Foreign Buyer Mortgages Rise 24.2% in Catalonia

International buyers in Catalonia are relying on mortgage finance more than many people realise.

In 2025, 10,577 residential mortgages were granted to foreign buyers in Catalonia, an increase of 24.2% compared with the previous year. This was the highest number recorded in any Spanish autonomous community.

The average mortgage granted to a foreign buyer also increased by 13.7%, reaching €202,703. Foreign borrowers accounted for 12.3% of all residential mortgages signed in Catalonia.

These figures matter because foreign property purchases in Catalonia grew by 8.7% during the same year. Mortgage activity therefore increased almost three times faster than purchase volumes.

The international buyer market is not becoming larger only in terms of transactions. It is also becoming more dependent on financing.

International buyers are not always cash buyers

The idea that foreign buyers arrive in Spain ready to purchase entirely in cash is increasingly outdated.

Many international buyers in Catalonia are residents, professionals, entrepreneurs or families establishing a permanent home. They may be purchasing in Barcelona, Sant Cugat, Maresme or Girona while earning income in Spain or abroad.

For these buyers, obtaining a Spanish mortgage is often a normal part of the purchase process.

However, banks do not assess all international buyers in the same way. A resident employee with a Spanish salary will normally be evaluated differently from a non-resident buyer whose income comes from another country or currency.

Why Catalonia leads Spain

Catalonia recorded more foreign mortgages than the Valencian Community, Andalusia or Madrid in 2025.

This reflects the scale and diversity of its international buyer market. Barcelona attracts professionals and families buying principal residences. Girona and the Costa Brava combine relocation with second-home demand, while Tarragona appeals to both residents and lifestyle buyers.

The financing profile therefore varies considerably from one buyer to another.

Across Spain, German buyers recorded the highest average mortgage amount by nationality, at €369,436. American, Swedish, British, French and Dutch buyers also received relatively high average loans. This shows that even buyers with strong purchasing power may still choose to finance part of their purchase.

What buyers should arrange before making an offer

International buyers should speak to a mortgage broker or bank before beginning serious negotiations.

A bank will normally review income, employment or business activity, existing debts, savings, tax residence and the currency in which the buyer is paid.

The amount offered will also depend on the bank valuation. Mortgage finance is generally calculated against the lower of the purchase price or the valuation, so an agreed price does not guarantee that the bank will finance it at the expected level.

Before making an offer, buyers should understand:

• Their realistic borrowing capacity.
• The cash needed for the deposit and purchase costs.
• The documents the bank will require.
• The approximate time needed for approval.

Protecting the purchase in the arras contract

Mortgage buyers must be especially careful when signing an arras contract.

An accepted offer does not guarantee final mortgage approval. If the buyer cannot obtain the required loan and the contract does not include suitable financing protection, the deposit may be at risk.

The financing clause should clearly state the amount required, the deadline for approval and the evidence needed if the mortgage is refused.

This is particularly important for international buyers because foreign income checks, translations and bank compliance procedures can delay the process.

What this means for buyers

The increase in foreign mortgages is a positive sign. Spanish banks are financing a growing number of international purchases in Catalonia.

But more available finance does not make the process automatic.

The strongest buyer is not necessarily the one with the largest budget. It is often the buyer who has already confirmed their financing, prepared the required documentation and protected the transaction correctly before signing.

In Catalonia’s competitive property market, that preparation can make the difference between securing the right home and losing time, money or the property itself.

Source

This article is based on the report Relationship of Nationality in Housing Purchases and Mortgage Financing 2025, published by FIABCI España and API professional associations using data from the Association of Registrars and the General Council of Notaries.

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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.