Barcelona’s rental market has never been this tight. Amat Immobiliaris, with 78 years in the business, has never seen so many landlords selling up the moment contracts end.
“There’s distrust and they want out of the rental market,” says businesswoman Joana Amat. The company manages 3,000 rental properties across Barcelona and the metropolitan area. However, only 19 were advertised this September across their four offices.
September marks peak rental season alongside the academic year start. Yet the situation looks bleak for anyone needing to rent. According to Idealista data, each advertised property receives an average of 95 applicants.
This desperate market benefits some groups whilst penalising others. Expatriates and people seeking flatshares fare better. Meanwhile, families and pet owners face the biggest struggles accessing rental housing.
The scarcity stems from landlords fleeing the market. Intense competition for the few available properties makes finding a home nearly impossible. Families with children or pets find themselves at the bottom of the queue.
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