With the opening of the KENSINGTON office in the Spanish metropolis of Barcelona, KENSINGTON
continues to expand its presence on the Spanish mainland
By Anna Tómas Moreno
The arrival of KENSINGTON Finest Properties International in Barcelona marks the beginning of the real estate group‘s expansion in Catalonia and is led by Oriol Canal Rosich, an entrepreneur with two decades of experience in the sector.
KENSINGTON‘s rapid growth in Spain accompanies the solid recovery of high-end real estate in the country, „a safe investment opportunity,“ says Canal.
Barcelona has several strong points that attract potential buyers and investors. Its cultural offering is on a par with that of Paris or London; it has a gastronomic tradition that combines Mediterranean cuisine with the latest innovations; it is the owner of an architectural display that ranges from modernism to the most daring designs; its climate is enviable; it has one of the best public health services network in the world; and it is the only major city in Europe with a beach within its municipal area.
he Catalan capital represents the best value in urban resorts, cities that combine strong tourism with a concentrated labour market, as well as ideal properties for those looking for a pleasant place with a good climate to live, spend their holidays or retire.
„Among the potential clients are young people from start-up companies, who can work here and enjoy a lifestyle that they cannot find anywhere else in Europe“, explains the director of the KENSINGTON franchise in Barcelona. „The city is a magnet for local people who want a house in the best areas of the city and for foreigners who want to invest and have an asset that they can rent if they wish,“ adds Canal.
Making the difference
Barcelona is the city whose landmarks include the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, the paintings of Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso, who lived there for several years. Then there is the history of sport, Futbol Club Barcelona, one of the most popular clubs in the world, as well as the cuisine of Ferran Adrià, the Roca brothers and other Michelin three-star restaurants. The Catalan capital also boasts internationally renowned business schools, such as IESE and ESADE, and pioneering hospitals, such as Hospital Clínic and Hospital de Sant Joan de Déu.
The new Barcelona office will boost real estate business in a city where real estate investments are divided between the districts favoured by residents, such as Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Les Corts-Pedralbes, and the neighbourhoods that are chosen by international buyers, such as those along the seafront and the more central ones, such as those in the Eixample district.
One of the objectives that Canal will promote is to expand the franchise to other premium areas of Catalonia. Near Barcelona we find cities such as Sant Cugat, Sant Just, Gavà mar, Sitges and other towns in the Maresme area that allow you to combine your primary residence and holiday home in the same house with a garden and swimming pool. Catalonia also has important beach resorts such as the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada; and in the Pyrenees, areas ideal for skiing and other winter sports, such as La Vall d‘Aran and La Cerdanya.
One of the strategies to consolidate the expansion in the local market and which marks the difference between KENSINGTON and other franchises is that in this case there is a marked and sought-after separation between the service offered by the listing managers, representing only the owner, and the sales team that carries out the visits with the buyer; moreover, KENSINGTON specialises in a high standard of service with a strong international presence in Europe and the Middle East.
Another of the missions of this franchise is the promotion of local artists through its KENSINGTON Art division, a common practice at KENSINGTON, which is very welcome in a city with the cultural tradition of Barcelona.