In the 2025 edition of the BARNES City Index, Barcelona positions itself as a key city on the global map for UHNWI (Ultra High-Net-Worth Individuals), with a net worth exceeding 30 million dollars. Although Madrid leads the ranking, Barcelona stands out as a vibrant and sustainable metropolis that increasingly attracts luxury real estate investment thanks to its quality of life, Mediterranean climate, and exclusive residential offering.
“Exclusive properties have proven to be a safe investment in times of uncertainty. In this regard, Madrid and Milan have made a significant leap in the ranking due to their ability to offer a comprehensive experience: tax advantages, quality infrastructure, and a sophisticated lifestyle,” says Thibault de Saint Vincent, President of BARNES. For her part, Heidi Barnes, founder of the firm, highlights: “Buyers are looking for authentic destinations, where they can enjoy an exceptional art of living without giving up top-tier services such as prestigious educational institutions and a real estate market with potential for appreciation.”
The 2025 ranking brings notable changes, with Madrid in first place and cities such as Paris and New York displaced to sixth and seventh place, respectively.
The rise of remote work has consolidated the trend of owning multiple residences, with Barcelona as one of the preferred destinations to have a pied-à-terre that combines culture, climate, and international connection.
At the same time, sustainable real estate becomes a priority: the rehabilitation of historic buildings with ecological criteria and the preservation of traditional architecture are increasingly demanded by investors seeking long-term value.
L’Eixample has become the most sought-after neighborhood. The recent pedestrianization of iconic streets such as Consell de Cent and Girona has enhanced its appeal for national and international investors. Spacious apartments (120–200 m²) with modernist features and high ceilings stand out, combining history and modernity.
The Zona Alta, including Pedralbes, Sarrià, Sant Gervasi, and Turó Park, continues to be synonymous with exclusivity and premium services such as tennis clubs, gyms, and beauty centers. Properties over 200 m² with gardens, swimming pools, and parking predominate.
Barcelona’s coastline, with neighborhoods such as the Gothic Quarter, Poblenou, and the luxury complexes of Diagonal Mar, continues to attract those looking for homes with privileged views and proximity to the sea.
Buyers with budgets under one million euros are mainly locals, while demand between 1 and 2 million is split between Spaniards and foreigners. Since 2023, interest from American buyers has grown significantly, attracted by the Mediterranean lifestyle.
In the segment above 2.5 million, the clientele is mostly international, interested in primary or secondary residences, or as an investment. The ultra-luxury market (more than 4–5 million) is expanding thanks to high-end developments such as Mandarin and Antares.
Barcelona maintains a very competitive quality-price ratio, with an increase in prices and transaction volume in 2023. The reactivation of tourism and international events such as the America's Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games have driven urban transformation, especially in the port and coastal areas, generating a favorable ecosystem for luxury real estate investment.
With more than two million high-net-worth visitors and great global visibility, the city offers opportunities for those seeking primary or secondary residences or rental properties.
What can you buy in Barcelona with one million euros?
A renovated 120 m² apartment in L’Eixample, or a 200 m² one to renovate.
A renovated 140 m² flat or more than 230 m² to renovate in the Zona Alta.
A renovated apartment of more than 160 m² in the Gothic Quarter.
A 140 m² home in Diagonal Mar or a similar loft in Poblenou.
Barcelona ranks 19th in the global ranking, standing out among cities such as Paris (6), London (8), or Miami (3), thanks to its growing appeal to international investors and high-level residents.
While Madrid leads the European ranking, Barcelona continues to consolidate itself as a destination with a differentiated offering based on Mediterranean quality of life, urban innovation, and an expanding luxury real estate market.
Ranking BARNES City Index 2025
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