The Barcelona office market closed 2025 with a take-up volume of 314,000 sqm, representing an increase of 6.44% compared to 2024, when 295,000 sqm were taken up. This is according to the latest office market report by Forcadell, which places the year's performance in line with forecasts made throughout the year.
Part of the activity expected at the end of the year has been moved to the first few months of 2026, due to delays in the formalisation of several large-volume transactions that are at an advanced stage. In this context, Manel de Bes, director of the consultancy's Office Department, points out that "this growth reaffirms the dynamism and strength of the office market in Barcelona, even in an environment of greater selectivity on the part of companies".
During the last quarter of the year, take-up was concentrated in the most established areas and in those with the greatest potential. The city centre and the central business district (CBD) together accounted for 46% of the space taken up, while developing areas accounted for nearly 40% of the total. Within this group, the 22@ district absorbed 32.85% of quarterly take-up and Plaza Europa–Fira District 6.37%.
According to Forcadell's analysis, this distribution confirms an increasingly selective demand, focused on well-located assets with higher standards of quality and efficiency. In this context, the Barcelona office market remains active, although it is conditioned by more demanding criteria on the part of occupiers.
Sustained decline in availability
Office availability in the city continues to adjust progressively. At the end of 2025, the rate stood at around 12%, compared to 12.5% in the previous quarter, marking five consecutive quarters of decline. This behaviour is due to positive net absorption and the limited addition of new supply.
The 22@ and Fira areas account for approximately 52% of the available space, with a clear predominance of the technology district, which represents nearly 40% of the total, further reducing its weight compared to the previous quarter. This balance between availability, quality of the stock and growth potential positions 22@ as the main focus of activity for the coming quarters.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, the report forecasts that demand will remain strong, albeit with an increasing degree of selectivity. Companies will continue to prioritise established locations and modern, efficient and well-connected spaces, which will reinforce market segmentation. Prime assets will account for most of the demand, while the availability of high-quality product will remain under pressure, especially in the CBD and 22@.
The document also points to an acceleration in the refurbishment and adaptation of existing stock, with a focus on sustainability and flexibility, as well as the consolidation of flexible solutions linked to hybrid and coworking models. Overall, the Barcelona office market is heading towards a scenario of moderate growth, marked by asset quality, location and the ability to adapt to new user needs.
