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26 February 2025

Spanish Consumers Prioritize Travel And Expert Advice

Survey reveals rising concerns among homebuyers and a growing enthusiasm for both domestic and international travel experiences.

Spanish consumers are experiencing significant shifts in their purchasing behaviors, emphasizing the importance of expert advice, travel preferences, and home improvement services. Recent reports reveal how Spaniards navigate the increasingly complex real estate market and their enthusiasm for travel, reflecting broader trends in spending and consumer engagement.

According to the Informe Radiografía de la compra de vivienda en España, published by onLygal, roughly 60% of Spanish homebuyers express strong concerns about associated taxes when considering property purchases. Negotiation and financing come next, with 54% and 51% respectively, highlighting the anxiety surrounding home buying. The study shows almost 40% of buyers feel uncertain during the purchasing process, particularly during the search and formalization stages.

The report indicates the overwhelming sentiment among buyers for legal guidance throughout the purchasing process. Around 61% agree it is fundamental to seek legal advice, giving credit to the benefits of having specialists to avoid potential legal, financial, and tax-related pitfalls. Verónica Badillo, a lawyer at onLygal, points out the myriad legal and fiscal implications involved make the process risky for new homeowners without proper advice.

Recent trends note more than 641,919 real estate transactions took place across Spain, marking a 10% increase over the prior year. Before buying, major concerns highlighted included property condition (50%), legal status (49%), and financing options (54%). To address these uncertainties, half of all buyers consulted family and friends, with real estate agents and financial advisors also playing notable roles.

Meanwhile, the quest for new travel experiences continues to be another prominent trend among Spaniards. A recent analysis by FelicesVacaciones indicates significant interest shifts toward various domestic and international travel destinations. Increased travel searches abroad are evident, with overall interest rising by 5% year-on-year.

The report revealed the most sought-after Spanish cities include Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, followed closely by popular international spots like Paris, London, and Japan. Travelers are showing growing interest toward exotic locations like Thailand and the Maldives, signaling broader appeal for diverse cultural encounters.

Notably, the report mentions countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy are vying for Spanish tourists, maintaining high demand for visits to Spain. It’s projected for 2025, Spain might surpass 100 million international visitors, reflecting its standing as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. The growth in tourism has led to impressive foreign spending, reaching 126 billion euros from visitors hailing from various nations.

Beyond the realms of real estate and travel, Spanish consumers are also increasingly turning to professionals for home maintenance and repair work. A recent study conducted by Planchasdeplastico.es identified the most sought-after tradespeople, with plumbers, locksmiths, and electricians topping the charts, averaging around 14,800 Google searches each month.

With the spike during vacation seasons, locksmiths are predominantly needed to address emergencies related to lost keys. Interestingly, geographical statistics reveal variances where certain trades thrive based on regional demands. For example, electricians see high demand in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia, whereas demand for carpenters peaks significantly during specific seasons.

Despite reports indicating consumer optimism, significant uncertainty persists as buyers navigate the housing market or attempt to adopt DIY fixes at home. This trend signifies the burgeoning reliance on specialists as Spaniards balance aspirations and practicalities when managing their homes and leisure activities. Therefore, engaging expert services is not merely viewed as auxiliary but rather as necessary for ensuring quality and security.

Overall, these insights portray the Spanish consumer as increasingly cautious yet adventurous, balancing traditional values with modern expectations and needs as they seek fulfillment through property investment, travel exploration, and personal home improvement, backed by professional assistance.