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

Estamos buscando los mejores agentes inmobiliarios de Barcelona ¡Hasta un 50% de Comisión!

(English below) Buscamos incorporar agentes inmobiliarios nuevos a nuestro creciendo equipo. Por favor lea bien los requisitos y si crees que te encajan nos encantaría conocerte! REQUISITOS: - Buscamos perfiles de agentes inmobiliarios que tienen experiencia mostrable. O sea, son agentes activos que hacen operaciones cada mes y saben vender bien. - 2 año minimo de experiencia en compra venta de pisos en BCN. - Gente super motivada, independiente, orientada a resultados. - Como mínimo Español y nivel de Inglés decente. Si cumples con los requistos de arriba y te apaetece dar un cambio a tu vida, eres un TOP seller, o consideras que mereces ganar mas dinero, mándanos CV y cover letter a stefan@suitelife.com

Looking for the best real estate agents in Barcelona. Up to 50% Commission!

We are looking for super agents to join our expanding sales team. Please read carefully the requisites and if you think you'd fit well we'd love to meet you! REQUIREMENTS: - We're looking for agents who have proven experience. You should be an active agent that completes sales operations every month. - 2 years minimum experience in the residential sales market in BCN. - Must be super motivated, independent, and results oriented. - Spanish and English fluency mínimum. If the above points describe you well, you are a TOP seller, and you're not happy with how much money you are making, please send us your CV and cover letter to stefan@suitelife.com

For most investors, purchasing on the ground floor has long been a property industry taboo due to a number of buyer preconceptions. These ground floor apartments often take a good deal longer to sell, and appraisers estimate that they stay on the market approximately 70 days longer than the overall average. However, it may be time for you to reconsider your stance with this comprehensive guide of pros and cons to living in a ground floor flat in Barcelona.

Advantages to Living on the Ground Floor

Of course, the first obvious benefit to a ground floor apartment would be the convenience of less heavy lifting and hauling up flights of stairs. Avoidance of stairs is usually favoured by live-work situations, residents with disabilities, senior citizens, and possibly even for those who wouldn't be seen out of their high heels. Dog owners and families with small children may also have an inclination to the floor level, as there are no neighbours below to disturb. This aalso makes these flats ideal for renovation projects.

Some ground floors also have direct access to a backyard terrace or garden. This is a coveted amenity in Barcelona, a city with precious little outdoor space. Factors you may not have considered also include stronger water pressure and faster evacuation in case of emergency. Temperatures also remain cooler in the blazing Spanish heat as there is less direct sunlight, especially as not all flats in Barcelona are equipped with air conditioning units.

However, the most appealing factor of living on a ground floor in Barcelona is the cut-rate prices. You can probably get more bang for your buck, as real estate appraisers estimate that lobby-level flats are worth 10-20% less than an equivalent on the second floor, and 15-25% less than one on the third floor. On average, the sales price goes for around 28% below average on all apartments and is much less subject to fierce and competitive bidding wars. Rentals offer a similar discount as well, and the prospective tenants can find extra grounds for price negotiations in a ground floor unit to implement additional necessary security and privacy measures.

Disadvantages to Living on the Ground Floor

Despite these winning factors, a ground floor apartment also comes with problems as they can easily turn into potential drawbacks. For example, natural light is often the determining factor that can make or break the moving decision. Plant owners beware, as though the temperature is more easily regulated on lower floors, sunlight can be scarce and some properties even appear a bit cave-like! The higher floors which get much more light do not get overshadowed by other buildings. Also, comes the issue of the poor quality of the views, if there even are any, as they easily can be obstructed by trees and bushes.

Especially in areas that are busy or tourist heavy, there is less privacy from passer-bys who can easily peek into your flat if extra concealment efforts are not taken. Take care to estimate any additional financial and labor costs incurred through implementing measures to meet your individual security standards. This is beucase upstairs apartments are positioned further away from the street and generally have inaccessible windows.

Living at traffic level also brings dust into your apartment from passing cars and people. This territory also comes with wildlife and insects that crawl under cracks and crevices in ground-level windows and doors. Then, comes the disturbances from anyone within the vicinity of your flat. Noises produced by upstairs neighbors, and especially foot traffic from the lobby of your complex can be of huge concern. Other sources of loud sounds to stay aware of are from vehicle traffic, and even boiler noises.

Whether it be to invest or move to a new property, we hope this insight to the pros and cons of living on the ground floor will aid in your decision-making process when you're on the hunt for a new flat in Barcelona.

