Madrid, Seen from Abu Dhabi

Date: 22October 2026, 10:47 CEST (Madrid)

INTRODUCTION

This week, I’m in Abu Dhabi, meeting families interested in investing in Spain and building professional partnerships.

Over breakfast at the Conrad Etihad Towers, I found myself reflecting on the challenges Europe faces and the foundations that underpin my confidence in its future.

In Madrid, these foundations are clear and strong:

Health: a city that invites you to walk every day, together with access to good food and fresh, local, seasonal produce—whether eating out or shopping for home—provides two powerful foundations for long-term health.

Culture: respect, diversity and freedom. I’ve always described Madrid as an easy city to feel at home in: people are friendly and straightforward. Today, people of many nationalities live alongside one another, respecting the city’s own culture—the very reason many of us love Madrid.

Safety and stability: Madrid is a very safe city, where you can walk around with peace of mind. Its institutions also provide a stable foundation for doing business without major upheaval. Of course, there is room for improvement, but it remains a stable and predictable environment.

Family: an enriching environment where children can grow and thrive. Excellent education, with an emphasis on both character and academic achievement, within a civil, respectful society with strong values and a sense of elegance.

Business: straightforward and ambitious. You can speak clearly and get to the point; in other settings, this can be more complicated. Madrid’s network of relationships is immensely valuable, with connections to Latin America, of course, but also to the rest of Europe, the Gulf and Asia. And yes, the tax burden is high, and I hope it improves, but the environment remains fertile ground for business.

The world is changing ever faster, while voices on social media are becoming louder and more skilled at capturing our attention—without necessarily deserving it. This makes sound judgement and strong values all the more important in keeping our bearings and making good decisions about investment, family, design and how we live.

PS: If you’re interested in exploring investments in the Gulf—Abu Dhabi and Dubai—with strong rental yields and a low tax burden, write to me and I’ll connect you with the right people. The number of residential developments under way is impressive, as is the way sales are structured to manage the balance between supply and demand.

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Top 3 News 🗞

Story

1. Spain continues to attract property investment

Key details

Investment in large property assets in Spain reached €16.383 billion in the first nine months of the year, up 25% year on year, according to figures published today by Cinco Días. The estimate covers several sectors and excludes smaller purchases by individual buyers [1].

Implications

I see this as a sign of investor interest, rather than a guarantee that every home is a good investment. When advising a family, I begin with the purpose of the purchase and work towards a concrete outcome: the right property, at a price that stands up to scrutiny, with manageable running costs.

Story

2. Madrid’s supply of long-term rentals falls

Key details

A study published on 20 October reports a 6% year-on-year decline in advertised long-term rental supply in Madrid. Across Spain, the fall reaches 10%. These figures reflect listings on a single platform, rather than the entire housing stock [2]. Alongside this decline, temporary lettings—as distinct from "Airbnbs"—are increasing, offering landlords better returns and greater control and protection.

Implications

For me, these figures highlight the parallel challenges of attracting investment and improving access to housing. Before buying a rental property, I assess who needs that home, which type of tenancy suits that demand, and what income remains after maintenance, management and tax.

Story

3. Dalí brings a fresh cultural perspective to Madrid

Key details

On 20 October, the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza opened Dalí’s Freudian Universe, which runs until 24 January 2027. The exhibition explores the relationship between the artist’s work and Freud’s ideas [3].

Implications

I value being able to make art part of an ordinary week, without having to plan a trip. When choosing a home to live in, I also consider the life waiting beyond the front door: walks, encounters and places that nurture curiosity.

Building Wealth

Property markets and capital allocation

Capital allocation: My confidence in Madrid rests on a long-term view, but it does not justify paying any price. I distinguish the city’s appeal from the value of an individual property: its street, building, natural light, layout and the other homes available to buy.

Finance and liquidity: Before committing capital, I calculate the full cost of buying, including taxes, fees and any improvements the property needs. I keep a cash reserve to preserve flexibility and assess how the investment would hold up through several months without rental income.

Supply, demand and the property itself: The decline in long-term rental listings calls for careful analysis of each neighbourhood [2]. I look for a home that meets specific, lasting needs; I never assume that scarcity makes up for a poor layout or an excessive price.

Enjoying Life

Trends in design, culture and wellbeing

Design for the senses, wellbeing and health: I value being able to step outside for a walk and go about part of my day on foot. Madrid’s network of pedestrian streets and squares makes this possible [4].

Beauty and art at home: The new Dalí exhibition makes me think about the pieces we choose for what they stir in us [3]. I would rather give a meaningful work room to breathe than fill a space without a clear intention.

Life in Madrid, Marbella and Sotogrande: For me, choosing a location starts with imagining an ordinary week: shopping for seasonal food, the school run, sport and time with family. In Madrid, I look for convenience and urban life; in Marbella and Sotogrande, a connection to the outdoors and a pace of life I enjoy, with golf, riding and the beach close at hand.

Final thoughts

From Abu Dhabi, I appreciate Madrid and Spain even more for the combination of health, culture, community, family life and professional opportunities I find there. That confidence goes hand in hand with recognising what other markets offer: opportunities to diversify investments, but also to discover other cultures and learn different ways of doing business.

When choosing where to invest, it is worth considering the values and way of life a place represents. Does that destination reflect what matters to you and the life you want for your family?

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