Buying property in prestigious cities such as Madrid and Barcelona can be quite expensive and require a significant financial investment. However, if you're looking to buy real estate in Spain, it makes sense to consider the more budget-friendly suburbs of these metropolitan areas, with good opportunities to purchase a property at a more affordable price. In this article, we will explore the top suburbs of Madrid and Barcelona that offer inexpensive yet attractive properties for both residential and investment purposes.
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Suburbs of Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is known for its rich culture, high level of education and numerous opportunities for professional development. However, living in the suburbs of Madrid also has its advantages:
- Locality. Despite their proximity to the city center, one of the main advantages of Madrid's suburbs is their excellent transport links. You will have easy access to the city's infrastructure.
- Affordable real estate. Real estate in Madrid's suburbs is usually cheaper than in the city itself. This is a great opportunity for those who cannot afford an expensive apartment or house.
- Family-friendly atmosphere. The suburbs of Madrid offer a quiet and safe environment for families with children. You will find good schools, parks, and plenty of leisure activities.
Getafe
Getafe is one of the most popular suburbs of Madrid when it comes to buying affordable real estate by European standards. Located just 13 kilometers from the Spanish capital, a 20–25 minute drive away, Getafe offers a wide selection of apartments and houses of various sizes, styles and layouts. New development projects in Spain are often built in the suburbs and you can find resale properties here. Currently, in Getafe, in the popular and prestigious La Alhondiga neighborhood, you can buy renovated 2-bedroom apartments in Spain with an area of 55 sq. m for just €60,000, which is considered a low price for this country. More spacious options starting at 60 sq. m with 3 bedrooms are available in the range of €80,000–90,000 and above. The luxury housing market also offers a variety of choices, including single-family homes, townhouses, duplexes, and villas. For example, a 4-bedroom, 132 sq. m townhouse in the El Bercial area of a new development would cost about $466,000, while a luxurious 3-bedroom, 161 sq. m penthouse in Los Molinos can be purchased for $538,900.
Pozuelo de Alarcón
Another attractive suburb of Madrid is Pozuelo de Alarcón. Located in the west of the city, it is known for its exclusive residential complexes and affluent atmosphere. In Pozuelo de Alarcón you can find apartments in high-rise buildings as well as spacious houses with their own plots of land. Although prices here are higher than in Getafe, they are still more affordable than in the center of Madrid. For example, in the new 2-story residential complex called Edificio Alamillo on Calle Alamillo, which is scheduled for completion in 2024, you can buy a 2-bedroom, 84 sq. m apartment for €340,000 or a 3-bedroom, 149 sq. m duplex for €420,000. There are also plenty of luxury properties available in the suburb. You can buy 5-bedroom luxury villas in Spain with an area of 625 sq. m in the Urbanizaciones area for €2 million.
Fuenlabrada
Fuenlabrada is another wonderful suburb of Madrid that offers affordable real estate options. It offers excellent conditions for comfortable living, including parks, sports facilities, shopping centers, and good transportation to the capital. Here you can find apartments and houses in Spain of various sizes and styles. There are some fantastic and comfortable properties available at affordable prices. For example, a 3-bedroom, 74 sq. m apartment in the El Naranjo area is currently on the market for €86,000. A 4-bedroom apartment with a surface area of 100 sq. m would cost around €170,000. Houses and villas are also available in the area. There are excellent options for villas, such as a 191 sq. m, 3-bedroom house in Fuenlabrada II - El Molino, which is listed for €439,000.
Suburbs of Barcelona
Barcelona is known for its magnificent architecture, rich cultural heritage, and a variety of active leisure options. However, many people prefer to live not in the city itself, but in its suburbs. Here are some of the advantages of such a choice:
- Quiet surroundings: The suburbs of Barcelona offer a tranquil atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Here you can enjoy peace and tranquility without giving up the comforts of modern life.
- Spacious residential areas: The suburbs of Barcelona often offer more spacious houses and apartments compared to the city center. You can enjoy larger living spaces and have room to create your ideal home.
- Beautiful nature: The outskirts of Barcelona are surrounded by greenery, with mountains, forests, and beaches nearby. You can take walks, play sports and bask in the sun. What could be better?
Living in the suburbs of Barcelona combines the best of both worlds - proximity to the vibrant city and the benefits of a peaceful and natural environment.
Castelldefels
Castelldefels is one of the most popular suburbs of Barcelona for purchasing affordable real estate. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Castelldefels offers excellent living and leisure conditions. You can find apartments with sea views as well as houses with their own plots. Castelldefels is well connected to the center of Barcelona, only 15–20 minutes away. You can buy a 2-bedroom apartment with an area of 50 sq. m from €119,000, a spacious 3-bedroom duplex with an area of 134 sq. m for €319,000, or a 2-bedroom penthouse with an area of 120 sq. m for €360,000. As in any suburb of Barcelona, there are luxury properties available in Castelldefels. For example, one of the properties listed for sale is a 7-bedroom house with an area of 685 sq. m for €5.5 million.
Terrassa
Terrassa is another attractive suburb located 20 kilometers from Barcelona. It offers excellent opportunities for purchasing affordable real estate. In Terrassa you will find both high-rise apartments and spacious houses. In the La Maurina area, for example, you can buy a modest 3-bedroom, 60 sq. m apartment for €44,500. There are also more comfortable and spacious options, such as a 3-bedroom, 98 sq. m apartment for €159,000. A 112 sq. m duplex in Sant Pere for €258,000 or a 5-bedroom and 156 sq.m. penthouse for €399,000 would be suitable for families of three or more.
Terrassa offers a more affordable housing market while still providing convenient access to Barcelona. With a range of property types and sizes, it is an attractive option for those seeking a suburban lifestyle within easy reach of the city.
Molins de Rei
Molins de Rei is another beautiful suburb of Barcelona that offers affordable real estate options. Located 15 kilometers from the city, Molins de Rei offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to spacious houses. Here you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful nature and a relaxed pace of life, while still being close to all the advantages of the metropolis.
Examples of properties in this Barcelona suburb include a budget-friendly 2-bedroom apartment with an area of 60 sq. m for €82,000, more spacious 3-bedroom apartments with an area of 75 sq. m for €165,000, and a comfortable 5-bedroom house with an area of 155 sq. m for €440,000. The luxury property market is also extensive, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Molins de Rei offers a great balance of affordability, tranquility, and proximity to Barcelona, making it a desirable choice for those seeking suburban living close to the city.
We Can Help You Buy Real Estate in Spain!
Barcelona and Madrid are the most popular cities for tourists. However, they also attract people who want to settle here permanently. Buying property in the affordable suburbs of Madrid and Barcelona is a great opportunity for those who want to own a home in sunny Spain while maximizing their savings. Getafe, Pozuelo de Alarcon and Fuenlabrada in Madrid, Castelldefels, Terrassa and Molins de Rei in Barcelona are just some of the many attractive locations that offer a variety of housing options at affordable prices. By choosing one of these areas, you can enjoy the comfort and coziness of your own home without overpaying for the prestige of the central cities.
Working with our experienced real estate professionals in Spain will greatly simplify the process of finding your dream home. They will give you detailed advice and help you find the right property! We look forward to speaking with you!