The real estate sector maintains a record investment of 3.6 billion in Catalonia

Real estate sector investment in Catalonia is expected to reach 3.6 billion euros this 2022, according to CBRE data. This figure will be in line with the 3.5 billion euros obtained in 2021, thus continuing the record achieved a year ago.

"In 2019, we surpassed the 3 billion euro investment barrier for the first time, and with these figures, Barcelona entered the European first division. In 2021, this market exceeded 3.5 billion euros, and this year we will reach this figure again, evidencing the consolidation of this trend," states Xavier Güell, director of CBRE Barcelona.

The sector that has concentrated the bulk of operations has been offices, with 1.1 billion euros, almost 30% of all investment captured. The figure is below the record of 1.7 billion euros in 2021, although CBRE emphasizes that it is still one of the best figures in the historical series.

For Güell, the factors explaining this consolidation of investment in Barcelona, especially in the office segment, are the growth of rents and take-up, with more companies renting new spaces or expanding them. The existence of the 22@ formula in the city, as well as its characteristics, with large and high-quality buildings, also play in favor of the Catalan capital.

Behind offices, the residential sector has been placed, with 970 million euros, 28% of the total investment in Catalonia. This is a historical amount for this segment, which has grown by 163% compared to 2021. The industrial and logistics sector has captured 670 million euros, 139% more than in 2021 and taking 19% of the total investment. Behind, are the retail sector (with 11% of the investment), hotels (7%) and assets considered as alternative, such as student and elderly residences (3%).

Looking ahead to 2023, the slowdown that began this September is expected to continue, with rising interest rates and inflation. This 2022, the total investment captured in Catalonia has not been excessively affected by these variables, due to an exceptional first quarter, with an outlay of about 1 billion euros, also a record. Next year, the situation is expected to improve from the second half.