Barcelona rent prices reach new all-time high

Rent prices in Barcelona have once again broken a new record in the first quarter of 2023. 

On average, Barcelona residents pay up to €1,087 per month for a rented flat, according to the latest data updated by Incasòl, which shows data for the first quarter of this year. 

The latest figures imply an increase of €10 euros compared to the average price at the end of 2022. 

This figure has not stopped growing ever since 2020, although the upward trend has been followed for many more years previously. A rented apartment cost on average of €387 in 2000 and €776 in 2010. 

The increase in prices is widespread across all parts of Barcelona. Between January and March 2023, only three districts offer average prices under €1,000: Horta-Guinardó, Nou Barris, and Sant Andreu.

On the other hand, between January and March of this year, there was a slowdown in the amount of new rental contracts signed. A total of 10,890 new leases were made, 11% less than the same period in 2022.

This week, the Catalan government updated the list of municipalities it considers to be in a 'tense housing market,' corresponding with the Spanish government's new housing law which will aim to limit rent prices and increases. The vast majority of the Barcelona metropolitan area falls into this category, and some 80% of Catalan residents live in the 140 municipalities deemed to be in a 'tense housing' zone.