Investing in Real Estate in Mataró: The Complete Guide to Understanding the Market

Published on May 5, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Mataró checks almost all the boxes today’s real estate investors are looking for: a pleasant coastal city, 30–35 minutes from Barcelona, well connected by train and highway, with beaches, a marina, a university (TecnoCampus), and a series of major urban projects already funded. All this at prices still far below those of the Catalan capital, but with a tight rental market that drives yields upward.

Mataró, capital of the Maresme: quality of life and appeal

Situated on the Costa Maresme, Mataró is the capital and largest city of this comarca north of Barcelona. About 130,000 people live here, enjoying 4 km of beaches (Varador, Callao, Sant Simó), a modern marina with restaurants and shops, and a historic center marked by Catalan modernist architecture.

The economic fabric is diversified: presence of the TecnoCampus (affiliated with Universitat Pompeu Fabra), which combines a university campus and an innovation park for startups, industrial zones, local commerce, and growing momentum around the blue economy and circularity (Mataró Circular 2030 project, Parc Circular Mataró-Maresme).

This mix of quality of life, education, innovation, and accessibility supports housing demand, both for purchase and rental, and forms the foundation of interest in Investing in real estate in Mataró.

Where are sale prices in Mataró heading?

The various statistical series converge on one diagnosis: prices are rising, but still below Barcelona levels, leaving room for appreciation for medium-term investors.

Price levels and recent trends

According to the main databases (Idealista, Tinsa, EV DWH, listing portals), the following orders of magnitude are observed:

– Average sale price in 2026 around €2,113/m², an annual increase close to 5% compared to 2025.

– Other series: €2,386/m² in February 2026, or €2,497/m² around spring 2025 according to portals, showing methodological differences but confirming the upward trend.

– In one long-term series, the m² in Mataró grew by 6.1% over 12 months (houses) and 4% for apartments at end of February 2026.

Even if the exact figures vary by source (annual average vs. asking price, inclusion of high-end properties, etc.), the key point is clear: Mataró is in an upward cycle, without showing clear signs of a bubble.

For comparison, Barcelona is around €4,196/m², a differential of nearly 40–50% with Mataró depending on the source. For an investor, this is a way to gain exposure to the dynamism of the metropolitan area while limiting the entry ticket.

Price ranges: apartments, houses, new construction

Sector data refines the picture:

The specific history also shows:

After a slight decline in 2023, the recovery is clear in 2024–2025, in a Spanish context where prices in coastal areas are rising by an average of 7–9% per year, driven notably by demand for second homes and foreign investors.

Average prices by property size

Detailed statistics also provide some benchmarks in absolute value for apartments:

The “average” price across all properties is around €177,000, with much higher extremes for large villas or housing estate homes.

For Investing in real estate in Mataró with a controlled budget, 1 and 2 bedroom units clearly represent the core of the market in terms of entry price.

A tight and highly profitable rental market

For a landlord investor, one of the major arguments for Mataró is the combination of high rents relative to purchase price, in a context of strong rental demand.

Rent levels and trends

The most recent data indicate:

– Average asking rent in August 2025: €13.46/m²/month, an increase of nearly +18% year-on-year (€11.42/m² a year earlier).

– Peak average rent in April 2025: €15.04/m²/month.

– Recent low: €11.11/m²/month in October 2024.

– For 2026, some reports mention an average rent around €13.3/m², others place the annual average around €11.4/m² based on different methodologies, but all converge on an annual increase around +9–10%.

In terms of monthly rent per property, we find:

– Average rent all properties: approximately €1,300/month.

– 1 bedroom in city center: around €800–900/month.

– 2 bedroom in city center: approximately €1,200/month.

Gross yield and payback

By aggregating prices and rents, several sources calculate an average gross rental yield of around:

– 9.48% average rental yield in the Mataró market.

– Payback period of about 11.3 years (price-to-annual rent ratio).

This figure is high compared to the Spanish average for apartments (about 5.4% gross yield in Q3 2025). It reflects a certain “valuation lag” of sale prices relative to the rapid increase in rents.

Profitability by property type

The figures by apartment type show strong differences:

These figures suggest several possible strategies:

– 1-bedroom units offer an excellent compromise: reasonable entry ticket (~€164,000) and yield close to 9.4%.

– 4+ bedroom units show the highest theoretical profitability (11%), but with larger capital tied up and potentially higher vacancy risk depending on tenant profile (large families, shared housing).

