Sharp rise in demand for homes in Barcelona by foreign remote workers

As well as smaller coastal areas, such as the Canaries and the Balearics, Barcelona has become central hub for foreign remote workers due to its big international community, resources and services. This trend is even more pronounced since the launch of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in 2023.

Saúl Cubilla, Marketing Director at Homeclub, told Idealista that remote workers from overseas are primarily concentrated in Barcelona, especially in well-connected neighbourhoods with a high quality of life, such as Eixample, Gràcia, and Sant Antoni.

“There is also a growing presence in coastal areas like Sitges and Castelldefels, which combine proximity to the city with a more relaxed environment, ideal for the remote lifestyle”, he added.

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According to a recent report called 'Living in rented accommodation: insecurity guaranteed by law', published by the Barcelona Urban Research Institute (IDRA), nine out of 10 rentals in Barcelona now have temporary contracts.

These are seasonal or short-term rentals, just under the amount of time to be classed as a permanent rental – typically between 32 days and 11 months.

The vast majority of foreign remote choose to rent, rather than buy, unsurprisingly because many may want to eventually move back to their home country or on to somewhere else. Or they need time to settle in first and see where they want to buy.

Most even prefer contracts of between three and eight months, which allows them to settle in with ease without having to commit to a long-term place.

This is very different from what locals prefer which is steady long term contracts for up to five years.

READ ALSO: What digital nomads need to know before moving to Barcelona

The needs are different too. While most long-term rentals come unfurnished, remote workers are after fully furnished properties which already have certain amenities installed already such as internet and utilities included.

In general, "they are looking for a unique experience that allows them to live and work remotely from day one, without worrying about a thing. Renting offers them the freedom to move around, discover new destinations, and adapt to job opportunities without restrictions,” explain Homeclub.

All this means of course that they’re paying well over market value for the convenience of a short-term contract and added services.

According to data from the company, they've recorded a 42 percent increase in requests for remote work-related stays in Barcelona over the last two years.

"This trend reflects the city's position as one of Europe's leading technology hubs. Barcelona hosts key events such as the Mobile World Congress, the most important global congress in the sector, and has consolidated its appeal as a home to numerous technology startups, including subsidiaries of Silicon Valley companies” they explain.

Despite the rise in popularity of these types of rentals, it is causing much anger among locals who say that they are taking properties away from the general rental market and leave fewer properties for them.

Spain is currently suffering from a big housing crisis and Barcelona is one of the worst affected areas, where many can’t afford rent and there is a severe lack of available housing.

READ ALSO: How Spain's new temporary contract rules make it hard for foreigners to rent

In order to put more permanent homes back on the market, in late 2024 the Spanish government gave the green light to a law to regulate temporary and room rentals. This meant modifying the law to force landlords and tenants to justify the need for temporary rentals.

This means that now remote workers are having to prove why they want a short-term rental, with documents such as temporary work or study contracts. This doesn’t always work out, however, because simply having the DNV doesn’t typically qualify as a good enough reason, and so many are finding it increasingly difficult to be able to find places to rent.