Houses for sale in the Maresme: house types and what to check

Looking for houses for sale in the Maresme means exploring the stretch of the Barcelona coast that combines sea, hills and a real proximity to the city. The offer is very varied: from village houses to hillside villas with views or homes with gardens in residential developments. Getting it right depends less on size than on choosing the right type of house, the right municipality and the right position in relation to the sea, and on carefully checking what the photographs do not show.

The types of house the Maresme offers

Village houses

In the centres of the coastal towns there are homes with real character, often with a patio or small terrace, from which daily life is lived on foot. They usually call for careful renovation, but offer authenticity and a location that is hard to match.

Hillside villas with views

The topography of the Maresme, with mountains very close to the sea, favours elevated homes with open views. They are the most sought after by those who want light, privacy and a panorama. It is worth checking access, the slope of the plot and any retaining walls.

Houses with gardens in residential developments

For families who prioritise outdoor space, residential developments offer larger plots, a pool and quiet surroundings. If golf is part of your lifestyle, we have a specific guide to golf living in the Maresme and on the Costa Brava.

Houses close to the sea

Homes near the beach are very attractive, but they call for an additional check: their position in relation to the seashore and to the coastal protection easement zone, which we explain below.

The Coastal Law and houses near the sea

Spain's Coastal Law (Law 22/1988) establishes a protection easement zone of 100 metres, measured inland from the inner edge of the seashore, which the authorities may extend by up to a further 100 metres. In that zone, the law prohibits buildings intended for residential use, among other activities. That is why, if a house is close to the beach, a technician and your lawyer should verify its specific position in relation to the seashore and the easement before you make an offer, especially if you are considering a renovation or extension.

This check does not mean homes near the sea should be ruled out, only that you need to know the framework that applies to each one.

How to choose a municipality

The Maresme is a county of very different towns, and choosing the right place shapes everyday life as much as the house itself. To compare, we recommend three reads: our guide to where to buy a luxury house in the Maresme, by municipality, the selection of the best towns in the Maresme to live in, by lifestyle and the comparison between Alella, Teià or Cabrils. Our Maresme office is at the Club Náutico Balís, in Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, and knows the local market first-hand.

What to check before buying

Land registry position. Request the nota simple from the Land Registry to verify ownership, charges and the description of the property.

Planning position. Confirm that the built area, pool and outbuildings are regularised and compatible with the municipal planning framework.

Technical condition. Review roofs, damp, installations and structure. In homes near the sea, pay attention to the effects of humidity and salt air on joinery and façades.

Orientation and surroundings. Visit the house at different times of day, check the sunlight and views, and assess access and parking.

Documentation. When a home is sold in Spain, an energy performance certificate must be provided. Your lawyer will tell you which other documents are required.

Renovating and updating an existing house

Many houses in the Maresme are bought with the intention of renovating them, whether to modernise installations, open up spaces or improve energy efficiency. Before making an offer, ask an architect to assess the possible scope of the works, the permit timescales and the approximate budget. That way you can compare the purchase price with the total investment and decide whether the house is an opportunity or whether you would do better to look for one that is already updated.

Viewings and negotiation

A good viewing begins before you enter the house: arrive with a list of questions about running costs, the development's community charges, utilities and any renovations carried out. After the first impression, return at a different time of day and, if possible, with your architect. Negotiation rests on information, not haste: the better documented your analysis of the property's condition, the stronger your position. Our team accompanies you through this process, from the initial selection to completion of the purchase.

Main home or second home

The decision changes the criteria. For year-round living, connections to Barcelona, schools and everyday services weigh more; for a second home, privacy, the garden and ease of upkeep during absences matter more. Defining this clearly from the outset shortens the search and avoids unnecessary viewings.

Planning the timing of your purchase

A well-run purchase combines patience and method. It is wise to set aside time to view several houses, review the documentation with your lawyer, commission a technical inspection and, where appropriate, consult a tax adviser on the regulations currently applicable to your case. Visiting the same municipality in different seasons also helps you see how the pace of the area changes between high season and the rest of the year. The more orderly the calendar, the fewer decisions you will have to take in a hurry.

How we approach the search

At BARNES we begin by understanding what you really need: type of house, municipality, budget, timescale and the level of renovation you are prepared to take on. From there, we present a selection tailored to your profile, which you can complement by browsing our houses for sale on the Barcelona Coast (Maresme) directly. And if your purchase depends on a prior sale, we help you plan it in an orderly and discreet way.

Frequently asked questions

What type of house is most common in the Maresme?

There is great variety: village houses, hillside villas with views and houses with gardens in residential developments. The right one depends on how you live.

Can I build or extend near the sea?

It depends on the property's position in relation to the seashore and the protection easement zone, as well as municipal planning. A technician must check this before you buy.

Which documents should I request before buying?

At the very least, the nota simple, the planning situation and the energy performance certificate. Your lawyer will tell you whether others should be reviewed.

Can BARNES help me find a house in the Maresme?

Yes. Our Maresme team will accompany you from the search to the signing, in complete confidence.

Let's talk about your next home in the Maresme

If you wish to buy a house in the Maresme, contact the BARNES Maresme office and we will present you with a private selection of properties. And if you need to sell before buying, you can request a confidential valuation of your home with no obligation. We will be delighted to learn your priorities and to propose the next steps with complete discretion.