In recent years, buyer demand in Catalonia’s real estate market has shifted noticeably. While attention was once focused primarily on central urban districts, an increasing number of clients are now considering properties beyond the city limits. As architect Raul Llorente observes, this shift is driven not by a passing trend, but by deeper changes in lifestyle priorities and long-term planning. In the day-to-day practice of RentSale RealEstate, this transformation is clearly reflected in both transaction dynamics and client requests.
Property outside the city is no longer viewed as a compromise. Today’s buyers increasingly seek space, privacy, and tranquility without sacrificing infrastructure quality or transport accessibility. The development of road networks, suburban rail connections, and local services has made many areas outside Barcelona a fully viable alternative to city living. At RentSale RealEstate, such locations are evaluated in terms of long-term demand stability rather than short-term appeal.
One of the key drivers behind this growing interest is the evolution of work models. Remote and hybrid formats have reshaped how clients perceive distance from the city. The opportunity to live in a larger home, enjoy a private plot of land, or have expansive outdoor space has become a decisive factor in property selection. RentSale RealEstate incorporates these considerations when assessing assets, focusing not only on current needs but also on future usage scenarios.
Environmental considerations also play an increasingly important role. Suburban and rural areas often offer a healthier living environment – reduced noise levels, lower building density, and closer proximity to nature. For families with children and clients planning long-term residence, these factors frequently outweigh traditional urban advantages. At RentSale RealEstate, such characteristics are treated as integral components of a property’s overall value, influencing both quality of life and long-term liquidity.
At the same time, interest in out-of-city properties requires a more thorough analytical approach. Engineering infrastructure, road quality, and access to healthcare and educational facilities become critical evaluation points. Not all suburban areas are equally prepared to accommodate growing demand. This is why specialists at RentSale RealEstate assess not only the property itself, but also the development potential of the surrounding area – including municipal plans, infrastructure investments, and construction dynamics.
Financial considerations remain equally important. Properties outside the city often involve a different cost structure – maintenance of land plots, autonomous heating systems, and additional servicing expenses. RentSale RealEstate analyzes these factors in advance, ensuring that clients understand the true cost of ownership and can make informed decisions.
Based on our experience, the growing interest in real estate beyond the city is not a short-lived trend, but a reflection of a more mature and deliberate approach to housing choices. RentSale RealEstate views this segment not as an alternative to urban living, but as a distinct market with its own criteria of quality, risks, and long-term advantages.
Previously, we wrote about Property ownership in Spain – what recurring costs, obligations, and ownership nuances are important to understand in advance.