The Most Expensive Houses in Spain

According to a an article today in the online newspaper ABC, Europa Press published a study from Pisos.com (confused yet?) about the most expensive second-hand properties on sale at the moment. The results are pretty staggering in my opinion! Sitges, the seaside town close to Barcelona tops the list with a house on the market a massive 10 million Euros! We're talking about a plot of 2000m2 and the house itself is 400m2, with outdoor gardens a swimming pool, 5 double bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It's also up for rent at a cool 15,000 Euros a month.



Now, nobody for a minute is suggesting that Sitges is not a playground for the rich and famous around Barcelona. The small town feel is an ideal getaway from the bustling streets of Barcelona, and many of the FC Barcelona football players have houses here, but what surprises me is the apparent quality on show. If you have a look at the images on show, you'll see a pretty 80's style looking house in my opinion, with a poorly kept garden, and save some amazing views from the balcony windows (what more would you want for your 10 million?) nothing really leaps out to shout quality - take the kitchen for example?!

The second most expensive house is located in Marbella, and is on the market for 9 Million Euros. Again, there is nothing here which screams luxury from the images online, and with 8 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, this is a huge mother of a house RIGHT on the beach itself. To me, though, it looks like it needs a lot of work doing to it, especially taking out the pink 80s jacuzzi overlooking the beachfront!

Third on the list is a chalet located in Palma de Mallorca, and is going for a snip at 8,800000 Euros. With 3 bedrooms and a baffling 9 bathrooms, this is a huge property, too, with 1000m2.



Considering the amount of properties out there at the moment, both new and used, I'm sure there can be plenty of bargains to be had. These three properties seem well over-priced to me, and although the images on the sites are doing it no favours, consider this one published in the New york Times last year at only 1,45 Million Euros. I say only in comparison to the other three mentioned here above!

Are you looking to invest in Barcelona? Luxury Barcelona Real Estate Agents, Modus Vivendi, have an outstanding selection of properties for sale in Barcelona as well as an ample portfolio of long term rentals in Barcelona, too.

The Pros and Cons of living high and low in barcelona

When deciding on an apartment to move into in Barcelona, there are various things to take into consideration: how close the apartment will be to your work, shops, public transport, parks, the beach, etc. etc. All of these things can have a massive effect on your decision making, but there's another aspect which can lead to happiness and harmony within your new apartment, or dispair and disaster - height.



You may have found the ideal neighbourhood in Barcelona, and have your heart set on living in the old town, for example. All good, except for the fact that you can't find anything within your budget that isn't an old converted shop, or a backward facing bat-cave with no daylight. Here are a few tips to get you started when thinking about any typical apartment block within the city:

As mentioned, bajos/locales are the ground floor properties usually destined towards shops or cafes, etc. They are often noisy, with little to separate the actual building from the street, and are rarely triple-glazed or insulated to the max, meaning traffic noise and people noise can be a problem. There is no garden or patio - the street is literally behind the front window/door, which offer the added risk of flooding when there is heavy rain, etc. especially if the actual apartment is a step down, which is often the case. Lower floors tend to have poor natural light, so dependence on artificial light is a must, almost all day and will hike your electricity bill up, too.

On the flip side, many ground level apartments have have terraces, meaning you can maximise your use of the sunshine before you go to work/when you come back, and why stay indoors if you have a terrace?! You have easier access to the street (almost direct), and have no dependance on lift/elevator, for example. You'll also likely only have one neighbour - those people above you, meaning that noise levels from people within the building will be at a minimum, and you won't annoy anyone else apart from them, either!

Moving up a few floors to the middle height of a building can sometimes solve those natural light problems, although most apartments will only receive light during certain parts of the day - when the sun hits the street. Looking for an apartment which faces the sea is a great benefit in this respect. A possible downside is that you will likely have neighbours on all sides - be it within your own building or those adjoining buildings in the same street as you. Again, noise levels can be a tricky subject, if the neighbours are not within your own community.

Finally the high floors, attics and the like, generally tend to be smaller than the apartments within the same block, but with a terrace or big blacony to compensate. You obviously are heavily reliant on the building's lift/elevator, and in some places the narrow staircases can be a royal pain in the backside. However, the pros in these situations generally outweigh the cons - the vantage and views you will have for such evenings as Sant Joan, Barça games, La Merce, New Year, etc.), and the bake of natural light you'll receive almost all day will surely compensate!


If you're looking for an attic to rent, or an apartment within Barcelona and the surrounding area, then Luxury Barcelona Real Estate Agency Modus Vivendi have a selection of the best properties for sale in Barcelona as well as an ample portfolio of long term rentals in Barcelona.

Spanish Real Estate Terms For Out of Town

We've previously tackled a few terms you need to jot down in your diary/iPhone with regards to looking for a property within the city of Barcelona, but what about if you're sick of city life and are moving to the Mediterranean coast for something a little different. With such a lush countryside, inland Catalonia has much to offer, and those people who are used to commuting 45 minutes to an hour to get to work may find the benefits of living out of the hustle and bustle of the city outweigh the proximity to work, for example.

