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Housing in Spain

One of the first things you’ll want to sort out for your move to Spain is where to live, and how to rent a home.Before locking yourself into a contract, you might want to consider which city (and area) you want to live in.

You will also need to prepare certain documents ahead of submitting your rental applications. We’ll dive into them in this page.

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Where to live in SpainRent an Apartment OnlineWhat you Need to RentGet Help

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a NIE to rent in Spain?
Do I need a local Bank Account to pay rent?
Can I rent a house in Spain without being in the country?

📍 Where to Live in Spain

Barcelona
✅ Very International
❌ Most Expensive City
Madrid
✅ Big City with Opportunities
❌ Pricey & Hot Summers
Valencia
✅ Affordable & Beach-Front
❌ Not as International
Málaga
✅ Great climate & Beach
❌ Most jobs in tourism
Alicante
✅ Great climate & Beach
❌ Smaller city
Sevilla
✅ Affordable & rich in culture
❌ English not widely spoken
Granada
✅ Affordable & rich in nature
❌ Small city & Hot summers
Bilbao
✅ Modern Infrastructure
❌ Rainy & Pricier than others
San Sebastián
✅ Beach & Nature
❌ Rainy & Pricier than others
Palma de Mallorca
✅ Expat Community & Beach
❌ Pricey & Touristy

🏠 How to find a Home to rent in Spain

We always recommend booking short-term accommodation for your first few weeks in Spain, while you look for a long-term home to rent. Here’s the top websites to search for homes in Spain. We also always recommend looking for properties at local real estate agencies that you can visit in person.
Idealista
🏆 A Top Real Estate Website in Spain
Fotocasa
🏆 A Top Real Estate Website in Spain
Habitaclia
🏠 Great to look for entire homes
Badi
🛏️ Great to look for rooms to rent

🛋️ Ready-to-move-in Apartments in Spain

Can’t be bothered with dealing with rental contracts, furnishing, home bills, etc? Then these options will be perfect for you! We have a partnered with a number of living spaces that make renting in Spain extra easy - Just find a room or apartment you like, and move in!
Housing Anywhere
✅ Book a home online, without the need to visit
✅ Speak directly with the landlord
✅ Tenant protection

‍Get 15% cashback discount on the Booking Fee when Sign Up via Matutto’s Link
Visit Website
COHABS
✅ Co-living spaces
✅ Private bedroom with en-suite bathroom
✅ Meet people, join the community

📍 Only in Madrid (for now)
‍
Visit Website

📑 Documents needed to rent in Spain

Landlords in Spain have the flexibility to ask for certain documents to potential tenants, to ensure rental payments will be met and check you have the legal right to live in Spain. In general, these are the documents you should prepare ahead of searching for a place to rent in Spain:
Identity Documentation
If you don’t yet have a NIE or TIE, you can use your passport as the “official identification document”.

If you’re not an EU Citizen, then they will probably also ask for a copy of your Visa.
Proof of Income
Landlords nowadays want to see proof of funds or affordability. If you’re moving to Spain to work, you will be asked for your employment contract. You can use bank statements if you’re self employed. If you are moving to Study, have your Offer Letter ready.
Security Deposit
It’s very common for Landlords to ask for an upfront payment of 1 or 2 month’s rent. This is held as a security deposit to potentially offset any costs of property damage, or to cover in the event you fail to meet a month’s rent payment. It should be refundable at the end of your stay.
Previous references
One thing that may help your rental application is showing a reference letter from a previous landlord who’s rented a property to you. This will give your new landlord assurance you will be a good tenant and you’ll pay your rent on time. Not all landlords ask for this, but it’s a plus to have.

Need more help? Speak to an Advisor today!