– Studios are less profitable in percentage terms, despite sometimes very high rents per m², due to a relatively high base price.

The investor will therefore need to balance yield level, vacancy risk, ease of resale, and target tenant profile (students, young professionals, families, etc.).

Neighborhood focus: where to invest in Mataró?

The map of prices and rents by neighborhood is one of the most valuable tools for building a fine-tuned investment strategy. Data from August 2025 provides a very enlightening overview.

Sale prices and rents by area (August 2025)

Several things stand out immediately:

– Via Europa-Parc Central is the most expensive area to buy (€3,003/m²), but with relatively moderate rents (€10.33/m²), resulting in lower profitability, around 3–4%.

– Conversely, Rocafonda-El Palau is the most affordable neighborhood (€1,672/m²) but with the highest rents in the city (€14.53/m²), making it a champion of gross yield.

– The Centre combines high sale prices (€2,490/m²) and very high rents (€14.45/m²), offering a good compromise between capital appreciation and yield.

– L’Havana and Urbanitzacions also present an interesting balance between prices and rents.

Profitability by neighborhood: where are the best opportunities?

A dedicated study on rental yields by neighborhood in Mataró confirms this diagnosis:

– Pla d’En Boet: yield around 9.88%.

– Rocafonda: 9.36%.

– L’Havana: 7.84%.

– Urbanitzacions: 7.42%.

– Els Molins: 6.94%.

– Cerdanyola: 6.25%.

– Centre: 5.74%.

– Eixample: 4.90%.

– La Llàntia: 4.76%.

– Peramàs: 3.43%.

– Via Europa – Parc Central: 3.30%.

Neighborhood profiles and property types

Beyond the numbers, it’s essential to understand the DNA of each area:

– Centre & Eixample Historic and economic heart, shopping streets, immediate proximity to the port and waterfront. Real estate offering mainly apartments, often with sea views in the extended center up to Paseo Marítimo. Highly sought-after areas by upper-middle classes, professionals, and residents who value “walkability.”

– Via Europa – Nou Parc Central Dynamic neighborhood, well-urbanized, popular with young professionals, close to the center and rich in shops and services. High prices bring it closer to an “upper-middle-class” market.

– Cerdanyola One of the largest neighborhoods (over 30,000 inhabitants), set back from the center, close to industrial areas and green spaces. Complete local infrastructure (supermarkets, schools, pharmacies). Positioned as an “entry-level” market for first-time buyers and yield-seeking investors.

– Vista Alegre Upper part of Mataró: residential neighborhood with large houses and elegant streets, highly sought after by families seeking privacy and tranquility. Natural target for more expensive villas, oriented toward patrimonial / high-end.

– Urbanitzacions and Maresme outskirts High-end housing estates near Mataró or in neighboring municipalities (Montcabrer, Cabrils, Llavaneres, Teià, etc.). Large villas with pools and vast gardens can be found here, very popular as primary upscale residences or second homes.

Most affordable neighborhoods in absolute value

Another data series, this time expressed in average price per property rather than per m², highlights the following sectors:

Eixample, often seen as central and expensive per m², can therefore offer opportunities on smaller units. This is a useful reminder: the same neighborhood can, depending on the property type, present very different investment profiles.

New residential projects: the weight of new construction in the strategy

Even though the new supply remains limited compared to the existing stock, several structuring developments deserve attention for Investing in real estate in Mataró, especially targeting the long term and high-end clientele.

Examples of recent or ongoing developments

Several operations illustrate the upgrading of the waterfront and central areas:

These programs share: consistent educational objectives and emphasis on developing practical skills.

– A prime location (waterfront or hyper-center).

– Contemporary amenities: large terraces, pools, green spaces, parking, quality finishes, sometimes smart home features and solar panels.

– Prices often in the upper range of the local market: €2,000–3,000/m² for apartments, scaling up with sea views, terraces, and services.

Urban planning and major projects: impact on future value

One of the specificities of Mataró is the scale of urban projects already planned and, for some, funded:

– Transformation of the waterfront (Front Marítim): Iveco-Renfe / Farinera plan, converting former industrial areas into a mixed residential/services zone. More than 60,000 m² of residential space (up to 729 homes) and 11,500 m² of tertiary space are planned.

– Torre Barceló Project: Construction of a 26-story building with 192 homes intended for the free-market rental sector, including creation of a public park.

