Barcelona presents a compelling opportunity for property investment, distinguished by its enviable climate and enduring appeal as a global tourist destination. Beyond its favorable weather (300+ days of sunshine per year!) Spain’s second-largest city boasts a vibrant cultural scene. From the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, to a myriad of museums, top-rated restaurants, art galleries, and lively festivals, Barcelona’s dynamic environment attracts visitors and long-term residents alike.
To get the inside scoop on what neighborhoods buyers are gravitating to today and why, we spoke with Josep Turró and Chi Wei Chin, Managing Partners at The Agency Barcelona.
From your perspective, which Barcelona neighborhoods are seeing the most interest from buyers right now? And what’s driving demand?
Barcelona city has 10 districts, each of which has a number of neighborhoods within. The main affluent districts seeing the highest demand include Eixample, where the Sagrada Familia area and the Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample neighborhood are seeing steeper price increases. Another in-demand area is Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, where the El Putxet i el Farró and Sant Gervasi-Galvany neighborhoods are seeing great growth.
What types of buyers are gravitating toward each of those neighborhoods, and what are they looking for?
La Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample is increasingly popular with younger buyers seeking a central and dynamic lifestyle. Its location provides easy access to Plaça de Francesc Macià to the north, Sant Antoni to the south, and the heart of Eixample within just a few blocks, placing residents at the center of Barcelona’s most active districts.
With lively cafés, restaurants, and shops set against a backdrop of Modernista architecture, this neighborhood blends cultural charm with relative affordability, making it especially attractive to young professionals and international residents who want vibrancy and convenience in equal measure.
Insider Hot Spots
Dine like locals at Michelin-starred Disfrutar, Hermanos Torres, or Bar Canyi. Stretch your legs at Parc Joan Miro and Arenas De Barcelona, and quench your thirst at Dry Martini.
El Putxet i el Farró is attracting families, young professionals, and international buyers who value its blend of tranquility and urban convenience. Once a retreat for Barcelona’s wealthy, it now presents a wide range of homes at prices often more affordable than in Eixample or Pedralbes.
With excellent schools, green parks, and strong transport links, it appeals to those seeking quality of life close to the city’s pulse. And as activity in Barcelona increasingly shifts eastward, the neighborhood is becoming ever more central, making it a smart choice for buyers who want both lifestyle and long-term value.
Insider Hot Spots
Take the family to Parc del Turó del Putxet, visit the local gardens at Parc del Turó del Putxet, and the homes of Vicens Gaudí and Padua to work up an appetite before discovering culinary delights at ABaC and Sensato. For happy hour cocktails, Soho Pool House Barcelona (which just opened this year) and Aüc Bar are both locally loved landing spots.
Sant Gervasi-Galvany attracts affluent international investors, discerning buyers, and professionals who are drawn to its spacious apartments with high-end finishes, as well as families who value its excellent schools, parks, and calm atmosphere.
These buyers are looking for a sophisticated lifestyle with a balance of tranquility and convenience. They enjoy the neighborhood’s green spaces, cultural and commercial amenities, and its easy access to the most exclusive parts of the city center.
Insider Hot Spots
According to Turró and Chin, the must-visit places to eat in this area include Cafe de Paris, Aspic in Pau Casals, and Gatsby, while spots for happy hour cocktails include Focacha and Rabbits Bar. Discover an urban oasis at Parc del Turo and explore pristine landscaping at the Muñoz Ramonet Gardens. End the day by shopping for culinary delicacies at Mercat Galvany.
Are there any emerging or lesser-known neighborhoods you believe are on the rise? Why should buyers keep an eye on them?
For Luxury Living
While Barcelona’s luxury market remains focused on Turó Park (Sant Gervasi–Galvany) and Pedralbes, where spacious homes, green areas, and top schools attract international families, demand is rising for refurbished historic apartments in l’Eixample. Buyers in this area prioritize lifestyle—quiet streets, homes with terraces, and proximity to fine dining and shopping—alongside prestige.
For Investment
El Poble-sec offers properties at affordable entry points with strong upside in a relaxed yet highly central setting. The Raval also presents tremendous value—where investors can achieve attractive yields and acquire beautiful, well-located properties. Over the longer term, both El Poble-sec and the Raval have the potential to become standout investment areas, thanks to their centrality and accessible price points. Both areas appeal to buyers and renters looking to spend extended periods in the city.
How have buyers’ lifestyle preferences shifted in the Barcelona market over the past year, and how is that reflected in neighborhood popularity?
Lifestyle priorities in Barcelona have shifted toward central, connected, and convenient living—with a premium on livability through quieter streets, green axes, and easy access to the city’s tech hubs.
As a result, neighborhoods like La Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample, Sagrada Família, and El Putxet i el Farró have seen sharp rises in popularity among younger buyers, professionals, and long-term investors.
Alongside location, buyers are increasingly focused on quality, which has boosted demand for refurbished properties that combine historic character with modern comforts.
At the same time, single-family homes—particularly those with terraces, patios, or pools—are gaining appeal among families and international buyers who value private outdoor space and a more independent lifestyle within the city.
What’s the best advice you would give someone considering a property purchase in Barcelona today?
Barcelona has been one of the most exciting and creative cities in Europe for decades and is experiencing some exciting recent momentum. While there are many opportunities to acquire properties for refurbishment and investment, for those looking to live in the moment, our advice is to try to acquire the best, move-in-ready properties in the city, so you can start enjoying the local lifestyle right away. The city is increasingly attracting an elite community with multiple global residences, who enjoy the freedom, value, quality of life and cosmopolitan fun the city offers.
Thinking of making a move to Barcelona? Get in touch with our local team at The Agency Barcelona to learn more about the market and see available properties. Reach Josep Turró and Chi Wei Chin directly at +34.610.386.475 and +34.697.241.529 or by email at chi.chin@theagencyre.com and josep.turro@theagencyre.com.
