offices Market News: Spanish Real Estate Intelligence

15 June 2019 - La Vanguardia

According to data published by the real estate consultancy JLL, overseas investment in the Catalan real estate sector rose by 137% during 2018, despite the fact that total investment fell from €1.13 billion in 2017 to €995 million in 2018.

In fact, domestic investment plummeted by 85% to €363 million from €859 million, but almost all of that decrease was offset by the arrival of funds from overseas. Of those, investment funds deposited 57% YoY more in 2018 (€574 million) and Socimis invested 47% YoY more (€326 million).

Having overcome the political uncertainty seen in 2017, international investors showed their commitment to Cataluña in general and Barcelona in particular, not least because the city has been declared as one of the world’s influencer cities by JLL.

In the business context, the city is particularly attractive for investment in the office, logistics and commercial sectors, ranking in first place in all 3 markets when compared with its European counterparts.

Specifically, the Catalan capital's offices generate yields of 3.75%, whereby outperforming Milan (3.6%), London, Madrid and Stockholm (all 3.5%). Its logistics assets generate returns of 5.10%, compared with 5% in Madrid, and its shops in central locations generated yields of 3.25% in Q1 2019, compared with Madrid (3.15%) and Paris (2.75%).

All of this is welcome news for the region that has been hit hard by the political uncertainty of recent years.

Original story: La Vanguardia (by Pilar Blázquez)

Translation/Summary: Carmel Drake

14 June 2019 - Expansión

The real estate division of Iberdrola has sold the Torre Auditori office building located in the BcnFira District of Barcelona to the fund Aberdeen Balanced European Property Fund for €98 million.

The property has a surface area of 22,899 m2, distributed over 10 floors, and more than 300 parking spaces. It was constructed in 2013 and is currently home to more than twenty tenants.

This operation represents Aberdeen Balanced European Property Fund’s first in Spain. The fund, which is managed by Aberdeen Standard Investments, now has more than €1 billion under management and is seeking to diversify its portfolio by asset type and geography.

Original story: Expansión (by Rocío Ruiz)

Translation/Summary: Carmel Drake