Barcelona is a city of contrasts, where prices per square meter can vary depending on the area. Researching the real estate market in this Spanish city requires a careful approach. Purchasing a home here is not only a financial investment, but also an immersion in the unique atmosphere of each area. Understanding the difference in prices and the factors that influence the attractiveness of a place will help you make an informed choice when buying property in Barcelona.

What determines the cost per square meter

The process of assessing the value of real estate cannot be simplified due to the many influencing factors; even in the same area, prices can vary significantly.

For example, even if two houses are in the same area and have the same square footage, the price may vary greatly due to different building conditions, views, amenities, infrastructure, and other factors. Therefore, to accurately assess the value of real estate, it is important to take into account all these nuances and seek help from professionals in this field.

Factors to consider include the general condition of the property, its age, the area's infrastructure, proximity to public spaces and transportation routes, and the demand for housing in the area.

The rise in prices in the area for investment is important. The right location, taking into account development and reconstruction, can add 10-30% to the cost. This means that choosing the right location to invest in is of utmost importance. Areas with active development and redevelopment tend to attract investors, as real estate investments in these areas can generate significant income. Therefore, conducting a thorough market analysis and choosing the optimal location are key steps for successful investments.

Barcelona has 10 districts with different infrastructure and standards of living. Property prices can vary greatly. Some areas attract the middle class, others - people with high incomes or modest needs. There are areas with unconventional lifestyles that are not always suitable for investment. Disadvantaged areas can be found in the city center, such as the Raval district a few steps from the prestigious Paseo de Gracia. While prices in Sant Gervasi, a remote area, rise every year.

Proximity to the sea affects the price per square meter in different areas of Barcelona. For tourists it is an advantage, for local residents it is a disadvantage. At the same time, the most prestigious areas are located in the southwest of the city, despite the high prices for real estate by the sea.

Each area of ​​Barcelona has its own characteristics, attracting different categories of people. But, no matter what criteria are your priority: comfort, prestige or accessibility - in Barcelona you will definitely find the ideal place to live.

General picture as of the beginning of 2024

In Barcelona, ​​at the end of 2023, the highest average home sales price in the last five years was recorded - 4,500 euros per square meter. Rental prices have increased sharply to 25 euros.

Housing prices in Barcelona are expected to rise steadily in 2024. This is a positive dynamic. Demand for housing in this beautiful city remains high, confirming its popularity among residents and tourists. Potential investors are also showing interest in properties in the area, pushing up prices. Barcelona continues to attract people with its unique character, rich culture and warm climate, making it one of the most desirable places to live and holiday.

Comparison of areas by prices

Sales and rentals of square meters in Barcelona vary by area. Prices in the most expensive area are twice as high as in the most affordable.

  1. Sarrià - Sant Gervasi. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is a prestigious area with high housing costs, attracting an affluent segment of the population. The residents' high level of education and low unemployment make it a desirable place to live. Housing prices have increased here, resulting in high returns for investors.
  2. Les Corts. Les Corts is one of the oldest districts of Barcelona. Previously, this was a prestigious place for villas; today it is practically the center of the city. Housing prices here are high, the average cost per square meter in the upper part of the area is 5,500 euros.
  3. Eixample. Eixample occupies a confident third place in terms of prices for real estate in Barcelona and a leading position in demand. The price per square meter in Eixample for autumn 2023 averages 5,500 euros per square meter. In 2016, it could be bought for 4,000 thousand euros. In the golden square of this central area of ​​the city, prices per square meter start from 10,000 euros.
  4. Gracia. The Gràcia district of Barcelona is famous for its historic buildings, boutiques, restaurants and wine bars. Property prices here are rising, although the average price per square meter is about 5,000 euros.
  5. Ciutat Vella. Ciutat Vella is the historical center of Barcelona, ​​the fifth most expensive per square meter. A tourist place with a sea, which affects the seasonality of the rental and the sales price. The price per square meter increased from 3,750 to 4,500 euros in five years, an increase of only 12%. Real estate in the center is growing more slowly due to high liquidity.
  6. Sant Marti. Sant Martí is east of Barcelona, ​​a coastal area with tourist traffic and developed infrastructure. The price per square meter here is about 4,000 euros, but thanks to rapid development and new development projects, the area shows potential for future growth.
  7. Sants-Montjuic. The district of Sants-Montjuïc, like Sant Martí, is located on the coast, but south of the historical city center. The property market in both areas has fluctuated over five years, including the impact of the pandemic, but the average price per square meter here reaches 3,750 euros.
  8. Horta-Guinardó. Horta-Guinardó is an area in Barcelona that is attractive to the middle class. Housing price 2850 euros per sq.m. Housing prices rose, reached a peak of 3,602 euros, and are now experiencing a correction. Investments in the area have yielded little return over the past five years. Experts do not consider the area promising; they advise considering investments individually.
  9. Sant Andreu. The Sant Andreu district in Barcelona ranks second to last in price, but shows stability and has great development. The cost of housing here is 3,250 euros per square meter. The area is attractive for Spaniards to live in, despite the lack of tourist attraction. Prices are expected to rise due to the construction of new facilities.
  10. Nou Barris. Nou Barris is an affordable area of ​​Barcelona in the north. Home prices here have increased by 25% over the past five years, making it an attractive investment despite its simpler surroundings.

General conclusions about where it is more profitable to buy real estate

Having studied the prices of real estate in new buildings in different areas of Barcelona, ​​it is clear that they differ by more than twice and can move differently. The variety of prices between areas creates the impression of competition for investors.

Overall, the average price of new housing sold in Barcelona in 2023 was 7,500 euros per square meter.

It should be borne in mind that the characteristics of real estate properties, such as area, decoration, condominium (presence of air conditioning, heating, green areas in the residence, etc.) vary greatly, so the prices for new housing in those areas where the properties have the best characteristics are significantly higher.

The final ranking of the price per square meter of new housing in Barcelona looks like this:

In recent years, there have been unusual trends in the real estate market in the city center, as well as in the areas of Sant Andreu, Badalona, ​​Sant Martin and along the sea. Prices are rising every year, and investments in prestigious and developing areas for people with high incomes are profitable. In unstable times, it is worth paying attention to available facilities; the demand for them is less dependent on the economic situation. Investors in Spanish real estate are advised to study the territory development plans. Decisions should be made carefully, consulting experts for each property.

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