– Complete remodeling of Mataró train station: Project of about €70 million led by the State, ADIF, and the Generalitat, with track reorganization to accommodate higher-capacity trains, creation of two very wide underpasses connecting the city to the port and Paseo Marítimo, and better integration of the railway into the urban fabric. The station already serves 15,000 users/day and is a major lever for valorizing surrounding areas (Ronda Barceló, Iveco-Pegaso, port, TecnoCampus).

– Re-Natura Mataró: Program of €6 million, partly funded by the European Next Generation funds, to renaturalize rivers, parks, schoolyards, and green spaces, strengthen biodiversity, and improve quality of life.

Economic literature on infrastructure in Spain shows that once projects are funded and construction begins, the affected areas often experience a 5 to 15% increase in property values over 3 to 5 years, once the construction nuisance effect dissipates. Investing in real estate in Mataró in sectors directly impacted by these transformations (Avenida Maresme, Ronda Barceló, port, areas near the station and TecnoCampus) therefore means betting on a dual source of value creation: existing rental demand and the future accessibility/urban quality premium.

Cost of living and tenant profiles: who rents in Mataró?

The cost of living in Mataró remains moderate compared to major European capitals, while being quite high for Spain:

– Average monthly expenses for one person: about $1,609, including about $930 for housing and utilities, $488 for food.

– For a family of four: around $3,565, including $1,480 for housing and utilities.

These amounts place Mataró among the 39% most expensive cities in the world, and 43rd out of 153 Spanish cities. It’s an intermediate level: more expensive than many inland cities, but less than intramural Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca.

On the rental demand side, several drivers are identified:

– Students from TecnoCampus.

– Families local or from Barcelona, seeking more space and a coastal lifestyle.

– Professionals working in Barcelona, Mataró, or the surrounding areas (industrial zones, Maresme).

– A potential expatriate or “digital nomad” clientele attracted by the combination of sea / proximity to a metropolis / reasonable costs.

The rental market is described as robust, with strong demand and an offering mainly composed of second-hand properties of 40 to 80 m², of average quality. The notable increase in rents in recent years shows that demand exceeds supply in several segments.

Buying in Mataró: legal and tax process for a foreign investor

Investing in real estate in Mataró follows general Spanish rules for property transactions. For a non-resident investor, it is essential to anticipate:

Steps of the purchase process

The buying journey can be schematically divided into three phases: pre-purchase, purchase, post-purchase, over an average duration of 6 to 12 weeks (sometimes 2 weeks for simple cases, sometimes more than a year in complex ones).

Key milestones:

1. Obtaining an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) Mandatory for any acquisition. Procedures possible at the National Police Station in Spain or at the Spanish consulate in the country of residence. A local lawyer can do it by proxy.

2. Opening a Spanish bank account Necessary for payment, direct debit of local taxes, and utility billing.

4. Signing a preliminary contract / deposit contract (contrato de arras) Firm commitment from both parties, usually accompanied by a down payment of 10% of the price. If the buyer withdraws without a contractual reason, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must return double.

5. Legal and technical due diligence Verification at the land registry (ownership, mortgages, charges), urban planning compliance, absence of unpaid community dues, municipal taxes, etc. Recommendation to have a technical inspection (structure, installations) especially for older buildings.

6. Signing the deed before a notary (escritura pública de compraventa) Payment of the balance of the price, reading of the deed, handover of keys. The notary verifies identities, chain of title, means of payment.

7. Registration in the Property Registry Essential formality to enforce your right against third parties. Practically managed by the notary, lawyer, or a gestor within the following month.

Total cost: beyond the listed price

One of the classic pitfalls for foreign buyers is underestimating additional costs, which in Spain represent 11 to 15% of the price, sometimes more for new properties.

The main items are:

– Property Transfer Tax (ITP) for resale properties: In Catalonia, this rate is 10% of the price (one of the highest in Spain).

– VAT (IVA) + AJD (Documented Legal Acts Duty) for new builds: Residential VAT at 10%, AJD in Catalonia generally at 1.5%. That’s about 11.5% in taxes on the property price.

– Notary and registry fees: Approximately 1–2% combined, often 0.5–1% each depending on the price.

– Legal fees: Around 1 to 1.5% of the price (or a flat fee of €1,500–3,000).

– Possible loan processing fees, appraisal fees (€300–500) if bank financing.

