Can I get a tourist rental license (HUT) in Barcelona?

Assume no new tourist license. Most investors plan for mid-term (6–11 months) or long-term rentals and verify building and community rules per address.

Should I do mid-term or long-term rentals?

Mid-term suits areas near business hubs, hospitals, and international schools; long-term fits quieter residential pockets. The best choice depends on the street and building.

Can non-residents get a Spanish mortgage?

Yes. LTVs are typically lower and documentation stricter than for residents, but approvals are common with proper preparation.

Should I buy as an individual or through a company?

Most buyers purchase personally. Company structures add accounting and compliance and only make sense in specific tax or portfolio cases—consult your tax advisor.

What documents do I need (NIE, bank, checks)?

You will need an NIE and a Spanish bank account. Due diligence typically includes the nota simple, cédula de habitabilidad, energy certificate, ITE/certificado de aptitud, and community debts/minutes.

Where are investors buying in Barcelona right now?

For value and growth: Sant Martí and 22@ pockets such as Poblenou. For classic liquidity: selected Eixample micro-areas. For value plays: selected streets in El Raval.

What are the ongoing ownership costs?

IBI (property tax), community fees, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and periodic building works. Budget for turns between tenancies.

What should I know about renovations?

Older buildings can hide issues that inflate budgets. Price contingencies and check community plans for upcoming works before committing.

Is Barcelona safe for owners and tenants?

Violent crime is rare; pickpocketing exists in tourist cores. Choose streets and buildings wisely and follow normal city habits.

Investing in Barcelona: FAQ's

Have Questions About Buying Property in Barcelona?

At-a-Glance ROI by Area (2025)

Quick comparisons investors ask for most. Ranges below are indicative gross and vary by street, light, elevator, terrace, and building condition. Net will be lower once you factor IBI, community fees, insurance, and maintenance.

Sant Martí & 22@ (incl. Poblenou)

Buyer profile: professionals, families, tech relocations.
Stock: newer builds, terraces; some loft/warehouse conversions.
Strategy: mid-term near 22@; long-term in family pockets.
Gross guide: ~4.0–5.5% (street/building dependent).

Eixample (Esquerra & Dreta)

Buyer profile: classic “blue-chip” Barcelona; high liquidity.
Stock: modernista buildings, elevators vary, corner light prized.
Strategy: quality long-term; premium mid-term near hospitals/business hubs.
Gross guide: ~3.0–4.5% (pay for liquidity & architecture).

El Raval

Buyer profile: value/edgier play; higher variance by street.
Stock: older walk-ups + some lofts; due diligence is key.
Strategy: mid-/long-term around MACBA, Sant Antoni edge, Ramblas fringe.
Gross guide: ~4.5–6.0% (careful street/building selection).

How we underwrite: we model street-level comps, building minutes/works, elevator/light/orientation, and realistic vacancy/turn costs to produce a net view before you offer.

Barcelona Property Investment — Real Questions We Get (2025)

Short, straight answers to the questions investors ask us most. Each answer links to a deeper guide so this page stays clean and doesn’t duplicate content.

Jump to:

What are the real buying costs?
What net yields are realistic?
Can I get a tourist license?
Mid-term vs long-term rentals
Non-resident mortgages
Buy as a person or through a company?
Can I buy without coming to Spain?
NIE, bank, and documents
Where are investors buying now?
Offer → Notary timeline
Ongoing costs after purchase
Renovation reality check
Is Barcelona safe for owners?

What are the real buying costs?

For second-hand homes, budget roughly 13–14% on top for ITP transfer tax, notary, registry, and legal. New builds use VAT (IVA) + AJD instead of ITP. We’ll model your exact numbers before you offer.

What net yields are realistic?

Usually mid-single-digit net yields once stabilized, depending on area, light, elevator, terrace, and whether you go mid-term (6–11 months) or classic long-term.

Can I get a tourist license?

Assume no new tourist license (HUT) in Barcelona. Most investors run mid-term or long-term strategies and we check building/community rules per address.

Mid-term vs long-term rentals

Mid-term works near business hubs, hospitals, and international schools; long-term suits quieter residential pockets. We’ll recommend by street and building to fit your risk/return goals.

Can non-residents get a mortgage?

Yes—LTVs are lower and paperwork is stricter, but approvals are common with prep. Start here: Mortgage pre-approval for foreigners.

Should I buy as a person or through a company?

Most buyers purchase personally. Company structures add accounting and compliance and only make sense for specific tax/portfolio cases. We’ll loop in your tax advisor before you decide.

Can I buy without coming to Spain?

Yes. A lawyer can act via power of attorney (notarized and apostilled if signed abroad). Remote banking and due diligence are routine—we coordinate it end-to-end.

NIE, bank, and documents—what’s required?

You’ll need an NIE and a Spanish bank account; we also verify the nota simple, cédula de habitabilidad, energy certificate, ITE/certificado de aptitud, community debts and minutes. Guide: NIE number Spain.

Where are investors buying now?

For value + growth: Sant Martí and 22@ pockets like Poblenou. For classic liquidity: Eixample (by micro-area and building quality). For edgier value plays: selected streets in El Raval.

How long from offer to notary?

Commonly 6–10 weeks depending on financing and due diligence. The arras contract sets dates; we keep lawyers, bank, and notary aligned.

What are the ongoing costs?

IBI (property tax), community fees, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and occasional building works. Investors should budget for paint/appliances between tenancies.

What about renovation risk?

Hidden issues in older buildings can inflate budgets (façade, patios, plumbing risers). We price in contingencies and check community plans for upcoming works before you commit.

Is Barcelona safe for owners?

Violent crime is rare; pickpocketing exists in tourist cores. Choose streets/buildings wisely and follow normal city habits. More here: Is Barcelona a safe place to live?

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. We coordinate with your lawyer and tax advisor for specifics.

You want real estate agents who are focused on Barcelona – NOT all of Spain.
We live in Barcelona. We are the locals. We have bought our own properties, and have gone through the journey from buyer to owner many times with many clients.

American Real Estate Experts In Barcelona to Find Your Dream Home

We’re Americans in Barcelona who’ve been through this ourselves. We know the expat curveballs—paperwork, noise levels, stairs, elevators, neighborhoods that look great online but don’t fit real life. Tell us how you live and what you want to spend; we’ll guide you to the right neighborhoods and a short list of homes that actually fit your lifestyle and budget.