Primavera Sound 2018: Line up, tickets and more...

It's back. The biggest music festival of the year returns to Barcelona. Primavera Sound has been lighting up the summer since 2001 and this year will be no different. With around 200 of the best of pop, rock, alternative and underground electronic and dance music artists descending on the city for a full five days of music, this is one you won't want to miss. Save the dates. 28th May - 3rd June.

Line-Up

This is the bit you've all been waiting for. This stellar line up is bringing the absolute best of the best together  this summer. The Artic Monkeys will be back on stage for the first time in four years.. Lorde. Haim. Migos. A$AP Rocky. Björk. The National. The War on Drugs. Tyler, The Creator. Cigarettes After Sex. CHVRCHES. Father John Misty. And dozens upon dozens of other incredible artists from every genre imaginable, from flamenco to heavy metal, form underground to (somewhat) mainstream.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale NOW. From the 29th January until they sell out, full festival tickets are available for 215€. You can also spread the price out with their instalment program if you prefer to pay that way. If you have a Carnet Jove you can buy for a discounted price of 180€ (just make sure you bring the card and some ID with you when you attend the festival). You can also get tickets for this price if you were born or are a resident in Barcelona (for details and what to bring to prove your residency click here) VIP tickets are 400€ and will get you entry from the 30th May- 3rd June as well as access to all VIP areas, access to exclusive viewing areas (until full capacity), access to a NEW VIP area with exclusive backstage parties with a pool, bar and restaurant service, preferential access venues with limited capacity and a welcome pack. Day tickets are not yet available but you can check here to see when they are. If you prefer to get everything included you can also book travel package tickets which get you either a ticket + camping site spot or any one of the great mobile homes on offer, a hotel, an apartment, travel around Barcelona or extras like city tours (great if you only want to attend 1/2 days a the festival and spend the rest exploring the amazing city). Let us know if we can help you with any more info! - Erin

Which tourist attractions in Barcelona are worth the hype?

Barcelona is the tourist capital of Spain and as such a lot of the popular attractions will be on your to-do list when you come to visit. But which of those places actually live up to the hype? We've done a bit of investigating so you don't have to. The best attractions in Barcelona are listed below, each with its own hype rating so you know which ones are worth visiting. 10/10 means out it in the diary right now. 0/10...well, best to not bother. Sit back, relax, and get ready to tweak your itinerary.

1. La Sagrada Familia

We're starting off with the big one. Not visiting La Sagrada Familia when in Barcelona is like not taking a gondola ride in Venice. Sure, its a little pricey to get in (€20 minimum) but this is one of those things that just HAS to be done. Its absolutely gorgeous inside and if you have any interest in architecture at all prepare to have your mind blown by the stunning stained glass windows, the impressive construction and the level of detail crammed into this cathedral. And if you can spare the cost we'd recommend getting the audio guide for an extra four euros because it'll help you spot a lot of things you might otherwise have not noticed. Hype rating: 10/10

2. Barceloneta

Barcelona's beach has become something of an icon, despite only being built during the 90s for the Olympic games. Every year hundreds of tourists flock to the sands to soak up some of that mediterranean sun with the convenience of not having to leave the city. It has great views along the city's shoreline and is almost always sunny. But honestly, if you're prepared to travel even just a tiny bit, you can have a much better experience somewhere else. In peak season, Barceloneta is crowded, noisy, dirty and full of people constantly trying to sell you beer or blankets or massages or whatever else they can fit in a cooler box. Our advice? Head one stop further down on the metro to Ciutadella/Vila Olimpica for a more peaceful experience without travelling too far. Its still busy but more than bearable for a couple of hours of topping up your tan. If you're looking for total tranquility though its best to get out of the city and head to one of the other amazing beaches nearby. Hype rating: 3/10

3. Montjuic

The mountain overlooking Barcelona is one of its most popular tourist attractions. With a castle, the botanical gardens, the olympic park and a cable car to the port its definitely got something going for it but the best thing about Montjuic are the amazing views right across the city. As its so close its definitely worth a visit but be prepared for a bit of a trek to get up there! Hype rating: 6/10

4. Tibidabo

This is the other mountain overlooking Barcelona. There is a little amusement park up there, incredible views across the city and an enormous cathedral. If you've got kids this is brilliant as there is loads for them to do, but beware of the queues during summer. Otherwise, its maybe one to give a miss. It's a bit of a hassle to get to by public transport and if you're looking for views there are better ones out there Hype rating: 4/10

