Accommodation in Seville

Finding accommodation in Seville is fairly straightforward. Most expats will rent rather than buy, at least initially, and we recommend you rent temporary central accommodation upon arrival while you familiarise yourself with the city’s various neighbourhoods and search for a long-term address.

As in most cities, the closer you are to the centre or the larger the property, the steeper the rent. One benefit of Seville is that its central area is relatively small, making it easy to get from one end to the other on foot, bike or scooter or via the city’s efficient public transport.

Areas and suburbs in Seville

Seville offers a diverse range of areas and suburbs to suit your lifestyle, whether you’re a young professional, a family, or looking for a quieter pace of life. The best areas in Seville are well-connected, vibrant, and full of character, with something to offer everyone.

If you’re after the cosmopolitan buzz, the central areas of Seville might be perfect for you. Neighbourhoods like Alameda and Santa Cruz offer a trendy and lively atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. Living centrally means being close to everything, but be prepared for a premium on rent.

On the other hand, quieter residential districts such as Nervion and Los Remedios offer more space, green areas, and a family-friendly environment while still keeping you within easy reach of the city’s conveniences.

Read more about the Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Seville.

Types of accommodation in Seville

Most of the housing in Seville consists of apartments, ranging from cosy studio flats to spacious four-bedroom units. For those seeking more space, houses with gardens are available in Seville’s outer areas and nearby towns. Families often favour these suburbs due to their proximity to schools and quieter, more relaxed environment. Living on the outskirts typically means commuting to the city, but fortunately, Seville’s public transport network makes this manageable.

Flat-sharing is a practical option if you’re working with a tighter budget. By renting a room in a shared apartment, you can keep living costs down while enjoying communal living spaces with flatmates, which helps split the expenses.

Finding accommodation in Seville

Finding accommodation in Seville is straightforward if you know where to look. Thanks to a wide range of property portals, the easiest way to find your perfect home is by searching online. Popular platforms like HousingAnywhere and Nestpick and local favourites like Idealista and pisos.com provide extensive listings. You can filter by price, size, location, and specific amenities to suit your needs.

It’s crucially important to understand the rules around pets, smoking, and other house policies. Many landlords have specific pet preferences, so if you have a furry friend, confirm that pets are allowed. Smoking is another area where policies differ; some properties have strict no-smoking rules, while others may allow it in designated areas.

Social media groups and expat forums can also be great resources for finding accommodation. Often, these communities share insider tips, and you might even find a room or flat available before it’s officially listed. Platforms like Couchsurfing are ideal if you’re on a budget and looking for a temporary homestay experience, connecting you directly with hosts in Seville.

For those who prefer a hands-off approach, hiring a real-estate agent or working with a relocation company can be a smart move. Real estate professionals typically have access to listings not yet available online and can help navigate any language barriers.

Useful links

• Idealista Property Listings
• HousingAnywhere International Rentals
• Pisos.com
• Spotahome

Renting accommodation in Seville

Making an application

Renting accommodation in Seville can involve some paperwork. Most landlords will ask for proof of income, a valid ID or passport, and sometimes references from previous landlords. 

Depending on your situation, you may also need to secure a guarantor, especially if you are a student or do not have a regular income in Spain. It’s common for landlords to run a credit check as part of the application process, so make sure you have your finances in order before applying.

Leases, costs, and fees

Rental agreements in Seville are typically offered for 12 months, although shorter leases can sometimes be negotiated. Most contracts will be in Spanish, so it’s worth getting a professional translator or using a translation service to ensure you understand the terms. Many landlords require tenants to pay for utilities separately, so it’s important to budget for water, electricity, gas, and internet on top of your monthly rent.

In addition to rent, you may also be required to pay community fees, which cover the maintenance of shared spaces in apartment buildings. These fees vary based on the property’s amenities but can add a notable amount to your monthly costs.

When signing a rental agreement, expect to pay a deposit of one or two months’ rent upfront. This deposit will be held as security and returned at the end of the lease, provided the property is in good condition. Make sure to document the state of the property when you move in, so there are no disputes when it’s time to move out.

Utilities in Seville

When renting a property in Seville, it’s essential to confirm in writing with your landlord who is responsible for covering the utilities. The rent partially or fully includes utility costs in many serviced apartments or holiday lets. You’ll usually be expected to cover these bills for long-term rentals. Make sure to clarify these details upfront to avoid any surprises down the line.

Electricity

Endesa, the largest electricity supplier in Spain, primarily provides electricity in Seville. Other providers, like Iberdrola and Naturgy (formerly Gas Natural Fenosa), also operate in the city, giving you a few options. Most residents opt for direct debit payments to streamline the billing process, but other payment options, such as paying online or in person, are also available.

Electricity costs can vary depending on the size of the property and energy usage, especially during the winter months when heating demands rise. For renters concerned about sustainability, Seville is increasingly adopting renewable energy, with various green energy plans available through local providers.

Gas

In Seville, many homes, particularly older apartments, rely on bottled gas (butane) rather than a central gas supply. Gas canisters, which are available from providers such as Repsol and Cepsa, are typically used for cooking and heating water.

Safety is a key concern when using gas, so ensure your landlord provides an up-to-date Gas Safety Record, confirming that the installations have been properly maintained. As with electricity, most providers offer direct debit and online payment options, making bill management simple.

Water

Emasesa, the city’s primary water provider, manages Seville's water services. Seville’s water comes from a series of reservoirs, including Aracena and La Minilla, and is subject to strict purification processes. The tap water quality in Seville is excellent, and regular testing ensures that it meets high safety standards. While the water is slightly hard due to the local geology, it is completely safe to drink.

Water bills in Seville are generally affordable. For houses, costs may be slightly higher, particularly if you have a garden or pool. Water consumption is billed based on litres used, and the billing system is tiered. This means lower rates for basic usage, with higher rates applying once you surpass certain consumption thresholds. Bills are typically issued quarterly, and it’s important to confirm whether they are included in your rental agreement or need to be paid separately.

Bins and recycling

Seville has an organised waste collection system managed by Clece. General waste is collected three times a week, while recycling is picked up weekly. The city uses a colour-coded bin system to encourage recycling: blue bins for paper and cardboard, yellow for plastics and metal, green for glass, and brown for organic waste. You must separate your waste accordingly, ensuring that all recyclables are clean and free from food residues.

There are fines for improper waste disposal, so following the local guidelines is critical. Recycling centres are easily accessible throughout Seville, and a kerbside recycling programme makes recycling convenient.

Internet

In Seville, you’ll find a range of internet service providers (ISPs) offering high-speed connections, primarily through fibre optic networks. The main providers include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and MásMóvil. Fibre optic is the most common type of connection, ensuring fast and reliable internet in most urban areas. Some providers offer bundled packages that include mobile and TV services. 

Installation is usually quick and often completed within a few days to two weeks. Check your contract carefully, as some providers automatically renew contracts at higher rates unless you renegotiate. While internet service is generally reliable in the city centre, more rural areas may experience slower speeds or occasional outages.

Useful links

• Endesa
• Repsol
• Emasesa
• Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange