Buying Property in Spain: Barcelona Property Guide
Informative property guides for anyone looking to buy property in Barcelona. Plus, find property in Spain.
Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city, is the capital of the fiercely indpendent Catalan region and is the most popular city break destination in Europe for British travellers, seducing many visitors with its laid-back Mediterranean charm, sophistication and intoxicating nightlife.
The city boasts a number of UNESCO world heritage sites, among them the inspired works of modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. Protected Gaudi sites include La Sagrada Familia, the still as yet unfinished Cathedral, the experimental Park Guell and Casa Vicens, all which make Barcelona very much an open-air museum for the inquisitive visitor.
To find property in Barcelona and more Spanish property, visit: www.justoverseas.co.uk/propertyinspain
British buyers in Barcelona tend to be young professionals, enticed by the café culture and nightlife, but older people too are often attracted by the buzz and excellent climate. Sought after areas to buy include Barceloneta, the old fishing area near the beach, and the Born area, the undoubted centre for all things cool.
Pros of Buying Property in Barcelona
The city has a fantastic cultural scene. There is a range of activities: you can be on the beach in the morning – Barcelona boasts more than 4 kilometres of beaches – and then ski in the Pyrennes after lunch. The climate is good, too, and as a world city, attracts visitors all year-round giving it a cosmopolitan buzz.
Cons of Buying Property in Barcelona
Although the city is officially bi-lingual in Catalan and Spanish, Catalan is spoken extensively, which could give locals an advantage when looking for work, no matter how good your Spanish. There is not an abundance of seasonal work available in the city’s bars, clubs and restaurants, too. On the property front, the holiday-let market is very competitive and new rules make the process bureaucratic.
Spanish Home Buying Process
Foreigners are free to own property in Spain. The buying process is similar to that of the UK, but ensure you hire an English speaking solicitor familiar with Spanish property law before going through with any sale. New rules exist regarding short term lets in Barcelona. The regulations vary from district to district, too, but in order to rent out property legally you will have to apply for a license.
Tip: ensure an English speaking lawyer checks on this before buying.
Back to Overseas Property Guides Index Page
Spanish Property Guides by Region:
Buying Property in Spain: Costa Brava Property Guide
Buying Property in Spain: Costa Blanca Property Guide
Buying Property in Spain: Mallorca Property Guide
Buying Property in Spain: Ibiza Property Guide
Property in Spain: Costa Del Sol Property Guide
Buying Property in Spain: Barcelona Property Guide
Property in Spain: Buying Property in Madrid