5. Park Guell

Originally intended to be an exclusive neighourhood of 60 houses, Gaudi's landscaped masterpiece is absolutely incredible. Around every corner there is something beautiful to catch your eye and you could spend hours, days even, wandering around this place, discovering hidden corners and glimpses of Gaudi's genius. The houses never got built but there is more than enough here to enjoy. The views f are brilliant too; straight down towards the sea and across the whole city. You can even stand inside Gaudi's house and see the Sagrada Familia, still being built all these years later! Its crazy to think he would've stood right there, watching his masterwork take shape. It can get very very VERY busy in summer so its probably better to head there during the off season if you're looking for a more relaxed experience. Hype rating: 10/10

6. Picasso Museum

This is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona...and for good reason! If you're an art lover or interested in history/Picasso's life in general then this is the place for you. The work displayed covers everything, right from his unbelievably accomplished school work from when he was 13 to his revolutionary modern paintings in later life. The museum is really well laid out with loads of information available to soak up. And its in a gorgeous old palace which helps. Its open every day except Monday and is often free if you time your visit right/are a student. Definitely worth a visit for everyone, even if you aren't big into faces with all their features in the wrong places. Hype rating: 8/10

7. Montserrat

This is one of Barcelona's hidden gems. Just an hour outside the city is this beautiful mountain monastery, nestled up in the Catalan hills. Since its one of the hidden gems, I guess its not exactly 'overhyped' as such given that, well, no one knows about it. But this is definitely one for the bucket list.  The views across the mountains are absolutely stunning and the monastery is a treasure trove. Pro-tip: its worth visiting the museum. Hardly anyone goes down there and there is some incredible stuff. We're talking Dalí, Monet, Picasso.... Hype rating: 12/10 (points added due to being under-hyped)

8. Las Ramblas

If you've heard of Barcelona, you've probably heard of Las Ramblas. This famous street stretches from the port all the way up to Plaza Catalunya in the centre of the city. It's tree lined street is symbolic of the city with tourists from all around the world descending on it to enjoy the market stalls and street performers. Fun fact: Its actually made up of five separate streets which have all joined together over the years. In summer it is exceptionally busy but if you get there in the off season, or early in the morning, its a great place to take a stroll and the perfect way to get from one end of the city to the other on foot without ever getting bored. The only thing that can get a little annoying are the guys constantly asking if you're looking for a coffee shop (hint: they're not selling you coffee. Think Amsterdam.) Overall though its a bit like La Sagrada Familia; one of those things you've just got to do. Hype rating: 7/10 That's just a handful of some of the major attractions in Barcelona but there's so much more to discover...and even more hidden gems throughout the city which only the locals know about. So get your itinerary out and get planning because there's always tons to do in Barcelona! Let us know in the comments below where you're headed. - Erin

How to take real estate photos...by people in the know!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words but pictures of your property could easily be worth a million! Real estate photos are one of the most important factors in making sure that a property is sold or rented. By following just a few easy steps you can increase the quality of your photos and make it far more likely that you can secure a tenant or buyer quickly. We’ve written a list of our top tips below so that you can show off your property in its best light (quite literally!)…

1. High Quality Images

Good image quality is key to drawing in prospective buyers or tenants. High quality pictures appear brighter and clearer, giving them a good idea of the space as well as reassuring them that you have nothing to hide! It also suggests that you have a professional attitude towards your properties and that all contracts and agreements will be above board and expertly handled. You can cram so much information into those few extra megapixels - well worth investing in a decent camera or using a high quality smartphone!

2. Lighting

This is the most important factor of all. Lighting is essential to making your property appear more attractive and a key factor in tenants/buyers choice of property. Take your photos at midday when the sun is strongest and open all curtains to flood the room with natural light. It might be worth strategically placing mirrors on the walls to reflect as much light around the room as possible. If your property doesn’t get much sunlight then LED bulbs are your best friend - invest in a few and they’ll pay you back tenfold.

3. Exposure

It is also important to make sure your pictures aren’t over-exposed. This means keep the light coming through the windows and the light inside the property in balance. You don’t want to be able to see the trees perfectly but not be able to see a thing inside - or vice versa! However, be careful not to over edit your pictures as this can make it look like you’re trying to hide something or look a bit unprofessional.

4. Keep it clean and tidy

It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many times we’ve seen dirty dishes in the sink in property photos! Rooms must be clean and tidy, right down to the small details such as hiding cords and remote controls, even putting away your toiletries. If it is clean and tidy, it suggests the property has been looked after and will be in good shape when the buyer or tenant arrives. It also leaves some space for imagination - the person viewing the property can picture themselves living in the space rather than seeing themselves living amongst other people’s clutter!