Any property which is not attached to another, and is spread over more than one floor is generally labelled a "casa" or as we all know it a house. Houses are usually detached and it's rare to find a semi-detached house as you would find in the UK, for example. Semi-detached properties are often on more than one floor, and include a subterranean garage and often a rooftop terrace, too.



The literal translation of "Torre" is Tower, although this can refer to any property within a plot of land and does not necessarily refer to the height of the property. A "casa" within it's own plot of land can equally be referred to as a "Torre" with maybe a slight inkling towards rural properties in this sense of the word.

Elaborating on the idea of plots of land, this would be known as either a "Terreno" or a "Parcela". The main difference between these two barren pieces of land ready for construction is that a "parcela" refers to a plot of land within an urbanisation which has been divided into separate individual plots, each representing an order. Some of these urbanisation's may be without proper roads and road markings or street lamps, but can be a real steal if bought as an investment. On the other hand, a "terreno" suggests a much more ample terrain, which has many possibilities for construction, although planning permission is likely required before any work can commence.

A "Masia" is one surely reserved for those with a big wallet, and refers to an old farmhouse or vineyard with a construction fit for living. Masias usually come with a hectare or two to manage and are few and far between, being very desired properties in the immediate Barcelona region. Areas such as the Penedes - famous for it's cava production - are very sought after areas for those looking to purchase a Masia.

Mention a "Chalé" or "chalet" and you'd be forgiven for thinking of springs Alpine mountains and Wooden Swiss huts, but in Spain you'll be talking about a small house with a small division between the adjoining dwelling and of similar dimensions to a studio apartment. Chalets are often in seaside towns, and many Spanish residents have chalets as holiday homes.

For an outstanding valuation on Luxury Barcelona Real Estate property, don't doubt in contacting Modus Vivendi, who have an outstanding selection of properties for sale in Barcelona as well as an ample portfolio of long term rentals in Barcelona, too.

60% rents in Catalonia illegal

A recent report on rentals in Spain found that Catalonia is above average in terms of illegal rentals. A massive 60% of rentals in Catalonia are not declared for taxes, costing the treasury an estimated 740 million Euros in tax losses. The figure - over half of all rentals in the northern peninsula - relates to a figure of 288,166 individual rentals.



The report implies that in Spain overall, there are almost half a million residential leases that are not declared in the annual tax returns, or "declaraciones de la renta", although amazingly, this figure has been reduced by 4.5% compared to last year.

Although various sources have come out to flatten the statistics, the figure is still alarmingly high, and many home owners may not know exactly what they are getting themselves in for. Illegal squatting in Spain as a whole is a huge problem, and in Barcelona recently there have been many cases of people returning from a short break to find their property "occupied" by people unknown to them, with locks changed, and bills still being paid under the owner's name. The current judicial system seems not to favour the home owner at all in these instances, and by all accounts it is a lengthy process to rid your home from unwanted intruders.

Insisting on a legally binding contract for any rental - on both the landlord and person letting a property is always the safest way to guard against anything unsavory happening. Dealing with an established estate agency can also help with any legalities.

Barcelona Real Estate Agents Modus Vivendi have a fantastic portfolio of apartments and Loft Rentals in Barcelona. Don't hesitate to contact them for your rental needs.

Spanish Selling Fraud - Danger for Holiday Homes

A real nighmare of a case sprung up this month in Madrid with regards to holiday homes. Spain is such a popular destination for second homes - indeed many of the residents of cities within the country itself have holiday homes within the mainland or on the islands of Spanish territory - why go elsewhere when you have fun, sun and don't have to bother learning another language?!



However, imagine the surprise for the Spanish family who arrived to their holiday home to not only to be greeted by another family occupying their home, but one who had paid good money to be there, too! This is straight out of a nightmare but was the harsh reality for an unlucky family who had fallen victim to identity theft.

It seems that modern day scammers need only a smart car and a sharp suit to dupe unwilling proprty owners into parting with a lot more than just a one-month rent. It has been revealed that in Madrid in this case, organised gangs of theives are prowling holiday residences in search of an annual rent. Once these "professionals" are granted a rental agreement, they use personal details revealed in the rental contract to falsify identification papers and cards, then advertise the property as well below the asking price and make a sale.

As in the majority of countires, any sale must be authorised by a notarty but many notaries simply jot down the identification numbers presented on an identity card, rather than verify the credability of the actual document. This means that in this case in Madrid - by no means an isolated incident - the theives were able to make off with a substantial amount of profit for a few weeks work. Worth the gamble of being caught, you ask? Well, considering the property prices in Madrid versus a monthly rent, I'd say yes.

So what happened to the righful owner, I hear you cry?! Well, beleive it or not, a judge ruled that the "new" owners were not at fault for the fraud, and as the property had entered into the civil property registry, this is "untoucheable". The case was without resolve at the time of writing, but alarm bells ring for those home owners looking to invest in propertes which may not be occupied during long periods of a year.

