Barcelona continues to attract more and more foreigners and expats looking for an exceptional lifestyle, cultural vibrancy, and attractive investment opportunities. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, the Catalan capital blends a Mediterranean way of life with a thriving economy and outstanding architectural heritage.
Here’s why living or investing in Barcelona as a non-resident is a smart move—whether you’re looking for a sunny second home, a cosmopolitan pied-à-terre, or a strategic property investment.
1. An Exceptional Lifestyle Between the Sea and Mountains
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate offers mild winters and warm summers—perfect for year-round outdoor living.
Living in Barcelona means enjoying the best of all worlds: urban life, beachside relaxation, and mountain adventures. Residents have endless options for outdoor activities, such as:
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Relaxing or doing water sports at city beaches like Barceloneta, Bogatell, or Mar Bella;
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Hiking in nearby mountains like Montjuïc or Tibidabo (just under an hour away);
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Picnicking and family strolls in urban parks such as Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc Güell, or Collserola.
This unique geographical mix allows residents to enjoy both city life and nature—something rare among major European cities.
2. World-Class Gastronomy
Barcelona embraces a lifestyle where eating well, drinking well, and living well are top priorities. The city boasts a globally acclaimed culinary scene—from lively local markets (like La Boqueria, Sant Antoni, or Sant Josep) to cozy tapas bars and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Renowned chefs like Carles Abellán and Jordi Cruz have helped place Barcelona firmly on the world culinary map.
3. Outstanding Architectural Heritage
Living in Barcelona means immersing yourself in a city filled with architectural beauty and history. Few European cities offer such a rich and varied mix of styles—from Catalan Gothic to flamboyant modernism and bold contemporary designs.
With Gaudí’s masterpieces (Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Parc Güell), the Gothic Quarter, modern art museums, and cutting-edge galleries, Barcelona is an open-air museum you’ll never tire of exploring.
These landmarks don’t just draw millions of tourists every year—they also increase the value of nearby properties. Investing in or near historic buildings or protected modernist landmarks means owning a piece of history while securing a prestigious, high-potential rental asset.
And with Valords Barcelona as your trusted partner, this dream becomes entirely possible.
4. A Vibrant Cultural and Festive Scene All Year Round
As the Mediterranean’s artistic capital, Barcelona offers a rich cultural calendar full of concerts, operas, exhibitions, contemporary works, and local festivals.
Major events like the Mobile World Congress, music festivals such as Primavera Sound or Sónar, and traditional Catalan celebrations like La Mercè all find a home in this lively city. Add to that a buzzing nightlife with stylish rooftops, local bars, and iconic clubs in El Born, Gràcia, or Poble Sec—there’s something happening every night.
Living in Barcelona means always having a full agenda—you’ll never be bored!
5. A Well-Connected and Accessible City
Barcelona appeals to expats and international investors thanks to its unique lifestyle and strategic location in the heart of Europe.
El Prat International Airport is just 20 minutes from downtown, with direct flights across Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East. Once in the city, you’ll find a modern and efficient public transport system: metro, buses, and trams run smoothly and cover the entire metropolitan area.
Many neighborhoods also offer car-free lifestyles, which are both convenient and eco-friendly.
6. Prestigious Properties in Exclusive Neighborhoods
As of June 2025, average real estate prices in Barcelona hover around €5,545 per m², compared to approximately €9,380 in Paris. This makes Barcelona a highly attractive market for international buyers.
Several districts offer rare opportunities for those seeking style, comfort, and strong returns:
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Eixample – known for its elegant modernist buildings, wide avenues, and spacious apartments with balconies and high ceilings;
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Pedralbes & Sarrià-Sant Gervasi – quiet, upscale districts ideal for families and expats looking for green spaces and luxury residences;
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Ciutat Vella & El Born – historic central areas with beautifully renovated period buildings, ideal for short-term and seasonal rentals.
Whether you’re looking for a modernist apartment, a penthouse with a rooftop terrace, a seaside villa with a pool, or a fully renovated loft, Valords Barcelona is your go-to partner for luxury real estate.
👉 Explore our listings of exclusive properties for sale in Barcelona.
7. Tax Benefits for Foreign Buyers
Investing in Barcelona also means enjoying tax advantages as a non-resident. Spain places no major restrictions on property purchases by foreigners. The only requirements are to obtain a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) and open a Spanish bank account.
In terms of taxation:
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Rental income is taxed at 24% for non-EU residents and 19% for EU/EEA residents, with the option to deduct expenses such as maintenance or building fees.
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For French citizens, the Spain-France tax treaty helps avoid double taxation and optimize returns on real estate investments.
Good to know: Our multilingual team (French, English, Spanish...) can guide you through the entire real estate process—from getting your NIE to signing the deed. With Valords Barcelona, you get expert advice on legal, administrative, tax, relocation, and property management matters.
8. A Thriving and Future-Oriented Economy
Barcelona is a city that looks to the future. It’s considered a strategic business hub, especially in digital tech, green finance, biotech, and luxury tourism. It attracts top talent, innovative companies, and global investors.
The city is home to Barcelona Tech City, a major startup and innovation hub that hosts companies like Oracle, HP, and Microsoft.
Buying property in Barcelona means investing in a city with strong growth potential.
9. A Diverse and Welcoming International Community
Regularly ranked among the best European cities to live and invest in, Barcelona boasts a large expat community—more than 30% of residents were born abroad.
It’s a multilingual, tolerant, and inclusive city where newcomers feel welcome, whether they speak French, English, or any other language.
Services like healthcare, legal assistance, and administration are available in multiple languages. There are also many networking and support groups that make it easy to connect and build a social or professional circle quickly.
10. Top-Tier Infrastructure and Services
Living in Barcelona means benefiting from modern, efficient infrastructure that makes daily life and integration easier.
The public transportation system is extensive and well-connected. On top of that, Barcelona has one of Europe’s best private healthcare and education networks—a major plus for international families looking to settle down.
In Summary
Whether you’re seeking to relocate to the sun or diversify your property portfolio, Barcelona offers an unmatched quality of life and excellent return potential for real estate investments.
Why Work with Valords Barcelona for Your Luxury Property Purchase?
At Valords Barcelona, we help international clients acquire luxury properties in the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Our local expertise, trusted network, and tailored service ensure a discreet, reliable, and successful buying experience.
Working with Valords means:
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Personalized guidance to optimize your investment;
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Access to off-market and exclusive listings;
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Full legal, administrative, and financial support;
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Post-sale services including property management, renovation, and interior design.
In short, we are your trusted partner in making your real estate dream a reality in the Catalan capital.
Our mission? To help you navigate the Spanish market with confidence and avoid common pitfalls—ensuring the long-term success of your project.
Contact us today to explore our exclusive listings and start planning your new life in Barcelona.
*Note: The legal and tax information provided reflects regulations in effect as of 2025 and may be subject to change.
