Housing markets face pressures from tourism in Catalonia and Basque Country

Real estate trends in Catalonia and the Basque Country highlight a growing divide between metropolitan areas and rural or coastal regions due to tourism and rising costs.

In Catalonia, property prices in Barcelona and the coastline have reached record levels. However, data from Idealista for the second quarter of 2026 shows that Balaguer, in the Lleida province, remains the most affordable municipality in the region. With an average price of 732 euros per square meter, it is significantly lower than the regional average of 2,959 euros per square meter. Other accessible markets include Mollerussa, Cervera, and Tàrrega, though these areas often have fewer services and less infrastructure compared to the metropolitan hubs.

In the French Basque Country, specifically in areas like Bidart, Hendaye, and Biarritz, the surge in short-term tourist rentals via platforms like Airbnb has created significant housing tensions. Local municipalities are experimenting with new measures to manage the impact of second homes and tourism on the availability of long-term housing for residents. Citizen platforms, such as Herrian Bizi, have actively campaigned against the proliferation of second homes to combat the rising costs affecting local inhabitants.