Barcelona is one of the most expensive cities in Spain ahead of Madrid and San Sebastian, with around 4,093 euros per square meter. In 2016, prices have rose to 7% compared to the previous year. Besides, the number of properties sold has also increased by 27% between 2015 and 2016. Therefore, the 2016 year has been a prosperous period for the housing sector in Barcelona and experts foresee that 2017 will be better than the previous year. All in all, the real-estate market is very active and bullish in the Barcelona area, thanks to various elements such as a great growth in Spain, all-time low interest rates and low prices in Barcelona compared to other European big cities.