Up and coming neighborhoods in Barcelona is one of our favourite topics here in the office. If you're looking to invest in real estate in Barcelona then naturally you'll want to anticipate which neighbourhoods might have the best potential for capital appreciation. Buy low, sell high right? As the market continues to come back here everyone's jockeying to find the newest low hanging fruit. We'll start with what's already heating up in the markets, the districts that are up and coming right now, and we'll call that Stage 1. After that, in Stage 2, we will show you which which neighbourhoods  are on their way to getting more popular and valuable in the coming years.

Stage 1

The next paragraphs will show you the neighborhoods which are up and coming right now!

El Raval

Probably one of the areas you did not expect to make the list, but we can promise you that this is the Nottinghill of London. Nottinghill in the 19th century was an area  known to be a working class and immigrant area and so properties had lower value. However, London kept on growing and the housing prices kept on rising, thus converting Nottinghill into one of the most expensive and exclusive places to live in. With the property market slowly recovering, we think that Raval has the potential to become the Nottinghill of Barcelona. More specifically, we think it will become the next Borne over the coming two decades.

The properties in Raval vary a lot. Some buildings have to go through technical inspections and therefore they are well maintained. However, in much of Raval, the buildings do not have such a regular inspection therefore are left neglected. Most of the buildings are quite old and so don't have the convenience of a lift and if climbing long flight of stairs is an issue, unfortunately, due to narrow streets of Raval, you lose the luxury of having a light filled apartment by having to live in one of the lower floor apartments. It can also be quite difficult to find a flat with air conditioning and/or heating. But why Raval is such a desirable place to buy?

Raval has already started the transformation. Without a doubt, it's becoming more cultural and trendy, especially with the famous MACBA (museums of modern art) and CCCB (exhibition centre) being built in the area. So what does that mean? This means that the area is attracting more interest from younger professionals, asy Raval boasts niche shops, small restaurants and unique bars with attractive prices. As time goes on, we can see Raval becoming the most trendy neighbourhood in Barcelona. Over the last two years prices have gone up fast. Two years ago you could buy for 1.000 a m2 now you're lucky to find something at 3.000 m2.

Location, location, location. Raval is probably one of the best located neighbourhoods in Barcelona. Wedged between el Gotico & Sant Antoni, it's close to the sea, port, train station, boasts chic restaurants and boutique shopping, but most importantly it has many transport links that make Raval a very convenient place to live as you can get from one side of the city to another without a problem. It also borders one of the most famous tourist attractions - Las Ramblas. This guarantese that the narrow streets of Raval will continue to buzz and that business will keep growing in the area as the tourists venture beyond the main streets. It is so well located that gentrification is almost inevitable!

Poble Sec

Part of the green district of Sants-Montjuic, this previously more quiet residential area is becoming a trendy place and is starting to attract real interest from property investors.

The neighbourhood is very well positioned as it benefits from the greenness of Montjuïc, the quick access to sea (15-20 min walk) and it even stretches all the way to Plaza España. This means that you can get to the airport in almost no time on the Aerobus, and the two main metro lines, L2 & L3, allow you to access parts of the city quickly.

The properties in this area tend to be relatively modern and sometimes resemble  the buildings in Eixample. The majority of them offer balcony or terrace space, however not all of them have the luxury of a lift. The streets are not as narrow as in Raval, therefore you can expect more light. Poble Sec has a bit more of a Catalan character as some of the properties have vaulted ceilings.

This area is really a place to buy for those who want to live in Barcelona away from all the touristic buzz but still want to enjoy the benefits of this incredible city. Also the return on your investment in this area is well worth considering.. Juste days of just a year and a half ago you could buy flats for under 100.000, now they sell for 3.000 a m2 and after renovating for 5.000 m2.

Sant Antoni

Sant Antoni is a part of one of the most modern and popular parts of Barcelona - Eixample. It is named after the famous Sant Antoni market which you can see in the picture below and is positioned between three different neighbourhoods. It's definitely one of the areas worth considering when looking for property.

Because it was one of the recent additions to Eixample, the buildings tend to be fairly new and not in huge need of renovation. The properties are likely to have better facilities than the ones in the older parts of town, such as lifts, outside spaces, balconies & terraces, air conditioning and heating. Since they're relatively modern, you are less likely to find Catalan uniqueness or something with a bit more character to it. Sant Antoni's location proves to be one of the most convenient ones as it is wedged it between three neighbourhoods - Raval, Eixample and Poble Sec - and it stretches all the way to Placa Espanya from which you have a quick access to the airport and also other transport links to get  you to other parts of Barcelona quickly and conveniently.

