The construction of new housing in Catalonia has registered a fall of 7.46% compared to the previous year, with a total of 16,128 housing permits issued. The situation is especially significant in Barcelona, where construction has decreased by 39.2% in 2025, while in Lleida and Girona the trend is the opposite and shows significant growth.
Lleida promotes housing and commercial projects
In Lleida, the area approved for new construction will increase by 32.9% compared to the previous year. The Torre Salses commercial complex, located on the outskirts of the city, will occupy more than 100,000 m² and has been one of the main drivers of this growth. In addition, the mayor Fèlix Larrosa has announced the start of construction of the Promenade Lleida shopping center on February 27, which will include the expansion of the Víctor Torres road with a budget of 9 million euros.
The new shopping center will have 56,000 m², restaurants, cinemas, a large supermarket, and shop galleries. The planned investment amounts to 120 million euros. In parallel, 896 homes are being built in the city, of which 737 are market-rate and 159 are affordable. The municipal government of Lleida has set a goal that affordable housing represents half of new constructions.
The Paeria has announced a 95% bonus on the IBI during the first 5 years for the construction of affordable housing. In addition, Lleida is participating in the first call of the Generalitat's Pla de Barris with a dozen ongoing actions, including the rehabilitation of the old convent of Santa Teresa, Sant Martí park, Dipòsit square, sports areas, and the new monumental lighting of the Seu Vella, planned for May. The State government has confirmed resources for the Mariola Urban Improvement Plan.
Uneven growth in the regions
The number of homes has grown by 13.2% in the regions of Lleida, according to data from the Col·legi d"Arquitectes de Catalunya. In Girona, construction is up 34.45%, in Tarragona 9.3%, in the central regions 2.35%, and in Terres de l"Ebre 61.8%. In this last district, a single project of nearly 60 new homes represents a quarter of the total approved.
New construction falls 6.4% in Catalonia, but grows in all districts except Barcelona. In Lleida the increase reaches 70.4%, driven by the Torre Salses project.
Mortgage prices and activity on the rise
The average price of housing in Catalonia stands at €2,400/m², 9.7% more than in November 2024, according to the Notarial Observatory of Catalonia. 9,534 home purchase and sale transactions were authorized and 12.6% more mortgage loans were granted compared to the same period of the previous year.
"Mortgage loans to buy a home continue to rise, a trend that has been occurring, without interruption, for more than a year and a half" - Raquel Iglesias, vice-dean, Notarial College of Catalonia
In November, 6,037 mortgages were formalized in Catalonia, 19% of the total in Spain, with an average amount of 194,627 euros, 3.5% more than in the same month of the previous year. The average price of sale of apartments was €2,691/m², 9.3% more, and that of houses rose by 9.2%, standing at €1,834/m².
7,626 flat sales were made, 0.2% more year-on-year, and 1,908 single-family homes, 4% more.
Prospects and challenges for the sector
The construction sector expects to maintain growth.
"We will grow for sure, because we have to do what has not been possible until now" - Construction sector
Euroconstruct anticipated a 4% growth in activity in Spain, driven by interest rates, cost stabilization, and the completion of Next Generation aid for rehabilitation.
The decrease in the surface area inspected in Catalonia was 4.3%. Montse Pujol, president of the Territorial Commission of Lleida of the APCE, warns about the impact of changes in the sector.
"Every change implies an increase in expenses and the purchasing power of the buyer does not rise at the same rate" - Montse Pujol, APCE Lleida
The evolution of housing in Catalonia shows a scenario of contrasts between territories, with Lleida and Girona leading growth and Barcelona registering a sharp drop in construction activity.