From arriving in Spain to fulfilling a dream: Ali’s story and his new home

A new beginning in an unfamiliar country

Ali is Lebanese, but his story is international. He grew up in Sierra Leone (West Africa), started his professional life in Saudi Arabia, and also lived in Dubai.

Unlike earlier stages, this time the decision to move to Barcelona wasn’t work-related, but a family choice. They were looking for a good place to raise their daughters. And Barcelona—with its quality of life, urban style, and cultural openness—was the city they chose.

From the moment they arrived, Engel & Völkers, and in particular David Pérez, were there to make the transition easier. As Ali explains, it wasn’t just about finding a flat: it was about settling in quickly and well.

Searching for a home and finding a guide

The relationship with Engel & Völkers began online. It was Ali’s wife, Sama, who found the company and also David. From the first meeting in Barcelona, they knew they were in good hands.

Ali admits they weren’t easy clients: they wanted to live in an excellent area, in a spacious home, and within their budget. In a city like Barcelona, that’s not simple. Even so, David made it possible.

What surprised Ali most was David’s attitude. He didn’t find the typical “negotiator” just trying to close a deal:

“You gave us much more than that. You gave us confidence very early on because you truly knew the city. And you knew what we were looking for.”Knowing their lifestyle, David recommended focusing on areas like Poblenou and Eixample. And although the choice wasn’t easy, they eventually decided on Eixample.

The process: support, trust, and reassurance

From the very first coffee at the hotel where they met, David showed closeness, attentiveness, and commitment. He even brought along a map of Barcelona to explain the city, its neighborhoods, and its history in detail.

“In 3 or 4 days we saw around 50 properties, but you knew what to choose for us,” Ali recalls.

And what he values most: patience. They went through five intense days of visits and long walks, and when they still weren’t sure, David extended the process for another week. In total, they saw dozens of options, and at no point did Ali feel rushed or pressured. This support—without stress and with a strategic vision—made all the difference.

The moment of finding “the home”

The result was a property in Eixample that met everything they were looking for: good location, enough space, and a suitable environment for family life. But beyond the physical features, Ali knew it was the right place because he felt understood at every step.

Today they live there happily, and every Saturday, true to their lifestyle, they go to the beach in Poblenou, connecting their two favorite areas of the city.

More than a transaction: a relationship that leaves a mark

There are moments you never forget. For Ali, one of them happened even before visiting the first flat. David was walking down the street with the map open, showing them things, when a tram approached without him noticing. Ali grabbed his arm and pulled him away just in time.

“I saved David’s life,” he says with a laugh. “If it had been the other way around, we would have left Barcelona and never come back.”

The anecdote sums up the spirit of this story: human, close, authentic. More than client and agent, Ali and David built a relationship based on respect, transparency, and mutual trust.

Today, Ali doesn’t just have a house in Barcelona. He has a home. And a story to tell.

All this was possible thanks to David’s support and Engel & Völkers’ backing—a brand that goes beyond real estate intermediation to offer a service built on trust, closeness, and excellence. For those arriving in a new city—like Ali and his family—having a team that understands your needs and walks alongside you changes everything.

Get in touch with our team and let us guide you in finding your new home.