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The neighborhoods in Barcelona with the lowest average price per square meter in 2025 are Nou Barris and Sant Andreu, where properties cost €2,700-€3,200/m² compared to the city average of €4,380-€4,661/m². These areas offer the best opportunities for finding affordable properties under €150,000, with rental yields reaching up to 4.7% - significantly higher than central districts.
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Barcelona's cheapest neighborhoods include Nou Barris (€2,700-€2,815/m²), Sant Andreu (€2,700-€3,200/m²), and Horta-Guinardó (€3,200-€4,000/m²).
Properties under €150,000 are available as studios or small apartments requiring renovation, with rental yields of 4-4.7% in these districts.
| Neighborhood | Average Price (€/m²) | Typical Property Cost | Rental Yield | Metro Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nou Barris | €2,700-€2,815 | €135,000-€170,000 | 4.7% | L1, L3, L11 |
| Sant Andreu | €2,700-€3,200 | €135,000-€192,000 | 4-4.5% | L1, L9, RENFE |
| Horta-Guinardó | €3,200-€4,000 | €160,000-€240,000 | 4% | L3, L4 |
| Sants-Montjuïc | €3,200-€4,000 | €160,000-€240,000 | 4% | L1, L3, L5 |
| City Average | €4,380-€4,661 | €230,000-€280,000 | 3.5% | Extensive |
Which neighborhoods in Barcelona currently have the lowest average price per square meter?
Nou Barris offers the absolute lowest property prices in Barcelona as of September 2025, with average costs ranging from €2,700 to €2,815 per square meter.
Sant Andreu follows closely behind with prices between €2,700 and €3,200 per square meter, making both districts approximately 35-40% cheaper than the citywide average.
Horta-Guinardó and parts of Sants-Montjuïc round out the most affordable options, with prices ranging from €3,200 to €4,000 per square meter. These areas have seen increased interest from young families and professionals seeking value for money combined with decent transport connections.
The Barcelona residential market average sits at €4,380-€4,661 per square meter, while premium central districts like Eixample and Ciutat Vella can reach €7,000+ per square meter.
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How much do properties in those cheaper neighborhoods typically cost compared to the city average?
A typical 50-60 square meter apartment in Nou Barris costs between €135,000 and €170,000, compared to at least €230,000-€280,000 for the same size property in central Barcelona districts.
Properties in Sant Andreu fall within a similar range of €135,000-€192,000 for comparable sizes, representing savings of approximately €95,000-€145,000 compared to central locations.
Horta-Guinardó apartments of this size typically cost €160,000-€240,000, still offering substantial savings of €70,000-€120,000 versus city center properties. Sants-Montjuïc follows similar pricing patterns with properties ranging from €160,000-€240,000.
The price differential becomes even more pronounced when comparing to premium districts where similar-sized apartments can exceed €350,000-€420,000.
What are the up-and-coming areas where prices are still low but expected to rise soon?
Horta-Guinardó stands out as the most promising emerging area, increasingly attracting young families and professionals seeking green spaces and urban renewal projects.
Sant Martí, particularly areas close to Poblenou, offers strong growth prospects due to ongoing urban development and tech industry expansion in the 22@ district.
Sants within Sants-Montjuïc has gained popularity among commuters and young professionals for its excellent transport connectivity and relatively affordable pricing. The area benefits from major infrastructure investments and proximity to Barcelona's main train station.
Parts of Sant Andreu near the metro stations are also experiencing increased demand as remote workers seek affordable options with good connectivity to the city center.
Which districts are best connected to the metro or bus lines while still being affordable?
| District | Metro Lines | Additional Transport | Average Price (€/m²) | Commute to Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sants-Montjuïc | L1, L3, L5 | RENFE trains, major bus hub | €3,200-€4,000 | 15-20 minutes |
| Sant Andreu | L1, L9 | RENFE overground trains | €2,700-€3,200 | 20-25 minutes |
| Nou Barris | L1, L3, L11 | Multiple bus lines | €2,700-€2,815 | 25-30 minutes |
| Horta-Guinardó | L3, L4 | Bus network | €3,200-€4,000 | 20-30 minutes |
How safe are the cheaper neighborhoods compared to the central and more expensive areas?
Horta-Guinardó and Sants-Montjuïc are considered among the safest affordable districts in Barcelona, with strong local communities and improved policing initiatives.
Nou Barris and Sant Andreu maintain moderate safety levels that are generally acceptable by local standards, though some streets near industrial zones or major transport hubs may feel less secure during nighttime hours.
Recent urban renewal investments by local authorities have significantly improved security infrastructure and street lighting in these areas. Crime rates remain moderate and continue declining as neighborhoods undergo gentrification.
All four districts benefit from regular police patrols and have active neighborhood associations that work with authorities to maintain community safety standards.
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What type of properties under €150,000 can realistically be found in Barcelona right now?
Studios and small one-bedroom apartments ranging from 30-45 square meters represent the most common property types available under €150,000 in Barcelona's affordable districts.