5. Make it look like a home

Keeping it clean and tidy doesn’t mean it needs to be stripped back to the bare bones! Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table and buy a comfy looking throw and cushions for the sofa - maybe even leave a teddy bear on the bed of the kids room! Hint at the home the buyer/tenant could have rather than just showing them a house which could belong to anyone.

6. Work on your angles

Angles can make all the difference in an image. Make sure you line up the floor and walls horizontally and vertically (some cameras have a grid-like viewfinder to help you with this) and try to get as much of the room in the image as possible. Kneeling can help you to get an angle which shows the walls and furniture without taking up too much of the image with the floor or ceiling.

7. Get Decorating!

A fresh coat of paint and new bedding can make all the difference in the world. Stick to bright, neutral colours on the walls to maximise the space and add splashes of colour with soft furnishings to lift the room and make it feel more homely. Hopefully these tips have helped you to work out how to get the most from your property photos. Now put them in to practice and get snapping! - Erin

Guide to the Best Shopping Malls in Barcelona: Shop till you drop!

Barcelona is one of the shopping capitals of the world. Its beautiful streets are lined with everything from luxury stores and big brands to one-off boutiques and vintage shops. You’ve got the seemingly endless Passeig de Gracia, where you can find H&M, Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Gucci, Chanel and more, or there’s the winding streets of El Born, every corner revealing a new small business with gorgeous clothes just dying to be worn. And these are all very well, but sometimes when a bit of retail therapy is needed, nothing but a big ol’ mall stuffed with the best shopping the world has to offer will suffice! So, without further ado, here is our list of the best shopping malls in Barcelona…try not to come home with too many bags under your arms!

L’Illa Diagonal

L’Illa Diagonal is the biggest shopping centre in Barcelona. With 170 shops and 35,000m2 of space to enjoy you could spend hours in this shopaholics paradise and never run out of clothes to buy! And to make things a little easier for parents, there are infant care facilities such as a microwave and diaper changing area so you can look after you’re little ones. To get there take L3 to Les Corts station or there are plenty of buses stopping nearby if you prefer

Maremagnum

This port-side shopping centre has the distinct advantage of being the only one open on a Sunday. With 59 shops to choose from as well as a restaurant on the upper floor you’ve got plenty to fill your weekend afternoons with at this mall. And on those hot summer days, why not grab an ice-cream and sit outside looking over the water and the beautiful yachts moored nearby? As the land its on is a little out to sea you might think it’d be difficult to get to but you’d be wrong. The V13 bus stops right outside and if you take the L4 to Barceloneta or any bus to Passeig de Colom its just a short walk past the old port. There are worse places to have to drag your shopping bags!

Las Arenas

Probably the only mall with a history, this shopping centre is built int he old bullfighting ring in Plaza Espanya. It has lots of shops and places to eat and even a cinema with films in their original version if you need to take a break from sales shopping! There’s also a fantastic view across the city from the top…if you can manage to get all your bags up there! Its very easy to get to, just take L3 or L1 to Plaza Espanya or take any of the buses stopping nearby.

Diagonal Mar

This mall is at the complete opposite end of Avenida Diagonal from L’Illa Diagonal so don’t worry if the first one on our list is a little far away. There are all the usual shops and restaurants as well as a cinema which offers some films in their original version. To get there take L4 to Maresme Forum or any of the many buses which stop along Avenida Diagonal.

La Maquinista

With 168 shops, 46 restaurants and a small cinema this mall rivals the size of L’illa Diagonal, though it is a little further out from the centre. Just take L1 to Sant Andrew or L9N/L10 to Bon Pastor to get there.

Glories

Just off diagonal, this could be the perfect pit stop on a shopping escapade from L’Illa to Diagonal Mar. But with 89 shops and 39 restaurants this pit stop might end up taking a little longer than you think! To get there take trams T5 or T6 to La Farinera, L1 to Glories or hop on any of the many buses stopping along Diagonal. All the above malls are usually open around 9am and close around 9pm, though some may stay open later in summer. All, aside from Maremagnum, are closed on Sundays, except on some festival days, bank holidays and during sales periods. Check each shopping centres website individually as it can vary. ------------------- Thanks for reading, hope thats helped you decide which to visit! Stay tuned for more Barcelona info and check out our properties if you're thinking of staying a little more permanently! - Erin

What is La Mercè?

La Mercè is a festival which happens every year in Barcelona, Spain. It involves all kinds of different displays, music, theatre and more which are spread out across the city. There is something to do all day every day!

When does it happen?

The festival takes place during September in the couple of days either side of the 24th which is the official religious feast day. For example in 2017, there were events and activities going on all the time between the 22nd and the 25th September.

