The city of Barcelona is experiencing a significant change in the real estate market driven by the America’s Cup. High hotel occupancy and the need to accommodate thousands of people for several months have activated the ‘Coliving’ trend among Barcelona developers.
This phenomenon, although still incipient compared to Madrid, is gaining momentum thanks to events such as the America’s Cup, which will attract many wealthy visitors to the city.
Coliving in Barcelona: demand-driven take-off
In the last year, Barcelona has experienced a notable increase in demand for ‘Corporate Living’, a type of flexible accommodation that not only caters to the needs of teams participating in events such as the America’s Cup, but also meets the growing need for access to high quality seasonal housing.
According to CBRE data provided to Metrópoli, there are currently 1,500 flexible housing beds in Barcelona, with another 1,600 projected to come online soon.
CBRE’s head of Living Barcelona, Olga Beltrán, points out that this increase in demand goes beyond one-off events, becoming a trend that seeks to offer quality temporary housing solutions.
Leading companies in the industry, such as Aticco and Enter, have corroborated this analysis, noting a growing interest in ‘Coliving’ during America’s Cup races.
Coliving vs. hotels: an alternative on the rise
As Barcelona’s hotels anticipate a full house during the final regatta dates, ‘Coliving’ emerges as an attractive alternative, especially for those planning to stay in the city for extended periods.
David Uriarte, CEO of Aticco, points out that hotels are not the optimal option for long stays, either for economic or comfort reasons.
The America’s Cup, although it has not generated a massive increase in demand for ‘Coliving’, is seen as a catalyst that will boost foreign interest in settling in Barcelona.
Rebeca Pérez, CEO and founder of Inviertis, highlights the need for housing during those months, a demand that cannot be fully satisfied by hotels or tourist apartments.
The arrival of professionals who need to stay for several months, combined with the need for a workspace, is driving ‘Coliving’ as a comprehensive solution.
Long-term trend
While the America’s Cup will help increase the number of ‘Coliving’ places, real estate experts agree that this trend will persist beyond the regattas.
Felice Tufano, president of FIABCI in Europe, points out that the global impact of the event will attract many foreigners, considering Barcelona an attractive place to live for several months.
These potential residents, generally upper class, fit the profile of ‘Coliving’ users, known as expats or digital nomads.
