How to Find Housing in Spain: A Guide for Newcomers

Finding housing in Spain can be a challenging task, especially if you’re moving to one of the larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona. The process can vary significantly depending on where you’re relocating, with bigger cities typically being more competitive and expensive than smaller towns. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the housing market in Spain.

Popular Housing Search Platforms

1. Idealista: This is the most popular platform for finding housing in Spain. Whether you’re looking for a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or even a larger apartment, Idealista offers a wide range of listings across the country. It’s a good starting point to get a sense of rental prices and availability in your desired location.
2. Spotahome: Spotahome functions like a mid- to long-term Airbnb. You can rent places for as short as one month or as long as three years. While convenient, it’s important to note that with Spotahome, you’re limited to the pictures, videos, and verifications available on the site, as you won’t be able to see the place in person beforehand. Book with Spotahome.
3. Housing Anywhere: Another popular platform is Housing Anywhere, which allows you to filter listings based on whether they allow registration for the padrón. The padrón is a municipal register that you’ll need to enroll in once you’ve secured a long-term residence in Spain. Housing Anywhere provides listings that specifically accommodate this requirement.

The Common Approach: Temporary Housing First

Many of those who move opt for a phased approach when moving to Spain:

1. Short-Term Rental: Most newcomers start by renting an Airbnb or using Spotahome for two weeks to a month. This gives you time to arrive in Spain and look for a permanent place in person. It’s a practical solution since many landlords and real estate agents prefer that potential tenants are already in Spain before they’ll consider renting to them.
2. Search Locally: Once you’re on the ground, you’ll have a better chance of finding a place. The rental market in Spain moves quickly, especially in larger cities, so being present can give you a competitive edge. When searching on platforms like Idealista, make sure to filter by Most Recent (Recientes) to avoid properties that are outdated or already rented.
3. Protect Yourself: Avoid sending any money or signing contracts before you’ve seen the property in person or had a trusted representative view it for you. Unfortunately, rental scams do exist, so it’s crucial to ensure the legitimacy of the listing before making any financial commitments.

Engaging a Relocation Specialist

For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, hiring a relocation specialist can be a great option. These professionals, often based in the specific city or region you’re moving to, will search for apartments on your behalf, arrange viewings, and help with contract signing and payments. They can ensure that the process is smooth and legitimate, giving you peace of mind as you transition to life in Spain.

Final Tips

• Be Ready to Act Fast: In competitive cities like Madrid and Barcelona, properties can be rented out quickly. Being present and ready to act on listings immediately can improve your chances of securing a place.
• Avoid Upfront Payments: As with any rental process, don’t send money before you’ve verified the property. Even if you’re working with a relocation specialist, make sure all payments are secure and made after viewing the property or having your representative confirm its legitimacy.

Finding housing in Spain may require some patience and flexibility, but with the right approach, you can secure a comfortable place to live. If you need assistance with the housing search or navigating the legal aspects of renting in Spain, we’re here to help. Reach out to us for guidance and support during your move.