Where does it take place?

All across the city! From the beach all the way up to Tibidabo mountain there are things going on. Parc de la Ciutadella is often a focal point as well as Montjuic, the beach and in the Gothic Quarter near Plaza Jaume I. The metro runs all day and all night so you'll have no trouble getting around to see everything.

What to do?

There's soooo much to do you could be busy from dawn till...dawn! Small theatre companies host productions, dance troupes perform in the streets, there are beautiful projections on the buildings and you can hear musicians performing all over the city. Every year another city is invited as the 'Guest City' to the festival. They put on displays showing what they can do so the festival has become a real international affair! There are also the very traditional aspects to this festival such as the Castellers (groups of people who've been training all year to build human towers - normally the kid on top is only 8/9 years old!), the Gigantes (huge puppets which dance through the streets - with a very dedicated human inside of course - and do a full parade on one of the days), the Sardana dancers (a traditional Catalan dance) and the best part of all (in my opinion)...the Correfoc! The Correfoc is an incredible spectacle that takes place during La Mercè. In Catalan it means 'Fire Run' and it's exactly what it says on the tin. Local people, dressed up as devils from head to toe (and wearing a lot of protective clothing), run through the streets with firework sparklers strapped to long sticks which they twirl over their heads, spraying sparks all over the crowds. There are also people in massive dragon costumes which have the same sparklers attached and they parade along with the devils all the way down through the city charging at the crowd. Sounds terrifying? That's because it is. But it's also loads of fun! Just make sure you are wearing something to cover yourself up! There is also a massive firework display on the last day by the Font Magic de Montjuic as well as a beautiful light show at the fountain itself. Don't miss it!

History

The tradition originates from 1871 when city officials organised celebrations on and around the 24th September to celebrate the Roman Catholic religious feast day honouring Our Lady of Mercy. She also just happens to be the patron saint of the archdiocese of Barcelona as well as the co-patron saint of the city, along with Saint Eulalia, and has been celebrated every year in Barcelona since 1607 when the Consell de Cent, the then governor of the city, asked her to help deliver the city from a plague of locusts. Apparently it worked as Our Lady of Mercy now has a whole week of festival in her honour...not bad for clearing up a plague! Here is the official programme of the City : La Mercè 2018 Thanks for reading! Hope you make it to the festival this year - let us know what you get up to! Here's a couple of my own pictures of the Correfoc to get you excited... - Erin

