A FLAT IN BARCELONA

We have noticed (from our own experience) and also from the experience with our clients – that there is a certain, let s call it “cultural” shock when they first see an average flat in Barcelona. Of course, depending from when you are coming from the shock can manifest itself in different way. However when you start looking for a flat, especially somewhere in downtown Barcelona you should forget what the flats are back home and learn to adapt. This is different country, architecture, life style and culture.

What should you know and expect when you start browning for flat in Barcelona?  Let´s mention that we are speaking about an average flat, not the high-end ones or the more modern ones.

I will start with the two things that were very weird for me in the beginning:

• The size of the rooms. You might find rooms where there is only enough space for a bed and a small wardrobe. Yes, that small.
• Some rooms don´t have outside windows. Instead they face an inside sort of patio of the building. If you get a flat with rooms like this you might hear more than wanted to regarding the “activities” of your neighbors.
• Because of the inner yard windows and some other factors (for example if the flat is located in Gotico or Raval neighborhoods) there might be lack of light in the flat.
• The buildings in Barcelona are very beautiful and old. Not all of them of course. More of than not, in the center of Barcelona, this is what you can expect. You might have to learn to live without an elevator or using a very small old school one. Actually there is some charm in the old school elevators. It takes some time to get used to it and overcome the fear, but there is charm.
• Furniture – here everything is also relevant. The main point is: don´t expect to find a super modern flat on an average price. Usually you can get a nice modern flat for around 1000 Euros and up. Don´t get me wrong there are very decent flats, but you won´t find expensive and new furniture there. In the end, in most cases the idea of the owner is to rent it and not invest in it. (Though from the numerous flats we have seen there were many cases when we thought that if the owner decided to invest some time and money in the flat, they can charge more.  On occasion they do, but it is not common)

TIP: What you have to do is forget what your previous flat in the U.S or U.K or France was like. Then make a list of your priorities like: My high priorities are:  location, big rooms, light, etc. It will take some time and some small compromises, but your perfect or “close-to-perfect” flat is waiting for you in Barcelona!

And from personal experience I can tell you that whatever looks weird for you in the beginning (speaking of flats) you get used to it. In the end you live in Barcelona!