Luxury Barcelona Real Estate Agency, Modus Vivendi have an outstanding selection of the best properties for sale in Barcelona as well as an ample portfolio of long term rentals in Barcelona.

Spanish Real Estate Glossary - The Legal Stuff

OK, so you've found your dream home, and are ready to take the leap and commit yourself to a new home in the sun - either that, or a hefty mortgage for the next 30 years! After mulling over the various ways a property can be described, it's time for the formal part of the dealings to commence, so here's where you might need another few tips on widening your vocabulary.



Any property up for sale must be "libre de cargas" which literally means "free of charges" but can imply an unencumbered property or that which has no outstanding debts from the seller. A notary will always draw attention to this point, having checked over the deeds to previous sales of a property or the deeds of a new dwelling.

Often, a rental or indeed a purchase of a property will require an "aval bancario" which can mean two different things.In the case of a rental property, this means that the renter can deposit a said amount (which is usually one month's rent, but can be more) into a bank account which cannot be touched for the duration of the rental period. This acts as a safeguard to any landlord who may have invested a fair amount of money on a new property to ensure deadlines are met, but can equally be used by any owner as a legal practice.

In a property sale, the term means something altogether different. An aval in a sale means that a person or persons, literally "vouches" for you in that you will make any repayments on a mortgage and has to offer either a cash sum , or another fully unencumbered property or part of said property as a guarantee in case payments are missed. This typically happens with first time buyers, and is standard practice if a first time buyer (or often second, or third) has little or no down payment towards their desired property purchase.

As mentioned, a "deposito" refers tom a down-payment that a potential buyer has to offer in exchange for a home loan/mortgage on a property.

When you hear the word "arras" this refers to an amount of money which is given to an owner of a property from an individual or group who has the intention of buying a property as an initial commitment for the sale. This is typically a percentage of the total price of the property and is used as a measure of trust, severity and commitment towards the sale of a property. Once "arras" are given, a property is taken off the market and each party establishes a given time to which the sale must materialise - to the contrary, the seller is legally entitles to retain the amount given in arras. This is a serious part of any sale and must not be taken lightly. Both parties sign a "contrato de arras" which is a legally binding document.



The "fecha de firma" of the "date of the signing" is the date programmed for the signing over of the deeds as a legal procedure and is when the potential buyer becomes the new owner. This date is usually set in the "contrato de arras" (see above) and cannot be exceeded without penalty. If both parties agree, this date can be extended without penalty.


Finally, on the day you will receive the keys to your new home, you will stand before a notary or "Notario" who will (very quickly) review the past deeds to a property (known as the "escrituras", share details of the general "compra-venta" (sale of a property) and then detail separately, the conditions of any home loan/mortgage which is to be initiated by an accompanying financial entity. This process can take place either in the notary's offices or the offices of the bank/building society ("caja") depending on each preference/proximity. After a week or two, and after application of the deeds within the property registry "registro de propiedad" is complete, the buyer and seller can collect a "copia simple" (draft copy) of the deeds which are often necessary to begin life in a new property such as signing up for utility bills, etc., accrediting change of address, etc.

It is very important to have documentation on the day of a signing over of deeds, and often is better to have local documentation if possible. For example, in Spain a national identification document (DNI, or NIE for foreigners) is proof of identification. Be aware that although a Passport is also a widely accepted form of identification, the document does not necessarily retain the same serial number upon renewal, which may present problems of identification within documents later in life. NIE or DNI is always the same for a person for the duration of their life under Spanish law, meaning this is easily the preferred option, if at all possible.


If you don't fancy your chances against such possible complications, and would rather a proessional take care of things fro you, then contact Luxury Barcelona Real Estate Agency, Modus Vivendi, who have an outstanding selection of the best properties for sale in Barcelona as well as an ample portfolio of long term rentals in Barcelona. Their professional service will ensure you are always in the know about the process of buying or selling, and will not have the wool pulled over your eyes.

Spanish Real Estate Terms You Need to Know

Moving to a new country and a new city is a great experience. Nerves and excitement often come in equal packages, and it's completely normal to worry about such things as housing - especially if it's up to you to find the place you're going to be staying in for the foreseeable future. The language barrier can often pose a problem when you start your search for a new home, and sometimes a Spanish-English dictionary will be of little use when embarking on the Real Estate world in Barcelona.

Coupled with the fact that the city is the capital of Catalonia - so therefore has two official languages; Catalan and Castillian Spanish - many Real Estate terms have nothing to do with the literal meaning of the word you might find in a dictionary. Here's a little list to help you decipher those all-important terms within the city centre itself.



First up is a simple one. Moving into the metropolis that is Barcelona, it's likely you'll be staying in an apartment or a flat. This is translated into "Apartamento" or "Piso" - no major issues there. Apartments are found in blocks which can vary in size and age - old town properties can bare little resemblance to brand new properties, with installations and communal areas such as stairwells in need of repair. However, history is on your side, and an authentic apartment in an old town block oozes character and charm, whereas new blocks can be bare and empty. Apartments can vary in size and "Studios" are those on the smaller size, often with one bedroom, sometimes in open plan and rarely reaching above 35m2.