Barcelona is a very lively city which offers a wide range of activities. From spending hours at Barcelona's Best Beaches to dancing through the night in one of the city's Coolest Clubs, you'll never run out of things to do! But living the Barcelona lifestyle can sometimes be a bit exhausting, so you might want to step away from the city life from time to time. And what is more relaxing than a walk through an idyllic parc? Luckily, Barcelona has some great green spots to offer. While most people have heard of Gaudi's famous Park Güell, some hidden gems remain to be discovered. Without further ado let's get into my list of  the Top 6 Parks in Barcelona. No. 6: Parc de Cervantes This is one of those hidden gems. The Parc de Cervantes is located at the outskirts of the city at the border between Barcelona and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat in the Pedralbes Neighbourhood. Since its inauguration in 1965, the Parc de Cervantes has been the place to be for rose lovers in Barcelona.
The whole park with its 87,665m² is home to 11,000 roses of 245 different species. You can reach Park de Cervantes via metro L3, it is just 2 minutes walk away from the final stop "Zona Universitària".
No. 5: Parc Güell The famous Parc Güell just made it into my Top 6 but it only takes the 5th place for me. The parc in Gràcia, designed by Antoni Gaudí, was completed in 1914 and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Most of the architect's work can be found in or around  the park, with some of the most iconic sights in Barcelona as the former home of Gaudí which now is a museum of his lifework.
Yet, my favourite work in Parc Güell is the spectecular pillars which support the beautiful bottom side of the terrace's floor, decorated with beautiful unique mosaics. Parc Güell can be easily accessed by taking the metro L3 and getting off at Vallcarca. From there, it is a 15-minute walk. I recommend you to take take the stairs on Baixada de la Glòria , and then go to the entrance on Passatge de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.
No. 4: Parc del Guinardo & Bunkers The Parc del Guinardo is number 4 on my personal toplist. The mediterranean style park was created in 1918 on the plot of the former country house of the famous writer Miguel de Cervantes. At one corner of the Parc, remains of a more recent part of history, namely the Búnqueres de Carmel. They were built in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War in order to protect the city from airstrikes.
Nowadays, they are becoming more and more popular as an observation platform. This definitely is the place to go if you want to have a picnic while enjoying the beautiful view over the roofs of Barcelona at sunset. You can easily reach the Bunkers within 5 minutes of walking after getting off the bus line V17 at the stop "Gran Vista - Turó de la Rovira".
No. 3: Parc del Laberint d'Horta Next up on my list is the Parc del Laberint d'Horta. The oldest existing park in Barcelona is located at the northerm rim of the city at the borders of the Collserola nature preserve. It consists of a classical garden from the 18th century, a romantic garden from the 19th century and the iconic garden labyrinth which gave it its name.
The whole park is designed around the theme of love which makes it a perfect place to take a first date in Barcelona (for more inspiration, feel free to download our free eBook on the best 25 Places for a first date). The Parc del Laberint d'Horta manages to keep a unique atmosphere by only allowing 750 visitors per day. This prevents damage to the facilities and ensures some privacy, yet it also means that you may end up in front of closed gates. Moreover, the park demands an entry fee of 2.50€ for adults, yet the experience is worth it. To reach the park, you can take the metro L3 and get off at the stop "Mundet". From there, it is a 10-15 minute walk to this romantic paradies.
No. 2: Parc de la Ciutadella The second  of my favourite Top 6 parks in Barcelona is the Parc de la Ciutadella. Built in 1870 on the remains of the former military fortress of the Spanish oppressors of Barcelona, the park is located in the heart of the city in the trendy Born neighbourhood. Due to its centrality and diversity, you find nearly every kind of person visiting the park. The beautiful well Font de la Cascada is a lovely photo scene and attracts hundreds of tourists a day. The romantic lake with its little islands invites lovers to a boat trip and the paths framed by exotic plants are frequented by runners at every hour of the day.
Moreover, the park de la ciutadella is home to the Parliament of Catalonia, which resides in the former arsenal of the spanish military fortress and you can visit the Zoo Barcelona after strolling through the parc as it is just next to it. The Parc de la Ciutadella simply is a great place to go during lunch break or after work and enjoy an authentic part of Barcelona life in whatever way you want. Generally, the Parc de la Ciutadella can be reached by foot from most parts of the inner city. However, it can also be easily accessed by taking metro L4 via the stop "Ciutadella / Villa Olímpica".
No. 1: Montjuïc Finally, I now want to share my favourite green spot in Barcelona with your: Montjuïc. Honestly, it is not completely right to call Montjuïc a park as the 173m high local mountain of Barcelona is not one cohesive facility. Rather, the large area is a mosaic of many different parks and other attractions. Beautiful gardens like the Jardins de Joan Maragell, historic sites like the Castell de Montjuïc and iconic buildings like the Palau Nacional together form a very unique atmosphere with incredible views across the city.
You can spend hours on Montjuïc and will only have discovered a small part of what it has to offer. You can simply enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the mountain, satisfy your intellectual needs by visiting the National Art Museum of Catalonia or even travel the whole of spain within few hours by visiting the artisans' village Poble Espanyol, which was built for the World's Fair 1929. You can reach Montjuïc several different ways, depending on where you want to enter. However, unless you are not taking the cablecar from the port, most of the public transportation options include some walking (which I definitely believe is worth it). All in all, the amazing amount of diversity in flora and architecture simply is amazing and makes each visit to Montjuïc a unique experience.
Do you agree on my personal Top 6 parks in Barcelona or do you have other favourites? Please let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading! - Patrick

How will Catalan Independence Affect the Real Estate Market in Barcelona?

In recent months, the political instability in Cataluña has brought this region to the world’s attention. As we’ve seen in the past couple of years following the Brexit vote and the election of President Trump, political instability always causes a ripple effect across the markets, and the property market is no different. The latest push for independence across Cataluña has lead to plenty of uncertainty over the effects of a unilateral declaration of independence such as a possible new currency, removing the area from the eurozone and new self-governing political system. The question many people are asking is how will Catalan independence affect the real estate market in Barcelona?
Barcelona has been a booming city for years; prices have been increasing exponentially, growing month on month by double that of the rest of Spain. According to the sector’s statistics, real estate prices rose in comparison to the same month in 2016, by 11.3% in June, by 12% in July, by 11.6% in August and by 10.6% in September, whilst across Spain, during the first semester, prices only rose by 5.6%. However, following the instability throughout October prices were only up in Catalunya on the October of the previous year by 6.1%. Experts say this demonstrates a stagnation in the real estate market in Barcelona. The instability has put the brakes on foreign investment, in both property and construction, a key factor in keeping Barcelona’s prices high and rising. This has slowed down projects already in progress and halted those planned for the future. Investors are, understandably, concerned about securing their money in a property portfolio in Barcelona when the political climate is so unsure and the economy on such uncertain ground looking to the future.
However, this isn’t to say it is a bad time to come to Barcelona. The rapid rise in property prices recently has meant many people are being priced out of buying or renting here, but this recent freeze means that prices will remain affordable for a little while longer until the market recovers. The political situation is still changing and the uncertainty is likely to continue for a little while longer but Barcelona has, and always will be, a great city to live in, attracting people from all over the world to its sunny shores! I hope that's helped! Thanks for reading, let us know in the comments below if we can help you with anything else! - Erin

What are the benefits of using a real estate agent in Barcelona and why should I have one?

