On the 12th of March took place the conference Finding Accommodation in Barcelona, organised by Barcelona Activa, where Atipika Barcelona was present through a training given by our manager and CEO Renzo Riva.
This conference was focused on the Barcelona Real Estate Market, a rising city, where finding a place to live can be a challenge. For this reason, this presentation was organized to give to every citizen good advice and the required tools to find the perfect home in Barcelona or the adjacent areas.
There are so many reasons to live in Barcelona, in fact, nowadays the increasing demand is a proof of that. Some reasons are related to the commitment of Barcelona with business sector and the excellent accessibility of the public transport. But we cannot forget the strength that make this city a perfect place to live: the weather condition, the gastronomy, the cultural and entertainment activities, as well as his unique architecture.
These qualities attract people of over the world that recognize ‘la Ciutat Comtal’ a perfect place to work and live in. But when it comes to settle in Barcelona another dilemma appears, ¿to buy or to rent?
BUYING OR RENTING
In this case different aspects should be taken in consideration such as: the current economic situation, the future perspectives, the duration of the stay, the market trend and the personal interests. To taking a decision requires thinking in the advantages and disadvantages of both situations.
If you choose ‘to buy’, it means that you are spending your money for a property investment, whereby you could get a good return out for your future, because usually the properties tend to increase the value over time. Furthermore, there is always the option to improve the house equipment or installations, increasing the value of your property. However, the acquisition needs a finance, as well as a sustained capital and a maintenance. It also reduces your flexibility in moving.
For all those who don’t want to be attached to one place, the answer is ‘to rent’. Despite the instability, it allows to live with flexibility without paying for maintenance expenses. In addition, when the contract expires, you can negotiate for the same place or search for another property that suits your new needs.
BARCELONA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Beyond Barcelona we can find other towns that are good options for living which are complementary to the Catalan capital. Castelldefels, Sitges and el Maresme are an evidence of that.
Castelldefels and Sitges, being so close of Barcelona and the Airport, are two perfect coastal towns. In fact, they are two municipalities where important international communities have been installed. On the other side of the city, we can find el Maresme, that despite of not having a good connection with the airport, has properties with more affordable prices and well connected with Barcelona and Girona.
The conference was a complete success, allowing the audience to gain knowledge regarding the numerous proposals that Barcelona offers, just as the necessary steps to buy or rent a flat: how important it is to search a product that suits our needs and opportunities, how to reserve a property and which are the most important elements that should appear in a contract or down payment.
Thank you to all the people who came to the Expat Afterwork: Finding Accommodation in Barcelona, and for those of you who didn’t make it, we can answer your questions or give you information in our office if you need it. You’ll find us in Passeig de Gràcia 56, 4º C, by phone at 934815032 or sending an e-mail to info@atipika.com
