Catalonia, the northeast region of Spain, with Barcelona as its capital, is preparing to vote on an independence referendum on Oct. 1 – which Spain has declared illegal. The region has its own language, a proud identity and a history of repression by Spain.

In just a few years, the number of occupied properties offered for sale has grown sharply. A large proportion are located in Catalonia, where transactions are increasing. Most buyers are investors or professionals familiar with this niche and with managing occupied homes,