The rise in Housing prices in Spain
The rise in Housing prices in SpainThe price of resale housing in Spain rose by 11.8% year-on-year during the third quarter of 2026, reaching €2,930 per square meter—just three euros shy of the all-time high recorded in July—according to data published by Idealista this Friday.
Additionally, prices increased by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter and 0.2% month-on-month, based on figures from the real estate portal released in a statement.
“Home sales are currently at a turning point in the most dynamic markets. High housing prices have priced out a portion of the demand. This factor, combined with the rising cost of financing, has led to a drop in sales volume, which is tempering the decline in available stock and easing price increases,” says Idealista spokesperson Francisco Iñareta. He adds: “It would not be surprising to see price stabilization—or even declines—in some provincial capitals in the medium term. However, in secondary markets, where housing remains affordable, price growth continues at a double-digit rate.”
PRICE HIKES ACROSS ALL REGIONS AND PROVINCIAL CAPITALS
All Spanish provincial capitals have seen price increases over the last 12 months. Ciudad Real leads the list with a 21.7% rise over the past year, followed by Teruel (+18.9%) and Salamanca and Pontevedra (17.9% in both cases). Conversely, the smallest increases occurred in Madrid (2.4%), San Sebastián (3.4%), Palma (3.6%), Melilla (4%), and Málaga (4.1%).
Among major markets, the highest price growth was recorded in Seville (10.4%), Bilbao (7.9%), Alicante (6.6%), Barcelona (5.8%), and Valencia (5.1%).
Barcelona: well above the national average
The price of housing for sale in Barcelona reached €5,462 per square meter in September 2026, according to data from idealista. This figure represents a 0.4% increase compared to August and a 0.4% rise compared to June.
Year-on-year, the Barcelona market maintains an upward trend: prices have risen by 5.8% compared to September 2025.
The gap compared to Spain as a whole remains significant. In September, the average housing price in Spain stood at €2,930/m², reflecting a monthly increase of 0.2% and a year-on-year rise of 11.8%.
This means that buying a home in Barcelona costs, on average, 86% more per square meter than in Spain overall.
Furthermore, while Barcelona has seen a year-on-year increase of 5.8%, the national market is rising at a rate of 11.8%.
Málaga: Spain’s sixth most expensive provincial capital
Housing prices in Málaga have hit record highs: €3,969/m² in September listings and €3,401/m² in registered sales. We break down the cost of an apartment based on size, identify the most expensive and cheapest districts and neighborhoods, and track price increases over the past five years.
The average housing price in Málaga depends on the metric used. Real estate portals publish asking prices—what sellers request in their listings—while the Association of Land Registrars publishes the price recorded in the deed, representing the actual amount paid in registered sales. Both figures are at record highs, though they do not always align.
With a recorded price of €3,401/m², Málaga is the sixth most expensive provincial capital in Spain—trailing only San Sebastián, Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, and Bilbao—according to real estate registry statistics from the second quarter of 2026.
Asking prices are higher because they reflect what sellers request, rather than the final price signed before a notary, which may be lower than the listed figure.
Marbella: One of the Most Exclusive and Dynamic Real Estate Markets
Marbella is indeed cementing its position as one of Spain’s most exclusive and dynamic real estate markets, with figures reaching historic highs.
This market performance reflects several key factors:
• Price disparities by area: Although the average price hovers around €5,967/m², the market landscape is highly varied. While ultra-exclusive areas such as the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía, and La Zagaleta far exceed €8,000/m²—or even €10,000/m²—other residential areas located further from the coast balance out the overall average.
• Strong international demand: Demand from foreign buyers—primarily British, German, Scandinavian, and increasingly North American—remains very robust. They are seeking both primary residences suitable for remote work and luxury vacation properties.
October 8, 2026