So apart from its location and its more modern buildings, why has it stood out so much? Of course, it's the lower price. According to Fotocasa, the property prices in Sant Antoni have been rising in the past year. The neighbourhood's lower prices compared to the rest of Eixample is what’s attracting so much attention. Lower property prices are promising increasing returns for the investors and bringing bigger value to invest, thus making the top of our up & coming neighbourhoods list. This area is getting quickly saturated though. It's a bit of a hipster haven really, very trendy with lots of cool restaurants attracting plenty of young people to the area.

Poblenou

Poblenou is the old manufacturing quarter of Barcelona in the district of Sant Marti. Therefore you can find a lot of industrial sites and old factories in this area. The development of the district is due to the increasing industrialization around Barcelona in the 18th century. Originally Poblenou was an independent suburb of the city of Barcelona and not connected with it. Due to its proximity to the sea, the district grew rapidly and reached, at the end of the 19th century, the highest density of industrial buildings in Spain. For this reason, it was also called El Mànchester Català ("The Catalan Manchester"). The former industrial zones with factories and warehouses are increasingly being transformed into residential districts with lofts, art galleries, schools, fitness clubs, etc.

The neighborhood is very well located since it is near to the center of Barcelona and also near to the beach. It is bordered by the Avenida Diagonal in the North and the beaches of Bogatell in the South. The metro line L4 goes directly through the quarter and has two stops at "Llacuna" and "Poblenou".

So why should you invest or settle down in Poblenou? The neighborhood is becoming more and more famous for providing awesome spaces for flats and lofts with an industrial touch. The area is very popular with young families, the creative workforce and a number of international companies that want to set up offices. Even though the place is close to the beach and the hustle and bustle of the city it is a really quiet neighborhood. All these aspects turned Poblenou from the industrial part of the city to one of the most in-demand neighborhoods in Barcelona!

Stage 2

Now we will go through the neighborhoods that will be up and coming in the future. So if you are looking for a new home or investment you should definitely consider to live in these areas to get ahead of the buying rush.

Sant Adria de Besos

Sant Adria de Besós is a city of 36.000 inhabitants in the Northeast of Barcelona. It is located at either side of the river Besós. Sant Adria has a long history which started in the year 1012 when its famous church was built. During the industrialization, a lot of factories were built around the city and it used to be a neighborhood for working people. In the picture below you can see the 3 towers of the Besos power plant which is not in use anymore but which the citizens voted to keep as an iconic building for the city in a referendum.

During the last few years Sant Adria de Besós has gotten more attractive. The government spends a lot of money these days to renew the suburban areas and it is well connected through streets and public transportation. There are several bus and metro lines which will bring you to Placa Catalunya within 15 minutes.

So why would you buy a home in a neighborhood which still looks pretty industrial? Because it's changing! The prices for properties in neighborhoods like Eixample or Gracia are exploding so a lot of people decide to live a little bit outside of the hustle and bustle of Barcelona's inner city. And Sant Adria is perfect since prices are still low and you are very well connected to Barcelona!

Glories

Another Up and Coming Neighborhood in Barcelona will be Glories! It's the neighborhood where the 3 big streets of Barcelona cross. The Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, the Avinguda Diagonal and the Avinguda Meridiana. It is wedged between Eixample and Sant Marti which means that it is very central.

It is in a central location with a big open air shopping mall and the Torre Agbar which is a popular attraction. So why is it not one of the most popular parts of Barcelona? At the moment it is not the most beautiful area nor the most buzzing. There is a huge construction site around the Placa de les Glories Catalanes which has been there for several years. But the city of Barcelona has started a huge project to make Glories a nice, green, sustainable neigborhood. Click here if you want to see some interesting videos about the construction process.

When the construction is finished Glories will be one of the prime locations of Barcelona. More and more people will invest into properties and the prices will rise. So if you want to be part of the new Glories without spending huge amounts of money now is the time to look for a new flat!

L'Hospitalet de Llobegrat

L'Hospitalet de Llobegrat, with over 250.000 inhabitants it is the second largest town of Catalonia. It is located between the river "Llobegrat" and the southwestern city limit of Barcelona. Unlike its bigger brother, it has a skyline with at least thirteen buildings over 60 meters.

