Barcelona, Girona or Tarragona? Where Foreign Buyers Are Choosing to Buy in Catalonia

Catalonia continues to attract international property buyers—but they are not all looking for the same lifestyle, budget or type of home.

The latest figures show that foreign buyers completed 17,455 residential property purchases in Catalonia in 2025, an increase of 8.7% compared with the previous year. International buyers represented 15.6% of all residential purchases in the region, confirming that foreign demand remains an important part of the Catalan property market.

But the regional total only tells part of the story. Barcelona, Girona and Tarragona each attract a very different international buyer profile.

Barcelona: the largest market for international buyers

Barcelona province recorded 10,414 purchases by foreign buyers in 2025, accounting for almost 60% of all international transactions in Catalonia.

Foreign buyers represented 14.2% of the total property market in Barcelona province. While this percentage is lower than in Girona, Barcelona remains the clear leader in transaction volume.

That is hardly surprising. Barcelona attracts a broad mix of buyers: professionals relocating for work, families searching for international schools, investors, entrepreneurs and people looking for a permanent Mediterranean base.

The province also offers far more than Barcelona city itself. Buyers who want additional space or a quieter lifestyle increasingly explore areas such as Sant Cugat, Maresme, Castelldefels and Sitges, while remaining connected to the city and its airport.

Barcelona is generally the strongest option for buyers who prioritise:

• International connectivity and professional opportunities.
• A highly liquid property market.
• Urban living and established neighbourhoods.
• International schools and services.
• Long-term demand from both local and overseas buyers.

However, competition can be intense. Attractive, correctly priced properties often move quickly, making financial preparation and a clear purchase strategy particularly important.

Girona: Catalonia’s most international property market

Girona recorded 3,643 foreign property purchases in 2025. Although its transaction volume was considerably lower than Barcelona’s, international buyers represented an impressive 25% of Girona’s entire residential market.

That means one in every four homes purchased in Girona province was bought by a foreign buyer—the highest proportion anywhere in Catalonia.

Its appeal lies in the variety of lifestyles it offers. The Costa Brava attracts buyers searching for coastal apartments, villas and second homes, while inland areas provide traditional village houses, country properties and greater privacy.

The report also shows that only 45.1% of Girona’s foreign buyers were residents in Spain. This suggests a comparatively strong presence of non-resident buyers purchasing holiday homes or lifestyle properties.

Girona may be particularly attractive to buyers seeking:

• A second home near the Mediterranean.
• Villas, village houses or properties with outdoor space.
• A quieter environment than Barcelona.
• Access to the Costa Brava.
• A property combining personal use with long-term lifestyle value.

The buying process can nevertheless be more technically complex, especially with rural homes, older properties or houses affected by coastal and planning regulations. A beautiful setting should never replace proper legal and technical due diligence.

Tarragona: coastal living with more space and value

Tarragona recorded 2,754 purchases by foreigners, representing 15.9% of its residential market. This places it slightly above Barcelona in terms of foreign market share, although well below it in total volume.

Around 76.1% of foreign buyers in Tarragona were residents in Spain, indicating a different profile from Girona. Tarragona appears to attract more people buying a principal residence or establishing a longer-term base, rather than predominantly purchasing an occasional-use holiday home.

For buyers who find Barcelona prices restrictive, Tarragona and the Costa Daurada may offer larger homes, coastal access and a more relaxed pace of life - often with a more accessible entry price.

It can suit buyers looking for:

• Better value per square metre.
• More space or outdoor areas.
• Coastal living without Costa Brava pricing.
• A permanent residence outside Barcelona.
• Good rail and road connections to the Catalan capital.

So, where should an international buyer choose?

There is no single “best” place to buy property in Catalonia.

Barcelona offers the strongest combination of connectivity, services and market liquidity. Girona is particularly attractive to buyers looking for a second home, more space, privacy or a property near the Costa Brava. Tarragona can offer greater space and better value, especially for buyers planning to make Spain their permanent home.

The most important decision is not simply which province appears most attractive. Buyers should first define how the property will be used, how frequently they will occupy it, their transport and schooling requirements, and whether future resale or rental potential matters.

Catalonia offers very different ways of living within a relatively compact region. The right purchase begins by matching the location not only to the buyer’s budget—but to the life they genuinely want to build there.

Whether you are looking for the perfect neighbourhood to call home or just need some trusted, expert guidance within the real estate sector, we are here to help. Get in touch with our team today to see how MySpot Barcelona can guide your next move.

Source: Relationship of Nationality in Housing Purchases and Mortgage Financing 2025, produced by FIABCI Spain and the API real estate agents’ associations, using data from the Spanish Association of Registrars, the General Council of Notaries and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and orientational purposes only. We cannot guarantee that all details remain fully accurate or up-to-date, as local regulations and market conditions are subject to constant change. This content does not constitute formal legal, financial, or tax advice. For current and specific information, we recommend consulting a professional advisor. We are happy to put you in touch with a trusted local expert in Spain.