Overview

• Rental prices in Catalonia fell 4.9% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, with Barcelona rents dropping 8.9% to an average €1,087 per month.
• Average size of flats rented in Barcelona declined by 5.3% to 71 square meters, indicating tenants are securing smaller units under the price control regime.
• Short-term rental contracts jumped 52% year-on-year to account for 11% of all new leases, driving the push for tighter seasonal-let rules.
• In the Barcelona metropolitan area, 23 of 36 municipalities reported lower rents, though ten still maintain average monthly rates above €1,000.
• Net new rental contracts in Catalonia rose by 3,112 over the past year, including 1,202 in Barcelona city, reflecting sustained leasing activity.