In recent months, Catalonia’s real estate market has undergone significant changes. An increasing number of property owners are choosing to sell their apartments, driven by fears not only of overdue rent payments but also of their homes being taken over by so-called ‘okupas.’ This trend is particularly pronounced in major cities, where finding an available apartment to rent has become nearly impossible. Owners are worried that if issues arise with tenants or in cases of illegal occupation, reclaiming their property would be extremely difficult and costly.
According to industry professionals, it is the fear of legal vulnerability and prolonged court proceedings that compels people to sell. Catalonia reports the highest number of illegal home occupations in all of Spain. One in five court cases involving property squatting occurs in this region. Increasingly, owners are opting to sell rather than risk waiting months to evict unreliable tenants or squatters.
Reasons for leaving the market
Among the main reasons owners decide to sell are not only fears of squatting and non-payment, but also a general sense of instability. Constant changes in legislation, new rental rules, and caps on price increases have created an atmosphere of uncertainty. Many believe that the current laws tend to protect tenants more than owners and fail to provide sufficient guarantees for running a secure business.
Adding to this are the rising costs of property maintenance: taxes, insurance, utilities, and contributions to homeowners’ associations. All of these factors make renting out property less attractive, especially for small investors who are not willing to accept low returns and high risks.
Financial motives
In 2025, three key motives for selling property come to the forefront. First, there is the desire to avoid problems with non-paying tenants and illegal occupancy. Second, many families are looking to take advantage of current high real estate prices to boost their liquidity and strengthen their financial position amid high interest rates.
The third reason is uncertainty about future regulations and tax policy. New laws limiting rent increases and introducing additional requirements for owners are making many reconsider whether it is worth staying in the rental market. As a result, the supply of long-term rental apartments in Catalonia continues to decline.
Investors at the starting line
While some owners are eager to get rid of their properties, others see this as an opportunity for profitable investment. Professional investors continue to buy apartments actively, betting on long-term growth in demand and prices. They believe that shortage of supply will lead to higher rents in the coming years.
However, today’s investors have new demands when it comes to property management. They want more than just to purchase an asset—they expect comprehensive support, ranging from legal assistance to tax planning. Increasingly, transactions are handled by specialized firms that assume all risks and ensure stable returns.
The market is changing
The rental market in Catalonia is becoming increasingly strained. Property owners are no longer willing to accept a lack of guarantees and the difficulties associated with evicting problematic tenants. As a result, more and more apartments are being withdrawn from the rental market and put up for sale, further intensifying the shortage of affordable rental housing.
Industry professionals point out that without legal reforms and faster court procedures, the situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon. For now, investors continue to seek opportunities, while typical owners prefer not to take risks and are leaving the market.
If you didn’t know, Fincas Eva is one of Catalonia’s leading property management companies. The organization specializes in supporting real estate sales and rentals, and also provides legal and tax assistance to property owners. The company is headed by Eva López Cordero, who takes an active role in addressing market challenges and offering solutions to improve homeowner security.
