Office Leasing in Barcelona Grows 22% Year-on-Year in the Second Quarter of 2025

Office leasing in Barcelona reached 88,000 m² during the second quarter of 2025, representing a 22% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, according to the Barcelona Office Market Report (Q2 2025) presented by FORCADELL. This increase reflects a gradual market recovery, despite some significant deals still being in the process of closing.

In the accumulated first half of the year, the leased volume amounts to 142,000 m², 13% higher than in the first six months of 2024. This positive trend has been driven by the closing of transactions that had been under negotiation for months, several large-scale deals—five of them exceeding 4,000 m²—and numerous relocations accompanied by expansions, indicating a shift in corporate demand.

According to Manel de Bes, director of the Offices Department at FORCADELL, the report’s data highlight that “the Barcelona office market shows clear signs of recovery, with leasing volume continuing to grow despite cautious decision-making. The increase in closed deals, especially in strategic areas like 22@, demonstrates that companies continue to bet on quality spaces located in environments that foster talent attraction and retention.”

As FORCADELL points out in its analysis, forecasts for the entire year remain stable, with expectations around 300,000 m², positioning the annual balance in line with 2024 figures. Although decision-making times remain long, several large-scale deals are expected to materialize in the second half of the year, further boosting market dynamism.

22@ Leads Activity, Hosting Nearly Half of the Leasing

Figures from the second quarter reaffirm the role of the 22@ district as the main driver of activity in Barcelona’s office market. 49% of the leased area during this period was located in this area, known for its supply of Class A buildings and an attractive environment for companies and their teams. It was followed by the CBD, which accounted for 23%, the outskirts (17%), and the city center (11%).

As noted in previous reports, one of the most notable trends this quarter is the growing interest in fully fitted spaces. In 22@, 47% of deals and 51% of leased area corresponded to already equipped spaces, indicating a clear market preference for turnkey solutions that reduce lead times and initial investment.

By sector, the most active have been professional services, the technology sector, and the education field, which together represented 60% of the total leased area, showing strong demand in key economic segments.

Finally, the report highlights how the office vacancy rate in Barcelona continues its downward trend, currently standing at 13.5%, marking three consecutive quarters of decline. Regarding rents, the market shows a stable trend, with moderate increases in some key areas.