Whether you are planning a long term or a short term move, finding housing in Spain is one of the first things you will need to do after getting yourself organized, securing your visa and other travel paperwork, and figuring out what to do with your belongings.

When I was in college, I spent a semester in Barcelona. There were not a lot of websites then to find housing in Spain and I ended up getting a referral from one of my professors about a room near the university that was going to be available. The experience was not the greatest…My room was literally a box in the middle of the building in which every toilet flush resonated throughout. and I had no idea what I was walking into when I got there. Luckily, it is much different now and there are a lot of resources for finding housing in Spain.

10 Tips For Finding Housing In Spain

1. Research the Local Rental Market. Before you start looking for housing in Spain, it’s important to research the local rental market to understand the average prices and what to expect in terms of amenities, size, and location.
2. Determine Your Budget. Once you have researched the local rental market, you should determine your budget. Consider your income, expenses, and other financial obligations. It’s important to be realistic about your budget to make sure you get the most for your money.
3. Decide on a Location. There are many different regions of Spain, each with its own unique character and culture. When choosing a location, consider factors such as proximity to work or school, access to transportation, and local amenities. I do recommend you book a reconnaissance trip before you do move so you can view places to live and the area.
4. Use Online Resources. There are many online resources available to help you find housing in Spain. Websites such as Idealista, Spainhouses.net, Fotocasa, and Pisos.com allow you to search for rental properties based on your location, budget, and other preferences. However there are also some other more niche websites to find housing in Spain you may want to check out.
5. Consult with Local Real Estate Agents. Working with a local real estate agent can be beneficial, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local rental market. A real estate agent can help you find suitable properties that meet your requirements and they can negotiate on your behalf.
6. Consider Furnished vs. Unfurnished. When looking for housing in Spain, you want to consider whether it makes sense for you to rent a furnished or unfurnished property. Consider how long you plan to stay, your lifestyle and what your needs are when deciding which option is best for you.
7. Be Prepared to Provide Documentation. Landlords in Spain will typically require you to provide documentation just like anywhere else. They may ask for proof of income, bank statements, and identification. Be prepared to provide these documents to potential landlords when applying for rental properties.
8. Understand Local Rental Laws. It is important you research the local rental laws in Spain to understand the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Make sure to read the fine print before signing a lease agreement to make sure there aren’t any stipulations you may not expect. This can help you avoid potential legal issues and disputes later on.
9. Be Prepared to Pay a Security Deposit. In Spain, landlords typically require tenants to pay a security deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent. Be prepared to pay this deposit when you sign the rental agreement. Use Wise to transfer your money. You will get better exchange rates and the money can be there in as little as 10 minutes. We used Wise to send money for our house purchase and send money monthly via the app to Spain. It’s easy, effective and offers some of the best exchange rates around with minimal fees.
10. Schedule a Viewing. Before signing a rental agreement, try to view the property in person. I know this isn’t always feasible when you are looking for properties from abroad. Book a reconnaissance trip or see if they can do a video walk-through for you to be able to see the property. This will give you an opportunity to assess the condition of the property and ensure that it meets your expectations.

Finding Housing in Spain for Students

The websites below are specifically targeted toward housing for students, most of them anywhere in the world. You will find lots of housing options in some of Spain’s most popular cities for students. From shared living to furnished apartments, these are some of the best websites to check.

1. Student.com
2. Uniplaces.com
3. Casita
4. Study Abroad Apartments
5. Amber

Finding Short To Mid-term Housing In Spain

If your move to Spain will be temporary, you may want to consider a furnished apartment or even shared housing. Below are some of the best websites for to find shared housing in Spain.

• Roomi – Best for Finding shared housing in Spain
• Housing Anywhere – great for finding mid to long term housing in 400+ cities
• Nestpick – Operates worldwide and is considered the largest platform globally for on-demand housing. Here you can find mid to long term furnished rental apartments operating in 3000 cities worldwide
• Homestay – Operates globally as well
• Spotahome – This Madrid based platform boasts thousands of properties worldwide with guarantees and fraud protection

Spanish Vocabulary To Help Your Search For Housing In Spain

Lastly, here are some Spanish vocabulary words and phrases that will help you in your search for housing in Spain:

• inquilino / arrendatario – renter, tenant (that’s you)
• propietario / casero / dueño / arrendador – landlord
• contrato de arrendamiento – lease agreement
• armarios empotrados – built-in closets
• agua/gas/luz– water, gas, and electricity utilities
• calefacción – heating
• aire acondicionado – air conditioning (not very common)
• Fianza – rental deposit. Some landlords may ask for a deposit equivalent to two months. The deposit is generally refundable.
• Interior – the apartment windows face an interior courtyard. These may not be as bright as exterior apartments but they tend to be quieter.
• Exterior – windows in the apartment face the street. While they can be noisier due to traffic sounds and nearby bars and restaurants, these apartments are usually brighter.
• Amueblado – the apartment is furnished. The majority of rental properties in Spain are furnished and contain kitchenware but generally don’t include bedding.
• Mes de agencia – a non-refundable payment to the management company equivalent to one month’s rent. If an apartment is managed by a property management company, they will usually ask for this in addition to a refundable deposit and the first month’s rent.
• Planta – floor. Buildings in Spain start on floor zero so if your piso is on the 4th floor it really means 5th. You might want to know that before you discover there is no elevator!

If you are looking at buying a house or property in Spain, you may want to check out our other blog posts below:

• 10 Steps to Buying In Spain as an Expat
• 6 Things I Wish I Knew About Buying A House In Spain
• Our Experience Buying Property in Spain

In conclusion, finding suitable housing in Spain can be challenging, but with careful research and planning, you can find a property that meets your needs and budget. Use the tips provided in this blog post to help you navigate the local rental market and find the perfect home.