Most businesses bought by foreigners!

More than 30% of the businesses sold in Barcelona are sold to foreigners. One out of three restaurants which are sold in Barcelona are bought by foreign entrepreneurs. This figure is on the rise. 

Barcelona is still a city full of opportunities, and its touristic city centre is in huge demand. They are looking for small businesses, already running, with a client base. 50% of the traspasos are acquired by citizens from the European Union, the rest are chinese, pakistanis, and south americans. “They have their requirements very clear: excellent locations where they can have a terrace and with a great deal of pedestrian traffic all day long which will allow them to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner”.

The most popular areas are the Barri Gotic, the Born, the Eixample and the surrounding of Plaza Catalunya, which are the areas where one presumably makes more money. This is something clearly distinct from what happens in Madrid for example, where the basic requirement is not the location of the premises but more the availability of a long bar off which to serve the typical tapas from Madrid. “As far as requirements are concerned, if the business philosophy is wrong or the personnel not friendly or professional then even the best location will not be guarantee for success” comments Gregor Schellhammer, from Crystal Consulting Spain SL (Specialists in bars, restaurants and nightclubs with their main headquarters in Barcelona).

The most popular premises in Barcelona are those of 80-100 square meters, with maximum 9 employees. Most people want to earn a living, not make a huge business. Many french buyers come to Spain, in particular Barcelona since it is close to their home and the fiscal advantages as opposed to France are extremely benefitial. “The same business in Paris would cost twice as much”. The most popular buyers are the french, the british and the italians, however areas such as the Raval or the left Eixample are clearly predominated by the chinese and the pakistani.

The typical bar or restaurant in Barcelona that is sold goes for a price of 120,000 - 140,000 up until 300,000 euros.