Catalonia regains leadership in the real estate market
In 2025, Catalonia once again ranked second for the number of property transactions in Spain, behind only Andalusia. In recent years, the Valencia Community had surpassed the region, but shifting trends have changed the balance. From January to July, 67,415 transactions were recorded in Catalonia, exceeding the 65,323 operations logged in Valencia. According to the National Institute of Statistics, the volume of deals in Catalonia grew by 21.6% over the year—significantly above the national average and well ahead of Valencia’s growth rate.
A similar trend has been noted by notaries: in the first seven months of the year, 70,651 transactions were registered in Catalonia—292 more than in the neighboring region. August data confirm the trend’s persistence: Catalonia holds onto second place in the number of property deals, trailing only Andalusia and ahead of Madrid.
Housing demand and geography of interest
Catalonia also leads in the number of cities with high interest in property purchases. Of the 50 most attractive locations for buyers in the country, 16 are in this region. Among them are Barcelona, as well as cities such as Santa Coloma de Gramenet, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Badalona, Cornellà de Llobregat, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Manresa, Rubí, Terrassa, and Castelldefels. The list also includes Lleida, Tarragona, and nearby towns: Reus, Salou, and Mont-roig del Camp. All these locations are part of high-pressure markets, where price restrictions set by the housing law are in effect.
In the Valencian Community, the top 50 includes Valencia, Torrent, Gandia, Cullera, Oliva, Alicante, Castellón de la Plana, El Campello, and Oropesa del Mar.
Reasons for change: rent, loans, and demographics
Experts point out that the shift in the rankings is due to several factors. The main ones are tension in the rental market and improved mortgage lending conditions. In Catalonia, especially in the Barcelona metropolitan area, many private owners chose to sell their apartments rather than rent them out due to new rules and price caps. This increased supply on the market and led to a rise in property sales.
The stabilization of interest rates also played a role: buyers who had previously postponed their decision are now more active. As a result, new groups have entered the market—young families and investors who had previously focused on renting.
Catalonia has a strong internal demand for housing due to its population density and economic activity. The region continues to see significant interest from both local residents and foreign buyers, particularly from Europe, who are attracted to the coastal areas.
Challenges for Valencia and Market Prospects
In the Valencian Community, the real estate market largely depends on demand for second homes and foreign investors. These groups are more sensitive to fluctuations in tourism, the international situation, and migration policies. The region has also seen a significant rise in prices: the average property cost has reached a historic high of €2,321 per square meter, which is above the national average and nearly double the growth rate seen in Catalonia.
Experts note an increase in new construction projects in Catalonia, a trend not observed in Valencia. The perception of legal risks also plays a role: foreign buyers are wary of potential difficulties with tenant evictions, which affects the region’s investment appeal.
Market Outlook: Uncertainty Remains
Experts believe it is too early to talk about a long-term trend shift. The real estate market depends on many factors: housing availability, regional policies, interest rates, and consumer sentiment. Any changes in legislation or the economy could once again shift the balance between regions. For now, Catalonia firmly holds second place in the number of real estate transactions in Spain.
