Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Spain Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Barcelona's property market is included in our pack
Several Barcelona neighborhoods present significant risks for property investors and residents, ranging from high crime rates to poor infrastructure and weak resale potential.
As of September 2025, areas like El Raval, La Mina, and certain parts of Nou Barris face challenges including elevated crime statistics, squatter problems, and declining rental yields that make them problematic for both investment and residential purposes.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Spain, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
El Raval leads Barcelona in crime rates with the highest robbery and drug activity levels, while La Mina and Sant Adrià face persistent burglary and social problems.
Barcelona recorded 5,077 illegal occupation cases in 2024, making it Spain's most affected city by squatters, with El Raval and peripheral districts experiencing the highest concentrations of illegal property occupations.
| Neighborhood | Main Risk Factors | Investment Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| El Raval | Highest crime rates, drug activity, squatter problems | Very High |
| La Mina (Sant Adrià) | Street crime, poor reputation, limited transport | Very High |
| Gothic Quarter (tourist areas) | Mass tourism, old buildings, pickpocketing | High |
| Nou Barris (certain blocks) | Social issues, aging infrastructure, variable quality | Medium-High |
| Barceloneta | Tourist overcrowding, noise, rental restrictions | Medium-High |
| Peripheral Sant Andreu | Limited amenities, transport issues, older stock | Medium |
Which Barcelona neighborhoods have the highest crime rates for burglary and street crime?
El Raval stands as Barcelona's most dangerous neighborhood with the highest rates of robbery, petty theft, and drug-related activity.
Police statistics consistently show El Raval leading in street crime incidents, particularly around Carrer d'En Robador where prostitution and drug dealing concentrate. The neighborhood experiences significantly higher burglary rates compared to the city average, making it a high-risk area for property owners and residents.
La Mina in Sant Adrià de Besòs ranks second for crime concerns, with persistent street crime and burglary problems that have plagued the area for years. Parts of Ciutat Vella, including sections of the Gothic Quarter and Barceloneta, also report elevated crime levels, though these areas face more tourist-targeted crimes like pickpocketing rather than residential burglary.
As of September 2025, these neighborhoods continue to struggle with crime prevention despite increased police presence. The concentration of criminal activity in these specific areas makes them problematic for both property investment and personal safety.
It's something we develop in our Spain property pack.
How do property prices compare across neighborhoods and which areas appear overpriced?
| Neighborhood | Average Price (€/m²) | Annual Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sarrià-Sant Gervasi | 6,044 - 7,200 | +10% |
| Eixample | 5,000 - 6,500 | +10.2% |
| Gràcia | 4,500 - 5,500 | +10.1% |
| Ciutat Vella | 4,200 - 5,800 | Lower growth |
| Sant Martí | 3,500 - 4,500 | +10.5% |
| Nou Barris | 2,815 - 3,200 | +7% |
| Sant Andreu | 2,900 - 3,600 | +13.7% |
Don't lose money on your property in Barcelona
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Spain versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Several Barcelona neighborhoods present significant risks that can severely impact property investment returns and quality of life for residents.
El Raval stands out as the most problematic area, combining the highest crime rates, squatter risks, and reputation challenges that make both investment and living there highly risky propositions.
Sources
- Barcelona Hacks - Areas to Avoid in Barcelona
- Housing Anywhere - Areas to Avoid in Barcelona
- Radical Storage - Is Barcelona Safe
- El Corte Inglés - Most Dangerous Neighborhood in Spain
- Barca Trips - Safety in Barcelona
- Euro Weekly News - Spain's Squatter Danger Map
- Spanish Property Insight - Squatting Cases Rise in Spain
- Spanish Property Insight - Buying Property in Barcelona
- Best Yield Finder - Barcelona Rental Yields
- International Schools Database - Top Schools in Barcelona