Properties requiring significant renovation work, including older apartments without elevators on higher floors, frequently fall within this price range in Nou Barris and Sant Andreu.
Bank-owned repossessed properties and foreclosures occasionally offer larger two-bedroom apartments under €150,000, though these typically need substantial investment for habitability.
Ground-floor properties or those with structural issues may also be available at these prices, but require careful inspection and budget planning for necessary improvements.
How much rental income could I expect from a cheap property in these areas?
Properties purchased for €120,000-€150,000 in Barcelona's affordable districts typically generate monthly rental income of €500-€700.
This translates to annual gross rental yields of 4-4.7% in areas like Nou Barris - among the highest in Barcelona and significantly better than the city average of 3.5%.
A €120,000 studio apartment in Nou Barris can realistically rent for €500-€550 per month, yielding €6,000-€6,600 annually before expenses. A €150,000 one-bedroom property might achieve €650-€700 monthly rent, generating €7,800-€8,400 per year.
High rental demand exists in these areas due to their affordability for tenants and decent metro connections to employment centers, making vacancy periods typically short at 2-4 weeks between tenants.
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Are there specific online portals or agencies that specialize in low-cost properties in Barcelona?
Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia serve as the primary online portals for finding affordable properties in Barcelona, with Idealista offering the most comprehensive listings and advanced search filters.
Specialized bank-owned property portals including Solvia and Haya Real Estate focus specifically on foreclosures and repossessed properties, often offering the best deals under €150,000.
Local real estate agencies in each district maintain exclusive listings not always published online - visiting agencies directly in Nou Barris, Sant Andreu, and Horta-Guinardó can uncover additional opportunities.
Property auction websites and notary auction announcements provide access to distressed sales, though these require cash purchases and quick decision-making.
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.
How many foreclosures, bank repossessions, or distressed sales are typically available each month?
Approximately 10-25 foreclosed properties and bank repossessions become available monthly in Barcelona's peripheral districts, with Nou Barris and Sant Andreu seeing the highest concentration.
Distressed sales fluctuate seasonally, with more inventory typically appearing during autumn and winter months when owners face financial pressure before year-end.
Bank-owned properties through Solvia and Haya Real Estate represent about 60-70% of these opportunities, while court-ordered foreclosure auctions account for the remainder.
Competition for well-located distressed properties remains intense, with cash buyers having significant advantages in securing deals quickly.
What additional costs should I expect when buying a cheap property in Barcelona, like taxes and notary fees?
Transfer tax (ITP) represents the largest additional cost at 10% of the purchase price for all resale properties in Catalonia.
Notary and property registration fees typically cost 1-2% of the purchase price, while legal representation and agency fees can add another 1-3% depending on services used.
Total transaction costs generally range from 12-15% of the purchase price, meaning a €120,000 property requires an additional €14,400-€18,000 for closing costs.
Property surveys, mortgage arrangement fees (if financing), and insurance setup can add another €1,000-€3,000 depending on property condition and financing requirements.
Are there legal restrictions or visa requirements I need to consider as a foreign buyer of low-priced property?
No nationality-based restrictions exist for foreign buyers purchasing property in Barcelona, regardless of price point.
Properties under €500,000 do not qualify for Spain's Golden Visa program, requiring non-EU buyers to pursue alternative residency pathways for long-term stays.
Older buildings may have zoning restrictions limiting tourist rental licenses, particularly important for investment properties in districts like Sant Andreu and Nou Barris.
Always verify property status for existing debts, liens, or occupancy issues before purchase, as some distressed properties may come with complications requiring legal resolution.
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How quickly do cheap listings in Barcelona usually sell, and how competitive is the buying process?
Well-located properties under €150,000 in good condition typically sell within 2-6 weeks of listing, with the best deals often receiving multiple offers within the first week.
Competition is particularly intense for bank-owned properties and recently renovated apartments, often resulting in sealed-bid processes or bidding wars among cash buyers.
Properties requiring renovation work may stay on the market longer (6-12 weeks) but still attract interest from investors and first-time buyers with renovation budgets.
Having pre-approved financing, cash deposits, and all documentation ready significantly improves chances of securing desired properties in this competitive market segment.
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.
Barcelona's affordable districts offer genuine opportunities for property buyers seeking value in Europe's most dynamic markets.
With proper research and quick decision-making, properties under €150,000 can provide both affordable housing solutions and solid rental investment returns of 4-4.7%.
Sources
- InvestRopa - Average Apartment Price in Barcelona
- InvestRopa - Barcelona Which Area
- The Luxury Playbook - Barcelona Real Estate Market
- Spain Homes - Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Property Investment
- InvestRopa - Best Areas Barcelona
- Idealista - The Cheapest Place to Buy in Spain
- Hoffmann Real Estate - Barcelona Property Prices Square Meter
- ImmoBarcelona - Housing Prices Barcelona Neighborhood Evolution