If you see a "Duplex" advertised, this refers to a property which has one entrance, but is distributed over two floors - more often than not by an internal staircase. Many upper floors in apartment blocks are constructed with higher ceilings than those floors which prop them up, meaning it's easy to add another level - be it for a bedroom, a living room or simply an "internal balcony". The difference between a two-storey property and a duplex is basically that it occupies the same floor space as an apartment, whereas a two storey property allows for the construction of the staircase.

Spanish "Lofts" are contrary to the English translation and are not a space directly below the roof of a house with sloping walls! Quite the opposite. Lending itself from 1950s New York a "loft" is a very open space with large windows, very few partitions and generally very little has been done to a somewhat industrial construction (such as a warehouse) to make it hospitable. Think old factories and warehouses converted into large, open dwellings, with ceiling to floor windows. The term is abused slightly in Barcelona to refer to any space which has few partitions - and on any level within a block, so that's something to be aware of.

"Local" refers to the space on the ground floor of a building which is typically destined for commerce - be it a shop, restaurant, bar or cafe. It's the street-level front to the building - most typically having one either side of the apartment block's main entrance. Locales are usually large, open spaces, but often have difficulty in obtaining a legal living permit, known as a "cedula de habitabilidad" - given the fact that they are destined towards retail or hospitality. If you fancy looking for one of these properties, ensure you ask for an up to date permit.

Finally, we come to "Bajos" which literally translates as Ground Floor, but can differ from a "Local" as there can be many bajos within an apartment block - some interior some exterior - whereas locales generally occupy either half or whole of the ground floor of an apartment block. Bajos are also usually accessed from the same main apartment building door, rather than an exclusive entrance, as locales are. Bajos tend to be a little darker in terms of natural sunlight given the proximity of buildings within the city centre, but can often make up for this deficit with fantastic terraces which stretch the same length and breadth of the living space itself.

If you're having trouble deciding on your favourite type of living space, or fancy checking out a few of each, then contact Luxury Barcelona Real Estate Agency, Modus Vivendi, who have an outstanding selection of the best properties for sale in Barcelona as well as an ample portfolio of long term rentals in Barcelona.

Success at Barcelona Meeting Point 2009

Last weekend saw the closing of the Barcelona Meeting Point Real Estate Event, and the organisers have praised attendances and labelled it a success. Enrique LaCalle, the event organiser and president, announced that over 150,000 people attended the event, which - perhaps surprisingly - is 20,000 more than last year. Meeting Point showcases many public and private companies in the construction sector, and LaCalle also added that negotiations between businesses and the public are expected to reach a value of around 2100 million Euros.



Attendances were high for both the professional and public parts of the event, with many people eager to hunt for a bargain. The Real Estate Process has changed dramatically in the past few years, with the market swaying over in the buyer's favour. Such was demand around 4 years ago, that apartments were snapped up by everyone and no reservations could be made, for example. Nowadays, both the buyers and sellers know that there is no queue of people after one property with the market being saturated with both brand new properties as well as those which come up for sale and are occupied previously. It's certainly a great time to be looking for a property in Barcelona.

Barcelona Real Estate agency Modus Vivendi have a selection of Properties for sale in their portfolio, and also offerLong Term rentals in Barcelona too.

Average Rental Prices in Barcelona 2009

This week, the Institut Catala del Sol released figures regarding the average rental prices in Barcelona's various neighbourhoods. The good news is that the rental prices have fallen again, compared to the first quarter of 2009.



Average rental prices in the city are now at 1034 Euros per calendar month. Each neighbourhood represents a different price bracket, and it may come as no surprise that the high-end neighbourhood of Sarria leads the way, with an average rental setting you back 1259 Euros. There is little difference between the rest of the neighbourhoods close to Sarria, with Les Corts following with an average rental of 1270 Euros.

If you want to save yourself a hundred Euros a month, then skip down to Eixample, where the average price is 1170 Euros. The small-town feel of Gracia has no small town price tag, with average monthly rentals here 1018 Euros.

Moving to either side of the city will save you a little amount, with Horta, Sants-Montjüic and Nou Barris being the cheapest rentals - 917 Euros, 935 Euros and 855 Euros respectively. It's worth noting that these average prices are purely for rentals, and anyone moving to Barcelona also needs to consider any utility bills, or communal charges that a building may have. Such buildings with a porter/caretaker can add a hefty sum onto any rental, too, so it's always worth checking the extras that might influence your decision in looking.

In addition, it's also a great idea to contact a Barcelona Real Estate agent for ideas and suggestions. Modus Vivendi Real Estate has a selection of Long Term rentals in Barcelona, and will be happy to personally run through any requirements and questions you might have. You can contact them for a chat anytime.

