In a Barcelona suburb where new housing developments are a rare occurrence, a major residential project is now underway and has already captured the real estate market’s attention. Construction has begun on a complex in the municipality of Sant Just Desvern designed for 586 apartments. The ambitious undertaking is backed by well-known lawyer Tomás Dagá and the Grifols Roura family, who plan to invest 250 million euros in the district’s development. The project, named Miravern, promises not just housing but a vibrant urban environment with shops, cafés, and gyms.
The complex will rise at carretera Reial, 136, a strategically located site with convenient access to Barcelona. Major roads, bus routes, and tram lines all intersect here, making the location especially attractive for future residents. Most of the investment comes from Fatjó, a company owned by Dagá, while a quarter of the financing is provided by Deria—the Grifols Roura family structure, which also controls a significant stake in pharmaceutical giant Grifols.
New benchmarks
Construction has already begun, and the first residential building, Vilà, is now on the market. The project also designates about a hundred apartments as price-capped housing, aiming to address the acute shortage of affordable options in the region. This move is especially relevant given the rapid rise in prices and shortage of new developments in Barcelona and its suburbs.
The architectural concept of Miravern features seven residential buildings connected by shared recreation and sports areas. Residents will have access to swimming pools, spacious terraces, multipurpose halls, as well as underground parking and storage rooms. The commercial section will occupy 10,000 square meters and will include a supermarket, fitness center, shops, and cafes. Special attention has been paid to integrating the complex into the urban environment, with pedestrian alleys linking the new district to the rest of the municipality.
Project details
The first phase of construction, in the Vilà building, offers two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 60 to 102 square meters. Prices start at €438,000. The architects prioritized natural lighting, while the exterior draws inspiration from the organic lines of the Collserola mountain range. Initial financing was provided by Banco Santander, highlighting the investors’ commitment to the project.
The launch of Miravern comes at a time when Barcelona’s housing market faces a severe shortage of new properties. This is driving prices up and limiting options for buyers. Tomàs Daga has experience with similar developments: his company Fatjó previously completed residential complexes in Cornellà, the Sant Andreu district, and Sant Just Desvern itself.
Investment fund
At the end of 2024, Fatjó’s assets were valued at 188 million euros. Daga’s investment activities are closely tied to his involvement in the Scranton holding, which owns 8.7% of Grifols shares and manages part of the group’s capital. Deria, in turn, brings together several members of the Grifols Roura family and actively invests not only in real estate but also in other sectors of the economy. Deria already has a track record of successful projects in various fields, affirming both their experience and ambition.
Miravern is transforming from merely another residential complex into a strategic asset for the entire region. Every new home here is seen as a pivotal event capable of shifting the balance in the property market. With demand for housing outpacing supply, projects like this take on special importance and spark lively debate among both experts and residents.
Urban transformation
The emergence of Miravern could become a catalyst for further development in Sant Just Desvern and its integration into the dynamic life of Barcelona. Investors are aiming to create not just a residential cluster, but a full-fledged urban space with developed infrastructure and a vibrant social environment. In the coming years, the district may become one of the most attractive places to live in the suburbs of the Catalan capital.
While some watch the construction with curiosity, others wonder: will this project disrupt the housing market or is it just another attempt to capitalize on shortages? The answers will become clear in the coming years, as the first residents move into the new apartments and the commercial spaces come to life.
RUSSPAIN reminds that Tomás Daga is a well-known Spanish lawyer and entrepreneur, co-founder of the law firm Osborne Clarke and advisor to the pharmaceutical company Grifols. The Grifols Roura family is one of the main shareholder groups in Grifols, an international leader in plasma-based pharmaceuticals. Their investment structures are actively involved in developing various sectors of the Spanish economy, including real estate, finance, and industry.
