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The Catalan capital is undergoing one of the most remarkable transformations in its recent history, according to a report by Obrescat, a well-known renovation company with two decades of experience in Barcelona. In 2024, the number of renovation permits in the city has increased by 25%, resulting in the rehabilitation of over 1.3 million square meters. This phenomenon reveals a clear trend among Barcelonians: a preference for updating their homes rather than moving to the outskirts.
The Eixample district stands out as the epicenter of this wave of renovations. In this area, Obrescat has specialized in transforming modernist galleries into bright offices, achieving a fusion between 19th-century elements and contemporary technologies, such as invisible climate control systems, setting a new standard for comprehensive renovations in the city.
In the Sant Martí area, the post-industrial approach is the prevailing trend. Projects in Clot and Poblenou are knocking down partition walls to expose metal beams, creating open spaces that maintain a “raw” aesthetic while also being energy efficient. The waterfront presents a distinct challenge: renovations on listed buildings aim to balance preserving centuries-old walls with improving insulation, achieving reductions in electricity bills of up to 40%.
Les Corts also stands out as an area in full transformation, where old offices are being converted into coliving spaces. Through movable partitions and integrated USB ports, occupancy density is being doubled without sacrificing quality of life. Furthermore, interest in home automation is continually growing, reflected in the increasing number of requests for these installations.
In more exclusive areas like Sarrià and Pedralbes, the focus is on premium sustainability. Features such as photovoltaic skylights and radiant floors have become standard equipment. With an average cost nearing 120,000 euros and an appreciation of up to 40%, these projects attract both families and investors. The average budget per renovation stands at 46,800 euros, with an estimated direct return of 1.4 euros for every euro invested.
Marta Vidal, the technical director of Obrescat, states that “Barcelona is not just being renovated; it is being reinvented room by room.” The collected data indicates that, with proper planning, any home can transform its essence without losing its neighborhood character.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
