Barcelona is one of the most expensive cities in Spain, but within the city limits there are still neighbourhoods where the price per square metre sits well below the city average. The key is to move away from the centre and the seafront and look towards the northern districts.
Nou Barris, the most affordable district
Neighbourhoods such as Ciutat Meridiana, Torre Baró, Roquetes and Trinitat Nova have topped the list of the city’s cheapest areas for years. These are small flats, usually from the sixties and seventies, in buildings without a lift or with one installed later. In return, they have metro and bus links and good connections to the rest of Barcelona.
Sant Andreu and Horta-Guinardó
In Sant Andreu, Baró de Viver and Bon Pastor stand out, while in Horta-Guinardó it is worth looking at El Carmel, La Teixonera and Can Baró. These are hilly areas with narrow streets, but with a neighbourhood feel many buyers value, and prices that allow you to start with a smaller mortgage.
What to check before buying
- Condition of the building: facade, downpipes and whether the owners’ association has approved any special levies.
- Lift: not having one makes the flat much cheaper, but hurts resale value.
- Valid habitability certificate and energy performance certificate.
- Whether the building has a pending technical inspection.
A cheap flat in Barcelona is rarely in perfect condition. Always work out the cost of renovation before making an offer.