For an investor considering buying, for example, a €200,000 apartment in Mataró:

– For resale (ITP 10%): you’ll need to budget approximately €24,000 to €30,000 in additional costs.

– For new build (VAT 10% + AJD 1.5%): the bill could rise to €35,000–40,000.

Taxation after acquisition

Once you are a property owner, several tax obligations apply:

– IBI (property tax): Annual municipal tax calculated on the cadastral value. Rates vary from about 0.4% to 1.3% depending on the city; Mataró falls within the usual ranges for Catalan cities.

– IRNR (Non-Resident Income Tax): If the property is rented, the tax (19% for EU/EEA/Swiss residents, 24% for other countries) applies to net rental income (some expenses deductible for EU/EEA/Swiss residents). If the property is not rented, a “deemed income” (1.1% to 2% of the cadastral value) is taxed.

– Municipal capital gains tax (plusvalía) upon resale: Local tax on the increase in land value, payable by the seller.

– Capital gains tax (IRPF or IRNR): State tax on the capital gain, with a rate around 19% for non-residents.

Net profitability, after taxes and expenses (condo fees, maintenance, property management), will therefore be 1.5 to 2 percentage points lower than gross profitability.

Risk/opportunity analysis: Mataró in the Spanish context

In the national context, the Spanish coastline is seeing strong activity: purchases in coastal municipalities exceeded 198,000 transactions in 2024 (28% of the country’s sales), with an average price increase of about 7–9% in Mediterranean areas.

Mataró stands out for:

The main risks are:

– Regulatory: Ongoing debates in Catalonia about tourist rental quotas, increased taxation on purchases by non-residents in certain regions (surcharge projects have been mentioned in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia). Keeping a close eye on changes in the legal framework is essential.

– Cyclicality: After several years of increases, a stabilization or occasional correction is always possible, especially if interest rates remain at elevated levels.

Nevertheless, the combination of still “affordable” prices (€2,000–2,500/m² on average), high gross yields (up to 9–11% in some neighborhoods), and appreciation prospects driven by public projects, makes Investing in real estate in Mataró a very competitive option compared to other Spanish coastal cities.

Concrete investment strategies in Mataró

Summarizing the data, several strategic axes emerge.

“Pure yield” strategy in popular neighborhoods

Target: Rocafonda-El Palau, Pla d’En Boet, Cerdanyola, L’Havana.

– Advantages: Low purchase prices (€1,600–2,100/m²), high rents, gross yields potentially exceeding 9–10%, possible capital appreciation if urban renewal continues.

– Watch points: More demanding property management (sometimes more fragile socio-economic profile, faster turnover), importance of knowing the micro-sector street by street, select well-maintained buildings.

“Balance between capital appreciation and profitability” strategy

Target: Centre, Eixample, Via Europa-Parc Central, Peramàs, La Llàntia.

– Advantages: Good level of “stable” rental demand (professionals, couples, families), more likely long-term capital appreciation, quality urban environment.

– Typical yield: Rather 4–6% gross, but with better liquidity upon resale.

“High-end / new build / waterfront” strategy

Target: projects like AMURA, Mirador del Maresme, Mataró Playa Residencial, Residencial Mataró Centre.

– Advantages: Strong appeal for premium tenants (expats, executives, teleworkers), comfort and energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs in the short term.

Investment horizon and the role of infrastructure

Given the nature of ongoing projects (train station, waterfront, Parc Circular, renaturation, Agenda Urbana 2030 plan), a reasonable approach is to consider a holding horizon of 5 to 7 years, enough time for major works to translate into urban value and additional appeal.

– The most significant price effect often appears 6 to 24 months after the commissioning of a major new infrastructure.

– The construction phase can temporarily weigh on values (nuisance, uncertainty), sometimes opening windows of opportunity for contrarian investors.

In Mataró’s case, this particularly concerns the area around the train station, Ronda Barceló, Avenida del Maresme, the port front, and areas undergoing industrial conversion (Iveco‑Renfe, Farinera).

Conclusion: Mataró, a city to watch closely for investors

Investing in real estate in Mataró means betting on a city that combines:

As always, the success of an investment will depend on a very careful selection of neighborhood, building, and property type, a good understanding of total acquisition costs and taxation, and close monitoring of local regulatory developments.

For those willing to do this analytical work and adopt a medium to long-term horizon, Mataró today appears as one of the most interesting markets on the Catalan coast, both for rental profitability and future appreciation potential.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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