Finding an Apartment in Spain

Last Updated: February 2026
Source: Community experiences and common expat knowledge

Overview

Finding an apartment in Spain as an expat can be challenging but manageable with the right approach. This guide covers the process, platforms, costs, and tips.

Best Platforms

Main Websites

1. Idealista.com ⭐⭐⭐

• Most popular in Spain
• Largest inventory
• Good filters
• Real estate agencies + private owners
• Mobile app available
• Tip: Check multiple times daily - good apartments go fast

2. Fotocasa.es

• Second largest platform
• Similar to Idealista
• Good for Valencia and other cities

3. Habitaclia.com

• Strong in Catalonia/Barcelona
• Some listings in other cities

4. Yaencontre.com

• Newer platform
• Growing inventory

Social Media & Community

Facebook Groups:

• "[City] apartments/pisos" groups
• Expat groups for your city
• "Alquiler [city]" groups

WhatsApp Groups:

• "Drugovanje Valencia" - sometimes has listings
• Local expat groups

Community boards:

• University notice boards
• Coworking spaces
• Local cafes

Types of Housing

Apartment Rental (Alquiler)

Long-term (12+ months):

• Most common
• Usually unfurnished or partially furnished
• Requires formal contract

Short-term (1-11 months):

• More expensive per month
• Often furnished
• Less legal protection

Temporada (seasonal):

• Tourist areas
• 3-6 months typical
• Highest rates

Room Rental (Habitación)

Shared apartment:

• Rent just a room
• Share kitchen/bathroom
• €300-600/month in Valencia
• Good for singles/students

Buy (Comprar)

Not covered in this guide - focuses on rentals

Average Costs (Valencia Example)

Rent

Note: Madrid and Barcelona are 30-50% higher

Upfront Costs

Deposit (Fianza):

• Usually 1-2 months rent
• Held by landlord
• Returned at end (minus damages)

First month rent:

• Paid upfront

Agency fees (if using agency):

• Usually 1 month rent + IVA (21%)
• Only if you use real estate agent
• Private landlords = no fee

Typical upfront total: 2-4 months rent

Example:

• Rent: €1,000/month
• Deposit: €1,000 (1 month)
• First month: €1,000
• Agency: €1,210 (if agent)
• Total: €2,000-3,210

Search Process

Step 1: Define Requirements

Budget:

• Max monthly rent
• Calculate utilities (+€100-150)
• Internet/phone (+€40-70)

Location:

• Neighborhood preferences
• Near metro/bus
• Near work/school
• Safety considerations

Size:

• Bedrooms needed
• Balcony/terrace?
• Storage?

Must-haves:

• Furnished vs unfurnished
• Elevator (if high floor)
• Air conditioning (hot summers!)
• Heating (cold winters)
• Natural light

Step 2: Search Actively

Daily routine:

• Check Idealista 2-3x per day
• Check Fotocasa
• Monitor Facebook groups
• Ask in WhatsApp communities

Act fast:

• Good apartments rent in 24-48 hours
• Contact immediately if interested
• Have documents ready

Step 3: Contact Owners

What to say (in Spanish if possible):

Hola,

Estoy interesado/a en el piso de [address/reference].
Soy [nationality], trabajo como [profession].
¿Cuándo podría visitarlo?

Gracias

In English: "Hi, I'm interested in the apartment at [address]. I'm a [nationality] working as [profession]. When can I visit? Thanks!"

Response time:

• Good listings get 10-50 inquiries
• If no response in 24h, move on

Step 4: Schedule Viewings

Book multiple viewings:

• See 5-10 apartments
• Schedule same day if possible
• Compare immediately

Red flags at viewing:

• Very pushy agent
• "Many others interested" pressure tactics
• Apartment much worse than photos
• Landlord/agent seems unprofessional

Step 5: Application

Documents landlords usually want:

• Passport + NIE/TIE
• Employment contract or proof of income
• Last 3 months payslips
• Tax returns (sometimes)
• Reference letter (sometimes)
• Empadronamiento from previous address (if you have it)

For digital nomads/freelancers:

• Bank statements showing income
• Autonomo registration
• Client contracts
• Extra deposit sometimes required

Step 6: Contract Signing

Review carefully:

• Rental amount
• Deposit amount
• Contract duration
• Notice period
• Who pays utilities
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Conditions for deposit return

Get everything in writing:

• Inventory list with photos
• Condition of apartment
• Working appliances
• Existing damage

Sign with:

• Landlord or legal representative
• Witness if possible
• Keep your copy

Contract Types

LAU Contract (Long-term)

Standard rental contract:

• Minimum 1 year
• Usually 3-5 year agreements
• Strong tenant protections
• Landlord can't raise rent >IPC
• Must give 2 months notice to leave
• Landlord must give 4 months notice

Best for: Stable, long-term living

Temporary Contract (Temporal)

Short-term:

• 1-11 months
• Less protection
• Can't be extended usually
• Higher rent typically

Best for: Uncertain plans, trying city out

Important Clauses to Check

Rent Increases

Legal:

• Once per year maximum
• Increase limited to IPC (inflation index)
• Usually 2-4% per year

