Investment this year will top 13 billion euros, up 25% from 2014. The real estate sector is working to leave the bubble and the crisis behind, with a new model that breaks with the previous one, based on a gradual increase in property values, avoiding those looking to make a quick buck and encouraging foreign capital.

So far, more than 70% of investment has come from abroad, especially from the United States, France and the United Kingdom. The most noteworthy operations have been carried out by REITs, which have invested nearly 45% of the total. National buyers have also been more active, both institutions and real estate agencies, according to data from the study.

The most active sector in the market has been offices, with nearly 5.6 billion euros, an amount that may still be bolstered by another 300-400 million euros by the end of the year. Madrid will finish the year with approximately 460,000 m2 sold, up 39% from 2014, while Barcelona will be back to pre-crisis levels with 360,000 m2.

Great news, all sectors very healthy. Investment in retail and shopping centers will close the year at 4 billion euros, similar to that seen in 2014. For the first time since the crisis, rents have gone up in shopping centers and prime shopping streets, rising 5-10% as a result of increased sales and affluence.

Investors are getting their appetite back for residential properties as well, with a two-speed market. Madrid, Barcelona, Costa del Sol and Levante are leading the recovery.

In the hotel sector, investment is expected to hit 2 billion euros, having already reached 1.7 billion, with Barcelona taking prominence over Madrid as the favorite destination.

SOURCES La Vanguardia