Renting in Spain

Aa guide on the renting process – made specifically for expats.

Looking to Rent in Spain? Here’s What You Actually Need to Know

If you’re planning a move to Spain from the UK, chances are you’ll rent before you buy. But unlike the UK, renting in Spain involves more paperwork, more patience, and some very local quirks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to rent a property in Spain as a UK expat in 2025 — from required documents to navigating viewings, deposits, contracts, and customs.

Already planning the move? Start with our Moving to Spain from the UK guide.

Where to Start: Choosing the Right Region

Before looking at contracts or fees, decide where in Spain you’re headed — the rental experience varies massively by region.

Madrid or Barcelona: High demand, higher prices, more formal process
Valencia, Seville, Malaga: Affordable and popular with UK expats
Coastal towns or rural areas: Cheaper, but expect a slower process and fewer listings

Need help budgeting for different cities? Check out our Cost of Living in Spain guide.

What Documents Do You Need to Rent in Spain?

Most landlords and agencies expect the following documents, especially from non-Spanish citizens:

NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) – Required for contracts and utilities
Apply via the Spanish government website
Passport or national ID
Proof of income – Recent payslips, pension letter, or job contract
Spanish bank account – Many landlords expect payment from a local account
Optional: Guarantor details – Sometimes requested if self-employed or retired

Tip: Scan and email documents in advance. Some agents won’t confirm viewings without seeing paperwork first.

Where to Find Rental Listings

Rental hunting in Spain is mostly digital — “To Let” signs are rare. Here are the best places to search:

Idealista.com – Most reliable and widely used platform
Fotocasa – Good for smaller towns
Facebook groups like “Brits in Spain” – Great for informal or last-minute listings
Local estate agencies – Some only speak Spanish but offer strong local options

You’ll see both furnished and unfurnished listings. In cities, furnished is standard.

What Lease Terms Should You Expect?

Spanish rental contracts are different from the UK in a few important ways:

Standard lease is 12 months, with renewals possible up to 5 years (by law)
Deposit: 1–2 months, held by a deposit agency in many regions
Agency fee: Usually paid by the tenant, equal to one month’s rent
Termination: Often requires 30+ days’ notice in writing

If the contract is in Spanish only, make sure you get a reliable translation or assistance before signing.

Regional & Legal Quirks to Watch For

Spain has its own flavour of admin. Here are the quirks UK renters should be aware of:

Cash-only landlords still exist — yes, in 2025
Community (comunidad) fees may be added to rent for cleaning, lifts, etc.
Utilities are rarely included — always ask before signing
No inventory check-in like the UK — take your own photos and notes

You might also encounter older flats without heating, A/C, or insulation — especially outside city centres.

What It Costs to Rent in Spain (2025)

Location	1-Bed Flat (Furnished)
Madrid / Barcelona	€900–€1,200+
Valencia / Malaga	€700–€950
Small coastal towns	€600–€850
Rural inland villages	€450–€700

In most cases, you’ll need 2–3 months of rent upfront:

First month
Deposit
Agency fee (if applicable)

Tips for Renting in Spain as a UK Expat

Keep digital copies of all your documents ready to send
Ask about extras like water, community charges, and internet
Never pay a deposit before signing a legal rental contract
Don’t rely on English — basic Spanish or Google Translate goes a long way
Keep receipts of rent paid, especially if in cash

Looking for an overview of overall Spanish living costs? Visit our Cost of Living Spain page.

Final Thoughts: Renting in Spain Takes Patience — But It’s Worth It

Renting in Spain isn’t difficult — it’s just different. If you’re prepared for slower communication, a few extra hoops, and the occasional cash payment, you’ll be fine.

Once you’re settled into your first flat, the rest of your move falls into place: utility setup, residency applications, and just feeling “at home.”

Ready to Start Your Move?

We’ve helped hundreds of UK expats relocate to Spain smoothly — from storage and packing to delivery and customs support.

See our Spain removals services and get a quote today.

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