Over the past five years, lifestyles and housing preferences have evolved significantly. In Spain’s real estate sector, a key trend has been rediscovering Maresme as a prime luxury location. This coastal area north of Barcelona has grown beyond being just an extension of the city to becoming a sought-after destination with its high standards. Lluis Barrera, partner at Barnes Maresme, shares insights with idealista/news on the region’s evolution and growing appeal.
New trends and changing consumer habits have shifted demand towards space, natural light and a connection with nature – a checklist that El Maresme ticks off. In 2022, the region recorded over 7,700 property transactions, the highest volume since the 2007-2008 bubble. Despite a broader market adjustment, 2023 closed with nearly 5,800 sales, and by 2024, year-on-year growth has already surpassed 11%.
Infrastructure for quality of life
The Maresme has become one of Barcelona’s most sought-after areas for living, working and luxury residences, boasting its own distinct identity. This privileged stretch between the Mediterranean and the Serralada Litoral offers the perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty while maintaining swift access to one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural hubs.
From the prestigious Supermaresme to charming towns like Teià, Llavaneres, Alella and Vilassar de Mar, the region features upscale homes, international schools, healthcare facilities, yacht clubs and fine dining. With Barcelona reachable in under 30 minutes, Maresme appeals to those seeking a healthy lifestyle, mild climate, international standards and promising growth potential.
International buyer
This region has established itself as a natural, more welcoming alternative to other popular Mediterranean destinations. This appeal hasn’t gone unnoticed by international buyers: one in six luxury property purchases in Barcelona province is made by foreigners, with an even higher share in the coastal Maresme area. Most of these deals are cash purchases, reflecting both liquidity and strong confidence in the local market.
While cities like Paris, London and Munich top Europe’s luxury price charts, Barcelona, and especially Maresme, offer more reasonable prices. This blend of quality of life, proximity to the city, natural beauty and value per square metre makes the region a prime choice for discerning investors.
We are witnessing not a temporary trend, but a structural shift. The Maresme region, with its Mediterranean soul and quiet transformation, has firmly secured its place on Europe’s luxury map.
At Barnes, we see daily how both national and international clients view this area as a genuine alternative to more established destinations. It offers the perfect blend of prime location, exclusivity, stunning surroundings, quality of life and increasing value. Luxury in Catalonia is no longer confined to Barcelona’s iconic streets, it now thrives amid vineyards, cliffs and historic coastal towns in the heart of Maresme.
The challenge ahead is to support this growth with thoughtful, sustainable planning that preserves the region’s unique balance between urban living and natural beauty.