Biloba Projectum – A specialist in building and managing industrial, commercial and public projects, with over 25 years of experience. The company focuses on innovative and sustainable solutions, high-quality materials, personalised approaches and competitive pricing.
• INBISA – Operating since 1995, this company strives for leadership in Spain’s real estate market. It has a diversified portfolio of lease assets, including shopping centres, logistics platforms, industrial complexes and office buildings.

Advantages of buying property in Barcelona

• Steady property price growth – over +10% annually.
• High tourist traffic – more than 15 million visitors annually, coupled with strong rental demand from students, expats and employees of international companies.
• Excellent infrastructure – including the international airport El Prat, top-tier medical and educational institutions and a reliable public transport system.
• Mediterranean climate – mild weather, more than 300 sunny days a year, rich cultural and historical heritage and high-quality local produce contribute to a comfortable lifestyle.
• Wide property selection – from historic apartments in the lively city centre to luxury villas on the coast, catering to different goals and budgets.