Carlos García, Friday, 12 January 2024
The Spanish mortgage market in 2024 is being shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including trends in the property market, interest rates, and
overall economic conditions. Here is an updated overview:
Property Market Trends: The year 2023 saw the Spanish property market experiencing a price surge, despite a reduction in the number
of transactions. On average, house prices rose by 7%, with significant increases observed in vibrant markets such as Madrid, Barcelona, and various
coastal regions. This upward trend is expected to persist into 2024, with prices likely to climb further in these dynamic areas. In contrast, other
regions may experience stabilization or minor price declines.
Mortgage Market Dynamics: There was a notable decrease in the number of new mortgages, dropping by over 25% compared to the previous
year. This trend is partly due to the European Central Bank's decision to maintain steady interest rates, resulting in a more constrained mortgage
market. However, there's growing interest from British citizens in buying Spanish properties, possibly fueled by the prospect of long-stay visas for
British second-home owners.
Interest Rates and Euribor Forecasts: Looking at 2024, there's a sense of optimism about mortgage rates. Spain's inflation has
stabilized, and the European Central Bank has kept its rates around 4%. Euribor rates, which are pivotal in setting mortgage rates, are expected to
fall by the end of the year, potentially leading to more stable or slightly reduced house prices, thereby improving mortgage affordability.
Rental Market Changes: The rental sector has undergone significant shifts, with rent prices increasing by 9% and the availability of
permanent rental properties decreasing by 12%. Influenced by the new Housing Act, this trend is likely to continue, possibly pushing more prospective
buyers towards renting due to the high costs of home ownership.
Foreign Buyers and New Construction: The influence of foreign buyers in the property market is growing, particularly in coastal
regions where they represent a significant share of total sales. The new construction market is grappling with rising costs and strict requirements
for energy efficiency and sustainability, factors that are expected to drive up prices for new builds in 2024.
Overall Outlook: Despite a slowdown in mid-2022, the Spanish real estate market is showing resilience, buoyed by strong demand from
foreign buyers and a limited supply of new homes. Even with rising interest rates, these factors continue to support property prices.
In conclusion, the Spanish mortgage market in 2024 can be characterized by a robust property market with escalating prices, a tightening mortgage
landscape due to stable interest rates, and a significant impact from foreign buyers. The dynamics of the rental market and challenges in new
construction also play crucial roles in shaping the market's trajectory.
Links
Our comprehensive guide is the perfect companion if you are considering moving to Spain or are already living there. Learn all about buying a house,
mastering the Spanish language, finding a job, experiencing the culture and discovering tourist attractions.