An optimistic future for buying and selling homes
A recent study prepared by the University of Barcelona and the consulting firm Forcadell presents an encouraging perspective for the Spanish real estate market. According to estimates, more than 825,000 housing transactions could be registered in 2025, most of them corresponding to second-hand properties, with a significant increase in prices.
Price increase in a context of growth
The study predicts that the prices of new properties could increase by 10%, while used flats could experience an increase of up to 15%. This trend is expected to also have an impact on the rental sector, which will continue to climb towards new records, surpassing the current figures in the provincial capitals.
The impact of regulations on the rental market
Gonzalo Bernardos, economist and professor at the UB, points out that, although Barcelona has managed to control rental prices thanks to regulations, this has led to a reduction in supply. In contrast, Madrid, with no price caps, has seen a sharper increase in rental costs, with a wider range on offer.
The difficulty of accessing the rental market
Bernardos also emphasizes that the limitation of prices has complicated access to rent, leaving many potential tenants in a difficult situation. Forcadell, on the other hand, has not observed a significant deviation of the supply towards seasonal rentals.
Moving to the property
The study reveals that the increase in rents is encouraging a change in demand, with many citizens considering the purchase of a home as a more viable alternative. Bernardos has expressed that the idea of wasting money on rent is increasingly present among the population.
Criticism of the tourism model of Collboni
Bernardos has not spared from criticizing Jaume Collboni’s strategy, which seeks to eliminate tourist flats in Barcelona in five years. According to him, this decision could limit the city’s ability to welcome tourists and will not solve the housing problems facing the population.
Alternatives for the growth of the housing stock
To counteract the situation, Bernardos proposes transforming empty offices into homes, a measure that could concentrate the supply in areas such as 22@ and increase the number of apartments available for rent.
A look at the future of the real estate market
The authors of the study do not anticipate an imminent real estate bubble, although they foresee intense competition between financial institutions to attract new customers through mortgages, with stricter requirements for their granting.