Watch for:

• Illegal clauses (>IPC increases)
• Month-to-month with no protection

Utilities

Usually tenant pays:

• Electricity
• Water
• Gas
• Internet

Sometimes included:

• Water (in older buildings)
• Heating (communal)

Community fees (comunidad):

• Landlord usually pays
• Check contract

Repairs & Maintenance

Landlord responsible:

• Major repairs (structure, plumbing, electrical)
• Appliances (if included)
• Heating/AC (if included)

Tenant responsible:

• Minor repairs
• Cleanliness
• Damage caused by tenant

Early Termination

Tenant:

• Usually can leave with 1-2 months notice
• After minimum period (often 6 months)

Landlord:

• Much harder to evict tenant
• Needs valid legal reason

Neighborhoods (Valencia Example)

City Center (Centro/Ciutat Vella):

• ✅ Walkable, vibrant, restaurants
• ❌ Touristy, can be loud
• €€€

Ruzafa:

• ✅ Trendy, cafes, young crowd
• ❌ Gentrifying, expensive
• €€€

Benimaclet:

• ✅ Local vibe, cheaper, metro
• ✅ Students, families
• €€

Campanar:

• ✅ Quiet, residential, parks
• ✅ Families, good schools
• €€

Malvarrosa/Beach:

• ✅ Beach access, open
• ❌ Touristy in summer
• €€-€€€

Benicalap:

• ✅ Affordable, metro
• ✅ Local, authentic
• €

Red Flags to Avoid

Scams

❌ "Send deposit before viewing" - Never do this
❌ "Landlord is abroad, can't meet" - Common scam
❌ "Too good to be true price" - Probably is
❌ "Wire money to foreign account" - Scam
❌ "No contract, just cash" - Illegal, no protection

Bad Landlords

❌ Refuses to provide contract - Walk away
❌ Wants cash only, no receipts - Tax evasion, no protection for you
❌ Won't allow empadronamiento - Illegal
❌ Apartment much worse than photos - Dishonest
❌ Extremely pushy to sign immediately - Red flag

Tips from Community

Before Moving In

✅ Take photos/videos of everything - Condition documentation
✅ Test all appliances - Make sure they work
✅ Check water pressure - Run all taps
✅ Check heating/AC - Test before signing
✅ Document existing damage - So you're not charged later
✅ Get keys from landlord directly - Or authorized agent

During Search

✅ Learn basic Spanish - Helps with landlords
✅ Be ready to move fast - Good places go quickly
✅ Have documents ready - Digital folder with everything
✅ Network - Tell everyone you're looking
✅ Consider temporary first - Get to know city, then find perfect place

Contract Signing

✅ Read everything carefully - Ask questions
✅ Get everything in writing - Verbal promises don't count
✅ Keep copies of everything - Contract, receipts, communications
✅ Register empadronamiento immediately - Don't delay

Utilities Setup

After Moving In

Electricity:

• Transfer to your name
• Companies: Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy
• Need NIE, contract, CUPS code (on meter)

Water:

• Often already connected
• Pay through landlord or direct

Internet:

• Movistar, Vodafone, Orange
• Installation: 1-2 weeks
• Need NIE, empadronamiento

Gas (if applicable):

• Same providers as electricity

Temporary Housing Options

While Searching

Airbnb (1-4 weeks):

• Expensive but flexible
• Good for initial arrival
• Look for monthly discounts

Hostels:

• Budget option
• Meet other expats
• Not comfortable long-term

Hotels/Aparthotels:

• Comfortable but pricey
• Good for short stays

Coliving spaces:

• Growing in Valencia/Madrid/Barcelona
• All-inclusive, furnished
• Meet remote workers
• €700-1,200/month

FAQs

Q: Do I need NIE to rent?
A: Most landlords require it. Some accept passport temporarily.

Q: Can I rent without Spanish bank account?
A: Difficult. Most landlords want local transfers. Open account ASAP.

Q: What if my Spanish is bad?
A: Learn basics. Many landlords in expat areas speak English. Bring Spanish-speaking friend to viewings.

Q: Should I use real estate agent?
A: Pro: They do the work. Con: Costs 1 month rent. Good if time-limited or don't speak Spanish.

Q: Can I negotiate rent?
A: Sometimes! Especially in slower markets or if you offer longer term. Try 5-10% reduction.

Q: What if landlord refuses empadronamiento?
A: Illegal. Find different landlord or report them. It's your right.

Q: Is furnished or unfurnished better?
A: Furnished = higher rent but convenient. Unfurnished = lower rent, more effort. Depends on length of stay.

Useful Phrases

Spanish:

• "¿Cuánto es el alquiler?" - How much is the rent?
• "¿Qué está incluido?" - What's included?
• "¿Cuándo está disponible?" - When is it available?
• "¿Puedo visitar mañana?" - Can I visit tomorrow?
• "¿Acepta mascotas?" - Do you accept pets?

Finding an apartment takes time and effort, but Valencia has great housing options for expats. Be patient, act fast when you find the right one, and always protect yourself with a proper contract.