News
House prices soar by almost 10% in Barcelona as the economy loses pace in 2025
The balance between the economy and everyday life in Barcelona is under strain after the end of 2025. While economic growth continues, the sharp rise in housing costs sets the city’s real pulse: living in Barcelona is now more expensive than ever, both to buy and to rent.
House prices rose by around 10% in the last year. New-build homes reached 5,359 euros per square metre, while the second-hand market exceeded an average of 414,000 euros per home. Rents also broke records, standing at 17.04 euros per square metre per month, with fewer contracts signed but more active listings in circulation.
At the same time, the economy is growing, but at a slower pace. GDP increased by 3%, below the 3.8% of the previous year. The services sector was once again the main driver, with commerce, hospitality and transport particularly prominent, driven in part by tourism’s strong performance.
Households’ disposable income grew by 5.2%, practically half the previous year’s rate, reflecting a slowdown in income. Employment, however, remains stable: the unemployment rate ended at 7.7%, although the first figures for 2026 point to a slight upturn.
Tourism continues to post historic figures. In March 2026 alone, hotels received 720,000 visitors, with a notable increase in domestic tourism. Estados Unidos, Reino Unido y Francia lead the international flow, consolidating the city as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations.
The combination of rising prices, more moderate growth and tourism pressure paints a complex picture. For many residents, the main concern is not so much macroeconomic developments as real access to housing and the cost of living, factors that already shape everyday decisions such as where to live, work or even remain in the city.