Real estate in Barcelona and Madrid: how to find affordable options in the suburbs?

The rise in housing prices in Spain

In September 2022, according to research by the analytical platform idealista, property prices in Barcelona increased by 5% compared to the same period last year, reaching an average of €4,121 per square meter. In Madrid, prices rose to €3,992 per square meter, representing a 7.6% increase compared to last year.

The situation in the rental market

A similar trend is observed in the rental housing segment, where both capital cities hold a leading position among all cities in Spain. The highest rental rates are recorded in Barcelona, amounting to €16.9 per square meter per month, while in Madrid, the monthly cost is €15.4.

Options for budget-conscious buyers

For those who wish to live in large cities but want to avoid inflated housing prices, it makes sense to consider purchasing property in the suburbs. Even here, prices are rising, and sometimes they can be quite high, but with the right determination, it is possible to find more affordable options.

Promising municipalities

We have compiled a list of towns located around Barcelona and Madrid where the cost per square meter is two or three times lower than in the capitals themselves.

Badia del Vallès

One of the economically advantageous options is Badia del Vallès, a municipality in the province of Barcelona, located just 15 kilometers from the capital. This city, known as the youngest in Catalonia, is home to approximately 14,000 people.

A significant part of his history was occupied by a large area built with social housing in the 60s and 70s between Sabadell, Cerdanyola del Vallès, and Barberà. The original inhabitants were migrants from the southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula.

Badia del Vallès was granted the status of a historical settlement only in 1994. Today, it is a small and green city with spacious parks and wide avenues, making it comfortable to live in.

The architectural design of the city is quite unusual and resembles the style of the Iberian Peninsula itself. The main population consists of "immigrants," which is reflected in the city's coat of arms, where a swallow is depicted, symbolizing migration, which played a key role in the formation of this settlement.The average cost per square meter here is €1,471.

Parla

Another interesting municipality is Parla, located in the Madrid region and with a population of about 120,000 people. This city is situated 20 kilometers from the Spanish capital.

At the beginning of the 20th century, its population barely exceeded 1,200 people; however, in the 1960s and 1970s, there was a sharp increase in numbers. Many residents left their regions in search of better living conditions and moved here from Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Extremadura for quicker access to the capital, Madrid.

After 1996, the city experienced a second phase of demographic growth, when migrants from Algeria, Morocco, Poland, Romania, and other African countries began to move in actively. This trend continues to this day, highlighting the ongoing attraction of new residents to Parla.

The historical heritage of the city

The city, with its rich historical heritage, was founded in 1255 and is renowned for its architectural monuments that have survived to this day. A prominent example of this heritage is the local church, known as Nuestra Señora de la Asunción; locals prefer to call it the Old Church.

Real estate and the housing market

In this region, old residential properties prevail, but you can also find modern buildings. The average cost per square meter of housing here is about€1,549To obtain information about the real estate market, immigration opportunities, and investment options, you can use the Telegram channel called Mehorada del Campo.

Culture and architecture

In addition, a significant landmark of the local culture is the cathedral of Justo Gallego Martínez.

Municipality in the province of Madrid

The municipality, located in the province of Madrid, has about 24,000 residents and is situated 18 kilometers from the capital. Historical facts about the town have not been studied in great detail, but the first mentions of it date back to 1247.

Cathedral of Justo Gallego Martínez

Despite this, the city is not very rich in ancient monuments, but it is known for the modern cathedral of Justo Gallego Martinez.

Introduction

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that investing in real estate in the suburbs of Barcelona and Madrid is a real opportunity not only to improve the quality of life but also to save significantly. Housing prices in these municipalities remain affordable compared to the city centers, making them attractive for many families and young professionals looking to find a balance between comfort and living costs.

The atmosphere and advantages of the suburbs

While studying various municipalities such as Badia del Vallès, Piera, and Corbera de Llobregat, I was struck by the diversity of offerings and the quality of life they can provide. These places combine:

• The convenience of living near large cities;
• Historical and cultural significance;
• A unique atmosphere that is hard to find in noisy megacities.

Available investment opportunities

It is worth noting that, despite the rising prices of housing in the suburbs, it is still possible to find affordable apartments and houses here. And although the real estate market continues to change, new opportunities for investing in residential properties are opening up every day.

Recommendations for choosing housing

If you are considering moving or buying a home, suburban areas can be a great solution for you, combining quality, affordability, and comfort. It's important to take the following points into account:

• Explore different neighborhoods and their infrastructure;
• Compare prices and offers before making a decision;
• Take personal preferences regarding lifestyle into account.

Conclusion

Thus, the real estate market in Spain continues to be dynamic and multifaceted, and each new study opens up new horizons for us. I hope that everyone who wishes can find their perfect home, where it would be cozy and comfortable to live.

It is important to understand that real estate outside of major metropolitan areas can not only be economically advantageous but also, equally importantly, an emotionally fulfilling choice.