L'Hospitalet is still known as a run-down suburb so why do we think that it is an Up and Coming Neighborhood in Barcelona? Because the economy has improved recently and the government is working on the infrastructure. For example, there are  4 metro lines which connect L'Hospitalet to Barcelona (L1, L5, L8 and the L9 Sud).

Besides that you can enjoy all the benefits of living in Barcelona without paying huge amounts of money for your flat AND you can avoid the tourist hotspots.

The prime areas of Barcelona like Eixample or Gracia are so popular that buyers are being priced out of the market. More and more people are starting to move into the less popular districts of the city and attracting investment from international as well as domestic buyers What do you think about our selection of Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Barcelona? Did we miss any out? Let us know in the comments! Are you looking to buy or sell a property? We're here for you SuiteLifers! - Daniel

Are you about to buy your dream home? Then you should definitely know about all the types of property in Barcelona. From new builds to second hand flats, we will explain it all in this article! After reading this you'll have no doubts  about what kind of property is the one for you!

Types of Property in Barcelona

New build flats

A new build flat is built from the ground up, meaning that the old building is demolished and a new construction is built. They are perfect for families or couples who are looking for a modern flat, and want to be 100% sure that everything functions the way it should. Pros:

• All the installations are 100 percent new and you can be sure that everything in the flat works
• Everything is as new as it can be, meaning that you are the first one to live in it
• You can apply your own taste of interior design and make it your perfect place

Cons:

• The value of the property can be higher then the actual market price
• Traditional old features are not very common in new builds. The ones that do have traditional features are (obviously) not authentic
• The majority of newly built flats can be find outside the city center. However, it's not completely impossible to find a central newly built flat. Take for example the following newly built in Gotico

"Escudellers"

Off plan buying

Of all the types of properties in Barcelona, and in general,  off plan buying is the most risky. With off plan buying we mean buying without seeing the flat physically, so you would buy a flat solely based on the current existing plans. You are basically buying something that doesn't exist yet, all you have is the plan. There are multiple pros and cons of buying off plan. Pros:

• You'll save money as you have 15 to 20 percent discount on the price of these type of flats
• You'll be very involved in the process as you have the possibility to guide the development of the building
• You can put in your own wishes for the flat, as you can kind of lead the building process

Cons:

• They're not immediately available, you'll have to wait till it's finished. Keep in mind that this could take months or even years. Patience is a virtue!
• It's a little bit more of a stressful experience as there could be a delay in the building process, causing you to wait even longer
• There is also a possibility that they run into problems during the building process, forcing them to change some (minor) things. So be prepared that when you buy off plan, the final result might look (very) slightly different from the initial plan.

Second-hand flat

A second-hand flat is a flat that already has been lived in, it may or may not have been renovated. The majority of the flats offer on the housing market consists of second-hand flats. Pros:

• You're saving money! Second-hand flats are cheaper than newly built flats, renovated flats and buying off plan
• Second-hand flats can be found all over the city, you'll have more options finding second-hand flats in the city center than finding newly builds in the city center.
• You can renovate a second-hand flat and adjust it to your own taste, or you can even resell it to double its value
• Second-hand flats are more likely to be in older buildings, meaning you might be living in a old characteristic building that still has its' traditional features

Cons:

• The installations are often okay, but it's not brand new. It might be the case that you have to update/repair some stuff
• You might find issues related to building deterioration
• Some of the buildings don't have an elevator.  But then again, stairs keep you healthy!

"Picasso's Place"

Renovated flat

A renovated flat is a subdivision of a second hand flat, it has been fixed up completely to be used again as a living space. Investors often buy second hand flats to renovate and resell it as a modern flat to get a higher return. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and we will show you a perfect example of how a renovated flat looks like. Pros: 

• The flats are most likely situated in central zones, however, you can also choose for a location outside the city center. You basically have more locations to choose from
• The installations are in good state or maybe even completely new and there are no signs of deferred maintenance or deterioration
• All though your flat might be modern and updated, you could still live in an older building full of character. You can basically enjoy best of both worlds!
• Renovated flats are ready to move into immediately, so you can just pack your bags & go!

Cons:

• You can't really adjust the flat to your own personal taste, the seller already has decided on that. However, you can still add your personal taste of home decoration
• The flat can be in an older building without elevator, meaning that you might have to walk up some floors (Well.. at least you get your exercise done)
• You might end up paying more than the actual market value, because the person that bought it and reformed it resells it for a higher price

 "PALO ALTO"

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Don't forget to check out our amazing properties! What type of property suits you the best? Let us know in the comments. - Anna