Barcelona Neighbourhoods: Gracia

Long before Barcelona was the sprawling Metropolis that it is today, the area around the old Roman Citadel of Barcino had plenty of countryside. The oldest church in Barcelona, "Sant Pau del Camp" literally translates as Saint Paul of the Countryside. This church now lies in the old town district of El Raval - considered to be the city centre.



In this vein, many of the adjoining neighbourhoods were small towns themselves, and one such neighbourhood perhaps keeping it's small town feel is Gracia. Gracia lies just above Eixample - it was joined seamlessly to Barcelona with Ildefons Cerdà's expansion of Eixample itself. Barcelona's most popular boulevard, Passeig de Gracia, bears the name - as literally a passage to Gracia. Access to the city centre is fantastic, just a short stroll south, and you will arrive to Plaça Catalunya, the city's main square. Gracia also houses Casa Vicens - one of Antonin Gaudi's masterpieces often overlooked by travellers too caught up with two of the UNESCO World Heritage sites on nearby Paseeig de Gracia; Casa Mila and Casa Battlo.

Gracia is a fairly small neighbourhood, with many plaças dotted around the tiny streets. Buildings here are a far cry from the tall storey buildings in neighbouring Eixample, and are generally only two or three stories high. The neighbourhood has a high student population, and is a favourite spot for alternative Spanish nightlife, with Plaça del Sol full of bars and terraces. The area has plenty of shops and local commercial outlets, as well as supermarket chains, fast food restaurants and famous eateries, too, such as Moncho Neira's Botafumeiro - which used to have a Michelin Star.

Each Ausgust, the neighbourhood transforms itself in the week-long festival celebrations, with the narrow streets decorated to the maximum with fantastic models and murals which line the streets wide and high - it has the unofficial title of throwing the best neighbourhood party in Barcelona. Locals complain about the noise and sleepless nights, but that's all part of the fun at hosting the best party in the city!

Gracia residents, like many Barcelona neighbourhoods, are a mix of locals, immigrants, expats and foreign students who live in harmony with one another, giving the neighbourhood an international, yet local feel about it.

Are you looking to move into the Gracia neighbourhood? Luxury Barcelona Real Estate Agents Modus Vivendi can help. They have various properties for sale, and also Long Term Rentals in Barcelona, within all districts.

Barcelona Business Capital

Cushman and Wakefield have this week released their European Cities Monitor for 2009, detailing the leading business cities in Europe. This year, Barcelona has leapfrogged "the Capital of Europe", Brussels, to 4th position - moving up from 5th in 2008.



Compiled by over 500 executives and external agencies, the study takes into account several factors when ranking, and Barcelona receives a special mention for promoting and marketing itself - leading the list of cities as doing the most to improve. Companies were asked to consider a number of factors when deciding on the location of their business, such as ease of access to markets, customers or clients, Availability of qualified staff, quality of telecommunications, transport links, cost of office space, etc. etc.

Barcelona is a business capital. Chosen over many destinations for it's excellent transport links, the Fira de Barcelona hosts many important conferences and trade fairs throughout the year, such as the annual 3GSM Mobile Telephone Congress and the Barcelona Meeting Point Real Estate Conference.

The Barcelona CCIB (International Convention Centre) is one of the biggest Congress spaces in Europe. Many new companies are relocating their central offices to Barcelona's Zona Franca, or the new 22@ area across town in Poble Nou.

Perhaps most notable from the report's findings is that Barcelona is Number 1 for quality of life for employees in the whole of Europe for 2009.

Are you thinking about moving to Barcelona? Have your company suggested a relocation? Modus Vivendi Luxury Barcelona Real Estate Agency can help. They can provide a long or short term solution for accommodation in and around Barcelona, and have plenty of Long Term Rentals in Barcelona to browse.

Barcelona Meeting Point

The month of October sees the biggest real estate trade fair in Spain come to Barcelona. The 13th edition of Barcelona Meeting Point is held in the Fira de Barcelona from the 27th October to 1st November, and despite the current financial downturn, the fair seems well on the way to being another good show, with many stands and exhibitions spaces already fully booked.

In 5 days, the exhibition is a must for networking and keeping up with industry trends, and this year will also promote to some extent the low-cost Madrid show, following on the success of the Barcelona Low cost fair in June of this year. Meeting Point is divided into three main sections; The Professional Exhibition, the General Attendance Exhibition and the International Symposium.

This year's International Symposium sees a high attendance level from Arab countries, with speakers on Wednesday morning forming the first "Euro Arab Real Estate Conference". There is also to be some speeches and presentations on learning from the current financial crisis. If you're thinking of attending you can sign up here.

For your Luxury Barcelona Real Estate needs, or Long Term Rentals in Barcelona, don't hesitate to contact Modus Vivendi directly for a tailor made solution to your problem.

Most Expensive Streets in Barcelona to Rent

A recent Report by London-based Real Estate company Cushman & Wakefield has compiled a fascinating list of the main street indexes globally when it comes to retail space. The report has some fascinating results, and is well worth a look (free registry required to download the complete document).