In the world we live in today where buyers and sellers, renters and landlords, can contact each other easily over the internet and arrange everything between themselves, the benefits of using a real estate agent in Barcelona are being all-too-often looked over. But we at Suitelife know that there is far more to being a real estate agent than just showing visitors around a property and handing over the keys. Having a trusted real estate agent to help you through the process of finding a new home is far more useful than most people realise. We’ve made a list of the benefits of using an estate agent in Barcelona, whether you’re a buyer, landlord, seller or renter.
For renters/buyers: 1. Save you time Real estate agents save you time and money by searching the market for the home of your dreams. They can search for a property tailored to your exact needs so you don’t have to waste hours trawling through webpages looking for the perfect place. Agents also collaborate with other agencies to ensure they have the widest catalogue of properties to choose from. 2. Expertise We at Suitelife have been working in real estate for over 10 years, so we can advise you on all aspects of the market like how much a property is worth, whether it is the right time to buy, what you can get for you money and which is the best neighbourhood for you. In the case of sales we also have a lot of experience in negotiation and getting you the best price for the property you want. 3. Save you from making costly mistakes Our experience means we can spot mistakes in contracts quickly, before you’ve signed away your money to someone with bad intentions. We can also ensure that the apartment is as advertised and that certain listed benefits (e.g. weekly cleaning) will be provided. 4. Trusted Contact Since we are in touch with trusted and professional landlords we can verify that all legal and monetary exchanges will be above board. For renters, we can also act a contact for your future moves around the city as we will already know you and your needs. 5. Useful for expats For foreigners moving to Spain for the first time we can help you navigated the complicated bureaucracy and legal procedures required. We can help you understand the property market, legal requirements, tenant policy and with any language barriers you might experience.
For sellers/renters: 1. Trusted tenants/buyers We can help to screen potential tenants and buyers to ensure that their documentation is verified and that they fit the profile you are looking for. 2. Pricing Our expertise means we have the market knowledge and understanding of clients to be able to market your property competitively at a price which reflects its value. 3. Save you from making mistakes We can ensure all contracts reflect the conditions of the sale/rental and that you will not be caught out by a missed detail further down the line, which may end up losing you money. 4. Marketing Collaboration between agencies and our high standing on the online portals mean we can market your property to a wider audience than you may be able to on your own. A wider audience means a wider range of tenants and buyers to choose from to ensure you find the profile you’re looking for and get the price you want for your property. Now that you know the benefits of using a real estate agent, give us a call and let us know how we can help you find your dream home! Thanks for reading! - Erin

Student Cost of Living in Barcelona: A Breakdown

Barcelona is without a doubt one of the best cities in the world for students to live in. The food is good, the weather is great and the city is absolutely beautiful. But what is living here going to cost you? With prices rising,  monthly costs are always at the forefront of any student’s mind, but fear not! Even though prices are steadily creeping up, living in Barcelona won’t break the bank. To help you get the most out of this incredible city we’ve broken down the cost of living for students in Barcelona to help you budget for day-to-day life here.

1. Rent

The dreaded four letter word that haunts students across the world. In Barcelona, a room in a shared flat can cost anywhere from €400 to €650 depending on location, quality and whether utilities  are included. Your best bet for scoring something in the lower price bracket is to look further away from the centre but you might just nab something cheap in Raval if you’re lucky. A studio flat can cost anything from €850-€1200 but, again, that’s very much dependent on a lot of different factors and what’s important to you. So, whilst rent can take a fair chunk out of your monthly budget, its really up to you how much you’re willing to spend and how much you’re willing to compromise. Its also worth remembering that this is Barcelona is one of the coolest cities in the world and those prices aren’t anywhere near what the same thing will cost you in other major cities like London or New York. So don’t stress too much over it. Rent doesn’t so much haunt students here as pop up if you’re not careful and occasionally give you a bit of a fright.

