The Madrid Real Estate Show SIMA wraps up after four days of industry showcases
The Madrid Real Estate Show, SIMA, closes this Saturday after a four‑day event that brought together leading executives and top firms with more than 15,000 homes offered for sale. About half of the listings lie in the Community of Madrid, while the rest concentrate in coastal zones. Attendees discussed the newly enacted Housing Law and debated macroeconomic outlooks, highlighting stability in housing growth and the ongoing push to decarbonize the industry. The edition marks the twenty‑fourth anniversary of SIMA and underscored ongoing momentum in the sector.
More than 300 companies outlined their business models. Startups like Nash21 are digitizing rental contracts, and crowdfunding platforms Urbanitae and Fellow Funders bring investments closer to individuals. Traditional developers such as Metrovacesa and Neinor Homes were featured alongside construction specialists like Porcelanosa, illustrating a broad spectrum of activity within the market.
Industry leaders present at the fair stressed the sector’s importance to the national economy. Real estate accounts for roughly 6% of Spain’s gross domestic product. “Real estate is a sector of sectors. We represent 6% of GDP, yet the ecosystem surrounding it is vast,” said Juan Antonio Gómez-Pintado, organizer of Vía Ágora and president of the Spanish Association of Organizers and Builders. “It sits as the third market after stocks and bonds, and savings flow into it because it offers durable returns with relatively low volatility.”
“We contribute significantly because we collaborate with mobility and energy sectors. The industry sometimes carries a tough reputation, but in many professions, it is possible to align the interests of all parties for social and environmental benefit,” commented Anna Gener, CEO of Savills Barcelona and member of the editorial board of EL PERIÓDICO.
SIMA valuation and insights
Pablo Rodriguez-Losada, Trade and Marketing Director for SIMA organizer Aedas Homes, offered positive reflections on the fair. “Our aim was to broaden our network, learn what competitors are doing, and, of course, sell homes,” he noted.
Rodríguez-Losada added that the focus on small investors—those buying one or two homes to rent—was well placed, as many attendees identified first‑time buyers as a key segment with growth potential.
Raphael Gonzalez Cobos, founder and president of Impact Homes and Grupo Ferrocarril, highlighted SIMA as the launchpad for formal meetings that translate into deals. Tenured executives agree SIMA helps catalyze negotiations and partnerships across the sector.
BBVA Research chief economist Miguel Cardoso highlighted a dip in home sales and a slowdown in mortgage originations in the latter half of the year. Assisi Colomina, real estate development manager at Acciona, responded that the market remains healthy, with supply still below demand, and stressed the need to focus on meeting future demand as the outlook evolves.
Beyond housing, leaders and fund managers discussed data centers as a future cornerstone of real estate portfolios and the resilience of office space despite the telework trend. The dialogue emphasized diversification and long‑term value in real assets.
Awards and recognitions
At the 20th edition of the Asprima‑SIMA Awards, Aedas Homes received the “Best ESG Advancement” award and a special mention for “Best Innovation Venture,” as reported by Europa Press. The honors, sponsored by the Madrid Association of Property Developers (Asprima) and SIMA organizer Planner Exhibitions, celebrated achievements in ESG strategy and omnichannel sales processes.
Awards also recognized Our Shelf Houses for “Best Real Estate Action in Housing,” and Skyline Madrid, a collaboration between Stoneweg and Touza Arquitectos, for outstanding urban development. The non‑residential project award went to Caleido in the Castellana district, designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects and Serrano Suñer Arquitectura.
There was praise for urban renewal efforts, including the rail integration project in Logroño by Logroño Integración del Ferrocarril 2022 with Ábalos + Sentkiewicz. The jury also highlighted the San Antón neighborhood renewal in Elche by Luis Alemañ, Luis Carratalá, Diego Carratalá, PIMESA, and Carratalá Arquitectos.
Valuable marketing campaigns were recognized, such as Culmia’s “Vitamin Home.” The innovation awards honored Nash21 and Viviendea as standout ventures, while Lugnum Tech was noted for initiatives in development with Women Build shaping the industry’s future.