Everyone knows that Barcelona is a fantastic place for shopping, with international brands sitting along side some of the great Spanish brands such as Custo, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Desigual and the rest.

Of no real surprise is the inclusion in the report of the top 4 streets in the Catalan Capital for floor space - those of Portal del Angel, Rambla Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia and Avenida Diagonal. What is surprising perhaps is that despite the current economic downturn, the rents on Portal del Angel have risen - only 4,5% but still a pretty price at 2760 Euros per square metre per year for floor space.

Both Rambla Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia maintained their prices as of last year, and only Diagonal saw a slight decrease in prices - 12.5% compared to the previous year. Choosing the right floor space is essential for customer retail success, and the recent acquisition of the old Gas company headquarters on Portal del Angel by H&M must be costing a lot of money, but at the same time be worth the rentals, as the shop is always busy, and it's a fantastic job by the designers.

Are you looking to invest in retail in Barcelona? Contact Barcelona Luxury Real Estate experts Modus Vivendi for details of floor spaces to suit your needs. And for long term rentals in Barcelona don't hesitate to contact the team, too, as they have a constantly updated portfolio of exclusive properties to fit everyone's needs.

Barcelona Voted 5th Best City in the World

Anyone who's visited the city of Barcelona can see the draw the Catalan Capital holds. Many people who come here with no fixed travel plan end up staying much longer than originally planned, as it's such a difficult place to leave. And what about living here?

Well, a recent survey from Time Out Guide books has ranked Barcelona not only in the top 10 cities in the world, but at a very respectable 5th place.



The survey took into account 6 different attributes as Architecture, Arts & Culture, Buzz, Food & Drink, Quality of Life and World Status, totalling a score of 60. Barcelona fared 44 out of 60, with the most notable scores on Architecture (9/10), Buzz (8/10), Food and Drink (8/10) and Quality of Life (8/10). Who could argue?

Barcelona boasts 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and has many other architectural masterpieces not given Wolrd Status, but still equally as impressive. This coming week also sees the celebrations of La Merce Festival, widely renowned for it's cultural impact on Catalonia. The influence of Ferran Adriá's El Bulli restaurant in Roses, near Girona - voted best restaurant in the world for an unprecedented 3 years running - has obviously had it's influence on the kitchens of Barcelona, and who can ignore the massive nightlife scene in Barcelona for "buzz"?! Many Ibiza DJ's are residents here when Ibiza is off-season, and it's no surprise that such giants of Music as U2 and George Michael have started their World Tours here in recent years! It's no wonder that Barcelona is the envy of it's European neighbours! In fact, only the cities of London, Paris and Berlin pipped Barcelona to the post, with New York being number one.

Are you looking to move to Barcelona soon? Check out these long term rentals in Barcelona from Modus Vivendi Estate Agents in Barcelona. And if you're serious about making a life-change, then contact them for Luxury Real Estate in Barcelona, too.

Rental Prices Down Again in Barcelona

It's a great time to be looking for a rental at the moment in Spain, and whilst the bigger cities such as Barcelona and Madrid are always going to have competitive rates for monthly rentals, a recent report from facilisimo.com relates the news that the prices of rentals has again gone down.



In August, rentals in Catalunya as a whole dropped 0,06% which although it doesn't sound like a lot, makes up a total of 11.32% compared to the same time last year. That's a hefty amount on any rental, and I can predict that this will likely stay around the same for the rest of the year. The survey had sources from over 120,000 individual properties and is great news for anyone looking for a long term rental in Barcelona with a 4.4% decrease in rental prices for the Catalan Capital.

Each new renter looking to relocate to Barcelona, for whatever, reason, has a great new world awaiting them, with Barcelona being voted as one of the top ten cities in the world to live in by Time Out Guides this month. If you're wondering where to move to, try our information in choosing the right neighbourhood in the city, which will be an ongoing project here at Barcelona Real Estate Blog.

Barcelona Neighbourhoods - The Old Town

Barcelona Neighbourhoods - Eixample

We welcome any comments as always, and would love to hear your suggestions or topics for us to open up for discussion.

Looking for Luxury Real Estate in Barcelona ? Contact Modus Vivendi for their excellent portfolio of properties in and around Barcelona.

Sunshine Terraces in Barcelona

Moving to a sunny country like Spain, especially if you're moving from a colder climate can do wonders for your well being and confidence. Cities like Barcelona have a fantastic amount of sunshine year-round, and it's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea means that on the extremely rare occasion that it snows, it never lays - and temperatures rarely go below the 2 or 3 degrees mark.



Never has a city been more designed around the sun. Many plaças such as the Plaça Reial in the downtown Gothic Quarter have chairs positioned strategically so that each one received the same amount of sunlight during the day. Locals will move around to find the shade whilst reading their newspapers, leaving the midday sun to the tourists or foreigners living in the city!

Buildings are mainly sandstone or light stone coloured, reflecting the suns rays and giving a warm glow during the day - it's often noted that Barcelona seems so grey when it rains, as this is the appearance that the buildings have when wet.