2. Groceries.

Obviously, this one is very much dependent on where you decide to shop - think Lidl versus local organic store - and what you intend to buy. If your daily meals consist of obscurely named mushrooms and artisanal, handmade quinoa salads then this is not the list for you. But if you’re the average person just looking to get your carbs, veggies and meats on a plate then read on. Here’s a few of the basics: Baguette style bread: 70 cents/loaf Pasta: 70 cents/500 grams Rice: 60 cents/kilo Tomato based sauce: 70 cents/jar Chick peas: 60 cents/jar Apples: 1.20 euros/kilo Bananas: 1 euro/kilo Tomatoes: 1.10 euros/kilo Lettuce: 1 euro Potatoes: 50 cents/kilo Carrots: 70 cents/kilo Oranges: 1 euro/kilo Milk: 80 cents/liter Eggs: 1.35 euros/dozen Chicken breasts: 4.50—6 euros/kilo Water: 80 cents/2 litres If you’re willing to eat like a Spaniard you’ll save money as well. Stick to the things the locals eat instead of splashing out on the things you’re used to. For example, cereal can cost up €3 for 500 grams here but you can buy a huge bag of croissants/muffins for €1.50. Also, it may seem obvious but try to avoid hunting down fancy salads at lunchtime. A baguette and a packet of jamón serrano will cost you all of about €2 and last you 2/3 days. Better than trying to convince yourself you like kale, wouldn’t you say?

3. Alcohol

Coming from the UK, I find the alcohol here very cheap and consistently good quality for the price. A decent (read: large) glass of wine at a local bar will cost you €2.50-€3, a beer about the same and cocktails can vary from €3.50 for a cheap mojito to €15 in a fancy rooftop bar. If you’re smart enough to buy ahead, a bottle of wine from the supermarket can cost anything from just €2 upwards and a can of beer is about €0.60. If you prefer something a bit stronger then hard liquor costs about €10-€30 a bottle, depending on what you buy. Granted, I only have the UK as a benchmark, but I would say it costs about €1-2 less to buy here than it does back home.

4. Clubbing

Entry can cost anything from €10 to €20 (although a free drink is usually included) but it is often free before 1:00am so this can easily be avoided. Drinks in clubs can be on the expensive side depending on where you go but if you stay away from the tourist hotspots and beachside clubs you’ll not break the bank with a vodka coke.

5. Public Transport

Public transport here is very reasonably priced and perfect for getting around the city quickly and easily. A T-10 will get you 10 journeys on the metro or bus for €9.95 - just €0.99 a trip! These can be used for multiple people as well - ideal for when mum and dad are visiting. A T- Jove is a ticket for people under the age of €25. It’ll get you 90 days of unlimited journeys for €105. Another option, if you have your NIE, is the Bicing card. This gets you usage of the city’s biking system for €47.16 a year. Just hop on an hop off at your local Bicing station and each ride is free for 30 minutes. However, Barcelona is a very small city and sometimes the best way to get around is walking so you might only ever need the occasional T-10 to get you about, especially if you live in the city center. In terms of international travel, flights will obviously depend on where you’re going but domestic flights and fares within Europe are very reasonable with some deals as low as €10 a flight. And getting to the airport couldn’t be easier with the Aerobus taking you straight from Plaza Catalunya to the airport in just 30 minutes for €5 (or you can always go the long way round on the metro which takes about an hour on L3 then L9)

6. Eating Out

Barcelona is the home of 30 Michelin starred restaurants so needless to say, the food here is fantastic. If extortionate prices for tiny portions aren’t really your speed though, its still easy to eat well on a budget in Barcelona, with the city center especially packed with restaurants and bars. Dinner out can cost €10 for three courses (!) and with a couple of glasses of wine each thrown in you can budget about €30 for dinner for two. Lunch is even better value with many places having set menus for about €8 consisting of 3 courses, a drink and a coffee. Not too shabby for one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. I hope that’s given you a bit of an idea of the cost of living for students in Barcelona. It’s definitely manageable and besides, even if you’re counting your cents at the end of each month, you’re in Barcelona - grab a towel, head to the beach and enjoy the weather, all for free! - Erin

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Opening a Spanish Bank Account Made Easy

Opening a bank account in Barcelona, or Spain in general, when you move abroad is like trying to ride a bicycle with no handlebars - not impossible but not the easiest or most comfortable ride! We’ve written a simple guide to help you work out how to open a bank account in Spain and compare the different options available to you.

Resident or Non-Resident?

