Spain is the leader in real estate investments in Europe. CBRE Report 2026
Spain has been recognized as the most attractive country in Europe for real estate investment for the first time in the history of the CBRE survey. For the market, investors, and the entire real estate sector, this is a clear signal that Southern Europe no longer just attracts capital but is beginning to set the direction for the entire continent. The latest CBRE report shows that real estate investments in Spain are entering a new phase: more mature, more predictable, and increasingly supported by economic fundamentals.
This is important news not only for funds and large institutional players. It is also a significant signal for private individuals observing the market with a view to purchasing an apartment, holiday flat, or investment property. If today there is talk of a market that combines stability, growth, and real return potential, Spain is at the center of that discussion.
What will you find in the article?
- Spain Number 1 in Europe
- €18.4 Billion of Investment and Strong Forecasts for 2026
- Why Do Investors Choose Spain?
- Madrid and Barcelona Confirm the Strength of the Spanish Market
- Which Real Estate Sectors Are the Strongest Today?
- Investor Sentiment Remains Very Positive
- What Does Spain’s Success Mean for Buyers and Investors?
- Summary
Spain Number 1 in Europe
According to the CBRE European Investor Intentions Survey 2026, Spain ranked first in the ranking of the most attractive countries in Europe for real estate investors. It was followed by the United Kingdom, Poland, Italy, Germany, and Portugal. This result is not coincidental. It is the effect of combining several factors: a relatively strong economy, high demand for housing, limited supply in selected segments, and growing trust of foreign investors.
For Spain, this is a huge image and market success. For years, it was perceived as an attractive lifestyle and tourist destination. Today, it is a fully-fledged leader in the European investment real estate market. In practice, this means greater attention from international capital, stronger competition for the best assets, and further strengthening of Spain’s position as a safe haven for investors.
€18.4 Billion of Investment and Strong Forecasts for 2026
CBRE reports that the total value of real estate investment in Spain in 2025 exceeded €18.4 billion. This is a 31% year-on-year increase, a result clearly better than the European average and at the same time the highest since 2018. The scale of this increase alone shows that the Spanish market has not only regained momentum but entered a phase of strong acceleration.
The forecasts look even more interesting. According to CBRE, in 2026 the value of investments may increase to €19–21 billion, which means a further growth of 5–10%. This scenario is expected to be supported by greater monetary stability and improved financing conditions. In other words: investors see not only a good entry moment but also space for further growth.
Why Do Investors Choose Spain?
The CBRE report shows that Spain’s success in the real estate market is based on very specific advantages. Investors mainly point to the profit potential resulting from strong economic fundamentals and sustained demand, especially in the residential sector. In many locations, limited supply strengthens price pressure, which further increases the attractiveness of well-selected assets.
Diversity of the market is also very important. Spain offers both mature metropolises like Madrid and Barcelona and strong regional markets as well as coastal locations that attract private investors and foreign buyers. This mix makes real estate in Spain perceived as a flexible market: attractive for funds, developers, rental operators, and individual clients.
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Madrid and Barcelona Confirm the Strength of the Spanish Market
One of the strongest confirmations of Spain’s success is the position of its cities in the ranking of the most attractive locations for cross-border investors. Madrid took 2nd place, and Barcelona 4th place in Europe. Importantly, Spain for the second consecutive year remains the only European country with two cities in the top five of this ranking.
This is a very strong argument in market and marketing communication. It shows that the country’s success is not based only on one center but has broader foundations. Madrid attracts investors with its market scale, business activity, and economic growth. Barcelona, for its part, remains one of the most recognizable and desired urban markets in Europe, combining investment potential with international recognition.
Which Real Estate Sectors Are the Strongest Today?
The CBRE report clearly indicates which market segments are the most interesting for investors today. The residential sector ranked first (34%), then logistics (25%), offices (13%), and retail (12%). This is very important information for everyone following trends in the Spanish real estate market.
The strength of the residential sector stands out particularly strongly here. High demand, limited supply, and demographic changes mean that apartments and living-type projects remain one of the safest and most promising directions for capital allocation. This is good news for both large institutional investors and people seeking stable rental properties.
Investor Sentiment Remains Very Positive
According to CBRE, about 89% of investors expect purchasing activity to increase or remain at a stable level in 2026. At the same time, 83% believe the same will be true on the sales side. This means the market looks to the future with moderate but clear optimism.
In practice, this picture supports the thesis that Spain today is one of the most interesting real estate markets in Europe. It is no longer only about the attractiveness of the climate, lifestyle, or popularity among foreign buyers. The key points are hard data: capital flow, ranking position, investment volume growth, and good prospects for the coming quarters.
What Does Spain’s Success Mean for Buyers and Investors?
For those planning to buy property in Spain, the conclusions from the report are clear. The market is strong, recognizable, and supported by long-term fundamentals. This does not mean that every location and every project will be equally attractive. However, it does mean that Spain as an investment country has today gained very strong confirmation in independent market data.
For the industry, it is also a signal to observe Spanish cities, residential projects, and segments related to logistics and modern rental even more attentively. For individual clients, this may be a good time to look at Spain not only through the lens of sun and holidays but also as a market with real investment potential.
Summary
Spain has achieved more than a high position in the ranking. It has become a symbol of change in the European real estate market. First place in the CBRE survey, over €18.4 billion in investment in 2025, a forecast increase to €19–21 billion in 2026, and the strong position of Madrid and Barcelona create a consistent success story. This is why today there is so much talk about real estate investments in Spain being among the most promising in Europe.
Sources:
• CBRE – España es el destino europeo preferido para la inversión inmobiliaria en 2026
• CBRE – European Investor Intentions Survey 2026 (PDF)
• CBRE – La inversión inmobiliaria en España supera los 18.400 millones de euros en 2025