So what better way to take advantage of the great weather Barcelona has to offer than with an apartment with a balcony or a terrace?! Properties facing the sea will always have more natural light during the morning and early afternoon. And when the sun hits it's highest point and comes back down behind Tibidabo mountain, those facing away from the sea will enjoy it's rays. Many Barcelona apartments have balconies, and if they are internal, away from traffic noise, this can be a wonderful addition to your apartment - even in the balcony is narrow, you can fit a table and chairs outside and have an evening meal in the summer outside, or relax and read a book at the weekend.

Almost all buildings have rooftop terraces - many have been taken by those attic apartments occupying the top floor, but some are communal, and are often only used to hang washing or sometimes never used. If you're renting a long term apartment in Barcelona, it's wise to check if you would have access to the rooftop terrace - or terrado - before you sign an agreement taking this for advantage. Certain communities have restrictions as to who might be allowed up there.

If you're looking to move to Barcelona and fancy a terrace or a balcony as part of your dream, then it's wise to contact an agency dealing with Barcelona Luxury Real Estate portfolio, who will offer serious options for you to browse and consider. If you're looking for Long Term Rentals in Barcelona, don't hesitate to contact Modus Vivendi in Barcelona for a tailor made solution to your problem.

Barcelona Neighbourhoods - Eixample

Eixample literally means the widening of the city or extension beyond the boundries of the old town. Ildefont Cerdá was the main designer of the area, which has a grid-like appearance and a few main thoroughfares, such as Gran Via which crosses the whole of the city from left to right, and Diagonal from North west to South East being the main avenues.



Eixample is made up of blocks, or "manzanas" on the grid, often comprising of 20 or more individual apartment buildings. The octagonal bocks give natural light and although it was rumoured that Eixample was frowned upon by the locals until the birth of the traffic light, it remains Barcelona's biggest neighbourhood and also houses many of the main tourist attractions of the city - 5 of the 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Barcelona boasts.

The neighbourhood is split up into left and right either side of Passeig de Gracia, and each is simply known as Eixample dreta (right) or Eixample Esquerra (left). Public transport within the neighbourhood is extensive, with all metro lines crossing this part of the city along long stretches, as well as the Barcelona tram covering most of Diagonal, too.

Eixample carries a lot of the city's traffic, and large avenues such as Gran Via and Aragon, are a constant source of traffic, meaning noise pollution is frequent. Also, due to the preference of natural light in Barcelona, those properties facing the sea generally have more hours of daylight than those facing Tibidabo at the back - and an obvious preference for higher floored apartments is preferred whenever considering renting or buying an apartment.

The modernista movement in Barcelona means that Eixample houses some fantastic buildings and was an innovative neighbourhood at its conception - the first elevator in Barcelona was installed in Rambla Catalunya. Eixample also houses the "manzana de discordia" or block of discord, which is one of the smallest spaces in the city where you can find Modernista architecture in all it's fantastic and varied forms within such a small space. Many apartments have original tiled floors which are restored and kept as additional makeweights when dealing in property, as well as the decorative crowns on ceilings, original wooden doors and window frames and certain balconies.

For your Luxury Barcelona Real Estate needs, or Long Term Rentals in Barcelona, don't hesitate to contact Modus Vivendi in Barcelona for a tailor made solution to your problem.

A Good Time to Buy Property in Spain Right Now?

It's well known that the Spanish Housing market has been at the backbone of the economy for the past ten years or so, and that the crash of last year has had a knock on effect for many industries, leaving many blocks of apartments in ghost towns, or many projects half abandoned, with each party blaming each other. A perfect example is the proposed renovation of Las Arenas Bull Ring in Barcelona - where despite going over the provisional date twice, organisers of the project are still bickering over whose fault it is that work has stopped.



So what about buying property? Well, due to the market almost being frozen at the moment, there are some fantastic bargains to be had if you look in the right places. Prices are being slashed and Luxury Estate agents in Barcelona and other cities will help you find the property of your dreams at a fraction of the cost you thought you might have to part with.

The Euribor also keeps on falling (although August's has not been published as yet), meaning that the base rate of the interest you will be paying on any loan you take out will be at rock bottom - the lowest in history. Banks and Cajas are also giving out loans for longer and longer periods - up to 50 years for mortgages in some cases, meaning the repayments can be manageable in this financial downturn.

For Real Estate in Barcelona, contact Modus Vivendi, whose portfolio of excellent properties are bound to fulfill your expectations.

