Moving to Spain: Finding Accommodations

Renting Property

If you intend to rent a flat during your stay in Spain, you should look in the classified adverts for accommodation found in all newspapers.

You can also use estate agents, which charge an extra month's payment in advance and a commission for the agency itself, which will normally be the equivalent of one month's rent. Estate agents can be found in the yellow pages.

A lease must be drawn up with the owner. Any form of lease, including an oral one, is valid, legal and lawful, though the written form is recommended. An impreso de contrato oficial (standard form) on stamped paper can be bought from State tobacconists' for this purpose.

The tenant must provide a sum equivalent to one month's rent as a cash deposit. In almost all apartment blocks the communal costs and services are shared (caretaker, cleaning, gardening, swimming pool, etc.); you should check whether these costs are included in your lease.
Tourist Offices may be able to help while you are seeking accommodation by providing a list of temporary accommodation.

• www.spain.info

Youth rentals

Some Autonomous Communities, in conjunction with the Instituto de la Juventud (Youth Institute), have a Bolsa de Vivienda Joven en Alquiler (Young People’s Rental Accommodation Exchange) at lower than market prices for young people aged 18 to 35.

This accommodation may be newly-built or renovated accommodation located in the old part of cities.

Purchasing Property

Many estate agents in the EEA deal with the purchase of Spanish properties at present. You can contact a local estate agent in Spain. If you want to stay abreast of market prices for new housing, the Sociedad de Tasación [Property Valuation Society] carries out a comprehensive market survey which analyses new private housing developments being built in all the provincial capitals.

Some Autonomous Communities offer young people’s services with general information on property rental and buying-selling, specialised legal information, press information on rented and shared accommodation etc.

Last updated 02/08

Source: European Union
© European Communities
Reproduction is authorised.