Investing in real estate is always a safe bet, a traditional safe-haven asset. However, when it comes to investing in real estate, not all assets are equally profitable. Globally, according to data from Idealista, offices rank first as the most profitable product (12.8%), followed by commercial premises (9.8%), garages (7.7%) and housing (7.1%).
Offices: leading rental profitability
According to sector data from Idealista, offices are usually at the top in terms of gross rental profitability, reaching figures close to 12.8%. Profitability by city:
Zaragoza tops the ranking in this segment with returns of 11.7%, followed by Almería (11%), Vitoria (9.2%) and Murcia (9%). In major cities such as Barcelona (7.8%) and Madrid (7.4%), profitability is somewhat tighter but offers greater stability and liquidity.
Current trend: Change of use
Given the oversupply in certain areas, the conversion of offices into residential or tourist assets is becoming increasingly common. At Urbanitae, we have successfully financed projects aimed at this change of use, such as the García Lorca Project and the Doce de Octubre Project, demonstrating the appreciation potential of this type of operation.
2. Commercial premises: high returns in strategic locations
Commercial premises rank second in average profitability, at around 9.8%. However, the profitability of a commercial unit depends heavily on its location — street retail vs. peripheral areas —, the type of business and the tenant’s solvency.
Cities with the highest returns in commercial premises:
- Ávila: 12.5%
- Murcia: 11.4%
- Girona and Zaragoza: 10.7%
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Cáceres: 10.6%
- Madrid and Barcelona: between 8.2% and 8.4%
3. Garages and storage rooms: low initial investment and high demand
For small investors or those looking to start with limited capital, garages and storage rooms represent an accessible option with low maintenance costs.
- Parking spaces: Although average profitability stands at 7.7%, in capitals such as Murcia it reaches 11%, while in Madrid and Barcelona it ranges between 5.1% and 6.7%.
- Storage rooms: They have become a highly demanded asset in large cities due to the lack of space in homes. Through real estate crowdfunding with specialised developers — such as Grupanxon at Urbanitae — it is possible to access storage room development projects with target returns above 18%.
4. Residential sector: stability, lower risk and protection against inflation
The residential market offers an average gross rental profitability of 7.1%. Although it offers lower percentages than offices or commercial premises, housing stands out as the most liquid asset, with a lower vacancy rate and a greater ability to act as a hedge against inflation.
Residential profitability by capital city:
- Murcia: 8.3%
- Lleida: 8.0%
- Huelva: 7.6%
- Jaén and Castellón: 7.0%-7.3%
- Barcelona: 5.8%
- Madrid: 5.2%
Comparison: which real estate asset should you invest in?
Choosing the right asset depends on your financial goals and risk profile:
- You want to maximise rental income: Offices and commercial premises in secondary locations with high demand.
- You have limited initial capital: Storage rooms or parking spaces.
- You prioritise security and lower vacancy: Residential housing in large urban centres.
- You are looking for development returns without buying an entire property: Real estate crowdfunding focused on capital gains or capital gains + rental income through regulated platforms such as Urbanitae.
Frequently asked questions about real estate profitability
Which real estate asset is the most profitable to invest in?
In terms of gross rental profitability, offices and commercial premises usually lead the ranking, with returns exceeding 9-12% per year, followed by garages, storage rooms and residential housing.
Is it profitable to invest in housing for rent?
Yes, the average gross profitability of housing in Spain stands at 7.1%, offering an excellent balance between stability, low vacancy and protection against inflation.
How can I invest in the most profitable assets without buying the whole property?
Through real estate crowdfunding, you can participate in office, storage room, commercial or residential projects from reduced amounts — from €500 —, diversifying your capital across different types of assets.
