Quick Overview
Finding housing in Spain as an expat requires NIE, 3 months payslips, and typically 1-3 months deposit. Average 2-bedroom rents: Barcelona €1,400, Madrid €1,300, Valencia €900. Competition is fierce with "no foreigners" discrimination common. Create a "rental CV" with all documents ready, apply within 2 hours of viewing, and consider offering multiple months upfront. Agency fees are typically 10% of annual rent + VAT. Standard lease is 5 years with first year terminable by tenant.
Key Facts
Barcelona 2-bed
€1,200-2,000/month
Madrid 2-bed
€1,100-1,800/month
Valencia 2-bed
€700-1,200/month
Deposit required
1-3 months rent
Agency fees
10% annual rent + 21% VAT
Standard lease
5 years (3 if company-owned)
How It Works
Spain Expat: Finding Housing in Spain
Spain's rental market is highly competitive, especially in Barcelona and Madrid. As an expat, you face additional challenges including "no foreigners" discrimination and lack of Spanish credit history. Success requires: (1) Having all documents ready - NIE, last 3 payslips, employment contract, bank statements, and references; (2) Creating a "rental CV" that makes you stand out; (3) Moving fast - good properties rent within days, apply within 2 hours of viewing; (4) Applying to 50+ properties due to high rejection rates; (5) Consider offering to pay 3-6 months upfront if financially able. Most expats use temporary housing (Airbnb, coliving) for the first month while searching properly. Search on Idealista, Fotocasa, Habitaclia, and Facebook groups. Agency fees are typically 10% of annual rent plus 21% VAT. Standard lease duration is 5 years (3 if landlord is a company) with tenant able to leave after first year with 30 days notice.
Navigating Spain's competitive rental market as an expat
Research neighborhoods and prices
Understand local areas and typical rental costs.
Prepare rental application documents
Gather all documents landlords will request.
Search for rental properties
Actively search and schedule viewings.
Attend property viewings
View properties and assess suitability.
Submit rental applications
Apply for properties you like.
Sign rental contract
Review and sign the lease agreement.
Alternative: Temporary housing first
Use Airbnb, hostels, or coliving for first month.
Spain Expat: Finding Housing Costs in Spain (2025)
1-3 months rent, sometimes higher for expats
Varies by city and apartment size
10% of annual rent + 21% VAT (if using agency)
Airbnb, coliving while searching
Van rental or moving company
Building maintenance (sometimes included)
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | €700-4,000 | 1-3 months rent, sometimes higher for expats |
| First month rent | €700-2,000 | Varies by city and apartment size |
| Agency fee | €0-1,500 | 10% of annual rent + 21% VAT (if using agency) |
| Temporary housing | €600-1,500/month | Airbnb, coliving while searching |
| Moving costs | €100-500 | Van rental or moving company |
| Comunidad fees | €30-150/month | Building maintenance (sometimes included) |
| Total estimate | €2,000-8,000 upfront costs (deposit + agency + first month) | |
*Housing is the biggest expense when moving to Spain. Barcelona and Madrid are most expensive, Valencia significantly cheaper. Deposits are refundable if you leave property in good condition. Prices current as of January 2025.
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