Barcelona Neighbourhoods: The Old Town

The Old Town of Barcelona - Cuitat Vella in Catalan - comprises of four main areas, El Raval, El Gotico (Gothic Quarter), El Borne and La Barceloneta. Here's a quick breakdown of those areas:


El Raval

Like most of the old town, the Raval quarters have a mix of old and new buildings, some very old and in need of repair. Often, considerable work needs to be done to properties here, although most quality estate agencies will steer clear from this type of living space. The neighbourhood has an extremely high immigrant population, meaning it's easy to find International cuisine and halal butchers alongside traditional neighbourhood shops and bakeries. El Raval can be noisy, given it's central location, and certain areas can be poorly lit - something to consider when looking for an apartment here. Public transport is very close with 5 main metro stations flanking the quarter - Sant Antoni (next to the city's biggest market bearing the same name), Liceu on Las Ramblas, next to the Opera House, Parallel on the opposite side of the neighbourhood, Drassanes at the bottom of las Ramblas towards the Port and Catalunya, at the top of Las Ramblas, the city's main square.

El Gotico



Barcelona's Gothic Quarter is a mainly pedestrian area of winding streets, separated from El Raval by the old riverbed which is now Las Ramblas. Like El Raval, there are many old buildings, often with tiny stairwells, and lifts are not very common - often a major setback when looking for a higher placed apartment. The area, however, has some of the most beautiful interiors, with old, tiled floors and high beamed ceilings and often a few gems can be found - albeit at a preety price. The Gothic Quarter is the historical centre of Barcelona - the Roman citadel called "Barcino" formed on top of the Mons Taber hill, and oozes history. Natural light source can again be a problem, and if you plan on using your own car, this can be a hindrance, as many streets are pedestrian only. Public transport is good, with Liceu, Drassanes, Catalunya and Jaume I all close by to walk.

El Borne

El Borne is a fairly trendy place to live, with many art galleries or small exhibition spaces nestled amongst the small streets. The area has a large market, which is under construction, but small shops and supermarkets are taking the trade in the meantime. Traditionally the Jewish Quarters of the city, the area has many old factories and a mix of apartments, lofts (larger, often two-tier dwelling spaces, which can be ground floor, despite what the name suggests) and the area also borders the Cuitadella Park - Barcelona's garden. As with the previous two areas, Borne can have tiny, dimly lit streets, so it's wise to choose a well-lit apartment. Metro lines serving this area include Arc de Triomf, Urquinaona and Jaume I.

Barceloneta



The old fisherman's quarters of La Barceloneta are a tidy arrangement of parallel streets sitting right on top of Barcelona's first beach. These narrow streets have small dwellings so don't expect to find large apartments here - they are few and far between. Barceloneta has a large market, and not surprisingly is a great place to go for seafood, or buy fish. The area can get noisy with tourists visiting the beach at all hours, and the main draw to living here would be its close proximity to the beach - literally 1 minute's walk. Barceloneta relies perhaps more on the bus network than the metro, although the metro station "Barceloneta" does stop at the border.

Looking for a Long term rental in Barcelona ? Contact Modus Vivendi real estate in Barcelona to talk about some options, they'll be happy to help find a place to fit your needs and budget.

Choosing a Barcelona Neighbourhood

Visiting a city as a tourist can be completely different than visiting to live and work. Let's take Barcelona as our example. If you come to the city for 3-4 nights, you might think that your hotel at Plaça Catalunya is a fantastic location due to the close proximity of all the sights and public transport. However, if you were thinking about living here, you'd soon find that it would be a nightmare to get your car anywhere near the door to your apartment, for example, that you will have to walk a fair way for your nearest supermarket (which would constantly be full!) and if you need a DIY store, or something from a Drugstore, again, you're kind of stumped.

It's a good idea to make a list of things you love about where you live before the move and then try and find those things in your new destination. Obviously the lists will never concur completely, but if green space is a must for you, then you might prefer somewhere away from the beach, etc. etc.

So in the next couple of posts, we'll try and give you the lowdown on some of the neighbourhoods to choose from in Barcelona, along with the pros and cons of choosing those areas over others. This might help when planning a trip to view potential properties, or in thinking where to rent in the city. If you're looking for Luxury Real Estate in Barcelona then check out Modus Vivendi in Barcelona

Relocating to Barcelona

Choosing to relocate to any city can be a daunting experience, especially such a vibrant city as the Catalan Capital, Barcelona. With the Spanish property market in free fall, one might be convinced that there are bargains-a-plenty to be had when looking for Apartments for sale in Barcelona or indeed renting a property in Barcelona.


Nothing could be further from the truth. Whilst construction has halted on many apartment blocks throughout the city and even the re-generation of one of the city's old Bull rings, Las Arenas, property prices and rentals within the city have not stumbled as far as you might expect.

Choosing the right Barcelona Estate Agent can be paramount in your search for the right Barcelona property, and as a foreigner, you may come up against certain obstacles along the way. The language barrier is the immediate concern for many, with Barcelona having two official languages, Catalan and Spanish Castillian. What better way to view prospective properties than let someone else do the legwork for you?

The International staff at Modus Vivendi Barcelona have over 9 years experience in the real estate market in Barcelona, and are always on hand to offer a tailor-made portfolio of luxury Barcelona properties for rent and for sale. A personal yet professional approach is what has gained this quality firm such accolades in customer service and has broadened their client base through testimonials and recommendations.