Renting accommodation in Spain

Finding good quality and reasonably priced accommodation in Spain is relatively straightforward for expats. Rental prices vary enormously depending on location. Barcelona is currently the most expensive city at over €23 per square metre, followed closely by Madrid’s prime areas.

Types of accommodation in Spain

There are several types of accommodation in Spain that offer an excellent variety for expats. Rental options in larger cities, such as Barcelona, Madrid or Seville, are largely limited to furnished or unfurnished apartments in the downtown areas. However, there are plenty of freestanding houses and villas on the city outskirts and in the more rural areas.

Furnished vs unfurnished

While it is easy to find both furnished and unfurnished apartments, keep in mind that most freestanding houses and villas come unfurnished. Most properties in expat areas are sold and rented out furnished, as the owners are likely to be expats themselves who are relocating and would have no use for the furniture. Furnished properties typically include everything from kitchen fittings and appliances to bedsheets and utensils; this is a popular choice if you’re only planning to be in the country in the short term.

Unfurnished housing in Spain usually comes equipped with a usable kitchen and working appliances (fridge, washing machine, cooking range and possibly microwave and dishwashers). This is a better option if you’d prefer to add your personal touch to your home. Fortunately, you can ship your household goods to Spain without paying duties if you’ve owned them for more than six months, and there is a range of affordable furniture shops, including Ikea, Zara Home and Carrefour.

Short-term rentals

While serviced apartments and short-term rentals may be pricier, they are fully equipped and will typically include utilities in the rental price. They are also a more affordable alternative to hotels while you research the different areas and suburbs in your chosen city before making a long-term commitment.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Vrbo
• HomeAway

Finding accommodation in Spain

Finding accommodation in Spain starts with identifying your preferred area through online research or site visits to your chosen Spanish city. Househunters can scour online property portals, local newspapers and expat forums for listings.

Most websites and publications are in Spanish rather than English, so either brush up on the language or employ a translator or local estate agent. Digital nomads and remote workers will find that securing accommodation has become easier with Spain’s new digital nomad visa, although income requirements apply.

Some people moving to Spain will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess your preferences and shortlist properties for you to view.

Visas for Spain

Useful links

• Idealista
• Fotocasa
• Pisos.com
• Kyero

Renting accommodation in Spain

When you’re renting accommodation in Spain, the rule of thumb is that the closer to the city centre you live, the higher the rent becomes. Expats relocating for work should strongly consider securing accommodation allowances in their employment contracts, as housing costs can easily consume a significant chunk of their monthly budget on Spanish salary levels.

Transport links matter significantly for daily commuting. Barcelona and Madrid offer excellent metro systems, while smaller cities rely more heavily on bus networks. Having found a suitable place in a desired neighbourhood, you’ll need to express interest immediately, as competition among potential tenants runs fierce.

Making an application

To make a rental application, expats will need an NIE number and a copy of their visa. Proof of financial status should be submitted in the form of bank statements and/or payslips, along with proof of employment (such as an employment contract or letter from your employer).

You may need to supply third-party references. These should preferably be from previous landlords, but those without a rental history in Spain may be able to submit a reference from their employer instead.

Leases

After the terms have been settled with the landlord, you’ll sign a lease agreement or contrato de arrendamiento. Leases in Spain are typically for a year, with 30 days’ notice should either party choose to terminate the agreement. The contracts are often in Spanish, which is why an estate agent or at least a local translator is useful. If you decide to make use of an agent, note that on top of the first month’s rent and the security deposit, you’ll also have to pay the agent’s fee. This is generally the equivalent of one month’s rent.

New arrivals should use a property registration website to ensure their landlord is the legitimate owner of the property. 

Deposits

Landlords will generally require a security deposit of one month’s rent, which is the legal maximum for standard rentals. Additional financial guarantees may sometimes be requested depending on your tenant profile. Community fees, paid for the upkeep of communal areas and services, remain the responsibility of property owners rather than tenants, although some landlords may factor these costs into the rental price.

Termination of the lease

Both you and your landlord can terminate the rental contract by giving 30 days’ notice in writing. Ensure that you return the property in the same condition, as you are not entitled to receive your deposit back if the property is damaged beyond normal wear and tear.

Useful links

• Property Registry: Verify property ownership
• Consumer Affairs: Tenant rights information

Utilities

Utilities in Spain are usually excluded from lease agreements, leaving you responsible for electricity, water, gas, internet and other services. Most utility companies now use smart meters and electronic billing systems. Bills arrive monthly and can be paid online, via direct deposit or at the post office.

Setting Up Household Utilities in Spain