Barcelona Homeownership Rates by Age

Saturday, July 12, 2025 By BarcelonaFly

Let's talk about owning a home in Barcelona,something a lot of people dream about, but not everyone ends up doing, especially at a younger age.

if you've ever wondered who's buying, who's renting, and how age plays into all of it, you're in the right place.

we've broken things down to show what's really going on across different age groups in Barcelona when it comes to homeownership.

Spoiler: it's not easy for the younger crowd.

1. Age and Buying Trends

so, who's actually buying property in barcelona?

turns out, most homebuyers are right around their early 40s.

that's the average age, both in Barcelona and across spain, for folks making that big first-time purchase.

buying a home isnt really a "young person's" game here.
a lot of younger people dont even get close to buying,mostly due to cost and job stuff.
people tend to wait until they're more financially stable, which usually happens in their late 30s or 40s.
the market feels a bit out of reach unless you've got some help or solid savings.
renting seems easier, especially when you're just starting out.
even people who dream of owning often stay renting for way longer than they expected.
That average age of 42 tells us that buying a home is more of a midlife milestone here.

People between 16 and 29 are mostly renters,and we're talking a pretty big chunk, close to 70%.

Renting just makes more sense for young adults, especially in a pricey city like Barcelona.
jobs are often temporary or freelance, which doesnt help when you wanna commit to a mortgage.
student life, first jobs, and travel flexibility all play into renting being more practical.
Many just can't afford to buy, even if they'd love to.
rising home prices and stricter lending rules haven't helped.
So instead of saving for a house, people are using their money to just stay afloat.
Renting becomes the default, not necessarily the preference.

table: housing type by age Group (young Adults)

The shift toward renting isn't just a short-term thing,it's been happening for a while.

since around 2008, more and more young people have been renting.
that was the year of the financial crisis, which hit a lot of people hard.
Jobs became unstable, credit got tighter, and housing got more expensive.
Even people who might've bought earlier are renting longer now.
It's not just a phase,it's the new normal for a lot of folks.
young people often bounce between flats, roommates, or short-term leases.
the idea of "settling down" has shifted because homeownership feels kind of far off.

Once you hit your mid-40s, the story really changes,most people are done with renting by then.

for people over 65, owning a home is almost a given,less than 7% are renting.

most seniors have already bought homes earlier in life.
Back then, it was cheaper and a bit more straightforward to get on the property ladder.
some may have inherited homes or been able to buy with less debt.
Renting isnt ideal for older people who want long-term stability.
fixed incomes (like pensions) make mortgage-free homes way more appealing.
they're also less likely to move, so ownership gives peace of mind.
it's more about comfort and having a place thats truly yours.

so what's behind the steady increase in renting,especially among younger generations?

property prices in barcelona have gone way up, way faster than wages.
Banks ask for huge down payments now, which is tough for most people.
job contracts are often short-term, which means less loan approval.
a lot of folks are staying single longer or dont feel "settled" yet.
renters dont have to commit to one location, which is great for mobility.
the idea of owning a home just isnt as important to some people as it used to be.
Renting offers flexibility, even if its not as financially secure long-term.

Looking ahead, its not super clear if these trends will change any time soon.

unless housing prices drop or wages go up, young people will keep renting.
Government policies might help, but they move pretty slow.
more affordable housing options could shift things,but itsn't happened yet.
co-living and shared ownership might become more common.
Tech and remote work could change where people live and buy.
financial literacy and saving strategies might make a comeback.
But for now, owning a home is still more of a midlife or later-life goal than a young adult milestone.

so, yeah,owning a place in Barcelona?

not as easy as it used to be, especially if you're just starting out in life.

Renting is just way more common for younger people, while older age groups tend to lock down a place eventually.

The whole housing scene has shifted over the years, and unless something big changes, that trend is probably gonna stick around.

it's not all doom and gloom though,just a new kind of normal when it comes to finding a place to call home.