You can open a Spanish bank account as either a resident or non-resident. Non-residents will need:

• to be over 18 years old
• a valid proof of identity document with a photograph (e.g. a passport) from their country of origin
• proof of your professional status or activity (e.g. employment contract, payslip, student card…)
• proof of address issued within the last 3 months (e.g. utility bill)
• a certificado de no residencia*

*A 'certificado de no residencia' must be given to the bank within 15 days of opening the account. This can be obtained from a local police station (though be sure to check online beforehand as not all stations will offer this service). However, in practice, this is not always necessary, so be sure to check with the bank that it is needed rather than going through the hassle of obtaining a ‘certificado’ for no reason. Residents will need the exact same documents but will need an NIE (Número de Identificatión de Extranjeros) in place of a ‘certificado de no residencia’. If you’re looking to open a residents bank account but don’t have an NIE it is worth taking a look at our guide to obtaining one as it can be a very complex process! Resident bank accounts will often have better perks but, considering that opening a non-resident bank account is slightly easier, it may be worth just opening a non-resident account if you don’t intend to stay in Spain for too long. However, its worth being aware that non-resident accounts may not allow you to have a credit card or overdraft so make sure you look into this with each bank if it is essential for you to have them.

Banking Fees

Banks charge fees for their services across the world and Spanish banks are no different. In fact, fees here are often higher than in many other countries. Here’s a list of some of the most common hidden fees you’ll have to look out for:

• ATM fees: a charge is almost always applied for using an ATM not operated by your bank. Rates can vary and it may be worth taking a walk around your local area in Spain to check which ATMs are most common - after all, you don’t want to have to walk miles to get cash out!

• International banking fees: if you will be regularly transferring money in and out of the country it is worth checking the fees each bank charges for this service. Some may even charge to receive transfers as well so keep an eye on the small print to ensure you get the best deal.

• Account opening/maintenance fee: you may be charged monthly, yearly or as a one-off initial payment just for the privilege of having an account! This charge varies greatly from bank to bank so make sure you take this into consideration when comparing.

• Credit card fees: some banks will charge you a one-off fee for obtaining a credit card and some may charge a monthly fee for maintaining one. It can also take some time to receive it in the mail so if you need a credit card immediately do not necessarily expect to get one.

Some banks will have better fee rates than others and some will charge for various other services apart from those mentioned above. We recommend that you take the time to really compare accounts and get a good picture of the fees and charges each bank requires so as not to get caught out unexpectedly.

Popular Spanish Banks

The ‘Big Four’ of Spanish banking are Bankia, BBVA, La Caixa and Santander but there are, of course, other banks available who may suit your needs better. Here is a breakdown of some of the accounts offered by the 'Big Four' to point you in the right direction: Bankia

• Cuenta Facil - a current account that includes a free visa debit card. You can apply for an account online but will have to meet a manager in person to exchange the documents.
• Cuenta Joven - a current account, similar to the Cuenta Facil, but aimed at young people aged between 14 and 26. You won’t have to pay a monthly fee and will receive a free debit card.
• Cuenta Negocio - a business bank account earning a variable rate of interest each month.

BBVA

• BBVA Online Account - a current account. You can only apply online but you must register as a customer first with an existing bank number. There is no monthly fee and you will receive a free debit card.
• BBVA Blue Online Account - exactly the same as the above account but targeted towards people aged 18-29

BBVA also has a variety of business banking services and some include free transfers and free cheque deposits. The website is written in excellent English so may be a good choice if you haven’t yet got to grips with the language. La Caixa

• Hola Bank Living Solutions Account - a basic account for non-residents. However, this includes some really useful complimentary services such as legal advice in your language, 2 hours of free emergency services (for locksmith, electricity and plumbing emergencies) and an unlimited free interpreter service via telephone.
• Cuenta Corriente - a basic current account offering a free debit card the first year.
• Cuenta Corriente Joven - a current account which is free for students aged 18 to 26.
• Cuenta Commercio - a business account which includes 10 free transfers per month, two credit cards and unlimited free cheque deposits.
• Cuenta Negocios - similar to the Cuenta Comercio but aimed at self-employed people.

Santander

• Cuenta 123 - virtually identical to the UK product, this current account gives you up to 3% cashback on selected bills as well as 3% interest on balances between €3,000 and €15,000.

Other accounts tailored to students and businesses are available, Unfortunately, Santander’s products are mainly targeted at residents. In addition, while it is possible to apply online, the website is not in English so basic Spanish is necessary.

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Now that you’ve got an idea of how to open a bank account in Spain and the different types of bank accounts available to you there’s nothing left to do but go for it! Remember: shop around, watch out for fees and make sure you have all your documentation ready to go. Happy banking! OH! And if something wasn't clear, you have questions, or would like us to elaborate on part of this blog let us know and we'd be more than happy to! - Erin