Accommodation in Barcelona

Nestled between sea, mountains and rivers, Barcelona is a city rich with history and beauty, but also densely populated and, due to the city’s layout, high-rise apartments abound.

Rent and property prices in Barcelona tend to be significantly lower than in major European capitals such as London and Paris, although they’re slightly higher than in Madrid. That said, this is matched by lower levels of employment and lower average salaries compared to northern European cities.

Expats should keep in mind that it is helpful, and in many cases necessary, to speak Spanish or Catalan when searching for accommodation in Barcelona, particularly when arranging leases. For this reason, many expats hire a real estate agent to assist in the process of finding and securing a place to live in the city.

Areas and suburbs in Barcelona

Barcelona is a huge city, with 10 districts and even more neighbourhoods to choose from. Each Catalan barrio has different attractions, so you’ll always have something to look forward to in your suburb. Ciutat Vella, the Old Town, is one of the most popular districts in Barcelona and is home to neighbourhoods such as La Barceloneta, El Gòtic, El Raval, and Sant Père. Located a short distance from the Old Town, Eixample is one of Barcelona’s trendiest areas, with some of the best shopping and dining experiences.

If you’re looking for residential suburbs with gardens and family-friendly amenities, you should look no further than Pedralbes, Tres Torres and the nearby municipality of Esplugues de Llobregat in the Barcelona metropolitan area. As a general rule, areas that are closer to the beach, which tend to have more space and are close to important amenities, tend to be more expensive.

Attractions in Barcelona 
Best Places to Live in Barcelona

Types of accommodation in Barcelona

The city centre of Barcelona is packed with apartment buildings where you’ll be able to rent or buy accommodation. Most expats rent property in Barcelona at first, even if it is not on a short-term basis.

Given that there are many options for short-term accommodation in the city, many expats prefer to arrive in the city before committing to a long-term lease. Remember that Barcelona is phasing out short-term tourist rental licences by 2028, which may affect availability. This kind of accommodation ranges from flatshares and single rooms in larger houses to vacated student accommodation, all of which aren’t particularly suited to large expat families.

Houses in Barcelona are often difficult to find and more expensive and challenging to secure than apartments. A security deposit of several months' rent is expected to be paid in advance, in addition to the first month’s rent and an agent’s fee, usually the equivalent of one month’s rent.

Barcelona is quite unique in that its neighbourhoods tend to have a mixture of residential and commercial property, rather than solely consisting of one or the other. It is also typically possible to reach key services such as healthcare within a short distance of where you stay.

It may be a good idea for expats working in Barcelona to find a property near their workplace. Expat parents who send their children to a private school may also want to live closer to the school. In cases such as these, it is a good idea to find accommodation close to public transport.

Finding accommodation in Barcelona

One of the first things an expat should do when looking for a place to stay in Barcelona is to identify areas of the city that appeal to them and serve their needs. This can either be done through research online, speaking to residents on social media or at work, or visiting different areas in person.

After finding a suitable area, the search for an individual property begins. There is a multitude of online listings and property portals, and newspapers often have classifieds sections.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of these are in Spanish, although there are a few English websites and publications that are aimed at the expat community. Many expats make use of real estate agents who can speak English and know the property market to assist them in their search. Under Spanish law, landlords are responsible for paying estate agent fees, so you shouldn’t be asked to pay commission charges.

Useful links

• Idealista
• Fotocasa
• Habitaclia
• Enalquiler

Renting accommodation in Barcelona

Expats who are going to be paid Spanish salary levels should try to ensure that a housing stipend is included in their contract, as rent can take a significant amount out of a person’s wages. Students and young professionals in the city have increasingly taken to sharing apartments for this reason.

Making an application

Thankfully, landlords often choose their tenants based on who contacts them first and can pay the stipulated amount. They will generally require proof of income and a security deposit of one to six months’ rent. Some landlords will accept a bank statement or a personal guarantee from an employer or a Spanish citizen as proof of income.

Leases and deposits

After the terms of the contract have been settled with the landlord, you’ll sign a lease agreement or contrato de arrendamiento. The contracts are often in Spanish or Catalan, so hiring a real estate agent would come in handy.

On top of the first month’s rent and the security deposit, some landlords may ask you to pay an agent’s fee if they’ve used a real estate agent, although legally this should be the landlord’s responsibility. This fee is generally the equivalent of one month’s rent. Community fees, which are paid for the upkeep of communal areas and services, are generally included in the monthly rental fee.

Lease periods are usually one year, and payments are due at the start of each month.

Terminating the lease

Standard lease agreements typically allow tenants to terminate with one month’s notice, although this can vary. Early termination may result in forfeiting part or all of your security deposit. Your contract should include the specifics.

Renting Accommodation in Spain

Utilities in Barcelona

Utilities are typically not included in rent, and you’ll therefore have to pay for the usage of things such as electricity, water and gas. That said, in comparison to other big European cities, utilities in Barcelona have been rather affordable, although utility costs have gone up due to the 2025 VAT increases from 10 percent to 21 percent.

You may need to transfer the electricity, gas and water accounts into your name when moving into a new place in Barcelona. Those who have negotiated their lease agreement through an estate agency will have the formalities arranged by their agent. Otherwise, you’ll need to supply the utility companies with your NIE number, passport copy, bank details and lease number, among other documents.

Utilities are usually paid via direct debit monthly, and you’ll be able to choose a supplier for electricity, gas and telephone lines, as Spain’s utility market operates with multiple providers.

Electricity and gas

Spain’s electricity market allows you to choose between various suppliers, including Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy (formerly Gas Natural Fenosa), Total Energies, EDP, Acciona, E.ON, and Repsol. You’ll need your NIE number, passport copy, and bank details to set up an account. The Unified Supply Point Code (CUPS) from your property will also be required. 

Natural gas is widely available in Barcelona, with many of the same companies that supply electricity also providing gas services. Combined gas and electricity packages are available and can simplify billing while sometimes offering better rates.

Water

Aigües de Barcelona is Barcelona’s sole water supplier, and the city’s tap water is considered safe for consumption. Still, many families choose to filter their water or purchase bottled water. Water bills are sent and paid every three months.

Bins and recycling

Barcelona operates a five-bin recycling system designed to achieve 55 percent selective collection by 2025. The colour-coded containers are:

• Yellow for plastic packaging, cans and cartons
• Green for glass bottles and jars
• Blue for paper and cardboard
• Brown for organic waste, including food scraps and garden waste
• Grey for general non-recyclable waste

All residents have recycling containers located within 100 metres of their homes. There’s a municipal waste collection fee, with proceeds used to improve waste management services.

Setting up Household Utilities in Spain

Useful links

• Electricity and gas: Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy, Total Energies, EDP, Acciona, E.ON, and Repsol
• Water: Aigües de Barcelona
• Bins and recycling: Barcelona City Council