Hola everyone! I’ve been house-hunting in Madrid lately, endlessly scrolling through Idealista and Fotocasa until my eyes are sore. I encountered a very practical question: when you buy a property in Spain, does it come furnished? Initially, I thought it would be a ‘move-in ready’ situation, but I soon discovered that was wishful thinking. The reality of buying property in Spain is quite complex, so I’m sharing my findings to help others in the same boat.
New Builds vs. Second-Hand Homes: A World of Difference
First, let’s establish a key point: new builds and second-hand homes are completely different beasts. Brand new properties from developers are, 99% of the time, sold unfurnished. You get a bare shell with flooring, painted walls, and fitted doors and windows. Of course, the essentials—the kitchen and bathrooms—will be installed. But expecting a sofa, bed, and wardrobe to be included? Not a chance. So, if you’re targeting a new build, make sure to set aside a substantial budget for furnishing it completely.
What’s Typically Included in the Kitchen?
Speaking of kitchens, this topic deserves its own section. In Spain, whether it’s a new build or a resale, the vast majority of properties come with a ‘fitted and equipped kitchen,’ or as agents often say, cocina amueblada y equipada. However, ‘equipped’ doesn’t mean all appliances are included. Typically, cabinets, countertops, an extractor hood, a hob, and an oven are standard. As for the refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher, it’s a bit of a lottery; many owners take these with them when they move. When viewing a property, be sure to check every detail carefully and get everything confirmed in writing in the contract.
For second-hand homes, the situation is much more flexible. Many owners, especially those in a hurry to sell or elderly people moving to another country, opt to sell the property with furniture and appliances included. In these cases, whether the furniture is included becomes a bargaining chip. The pros and cons are quite clear, so I’ve made a simple table for reference:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Move-in ready, saving time and effort | Style might be outdated or not to your taste |
| Lower initial cost for furniture | The value of the furniture might be overestimated and included in the house price |
| Good for a temporary solution upon arrival or for a rental investment | Disposing of old, unwanted furniture also has costs |
My personal advice is, unless the furniture in a second-hand home is from a good brand, well-maintained, and perfectly matches your style, it’s better to opt for an empty property or negotiate a very low price for the contents. You can furnish the place exactly to your liking by visiting IKEA or other furniture stores, which makes it feel more like home. After all, getting rid of unwanted old furniture can be a significant hassle and expense. I hope my experience helps you all!
Wishing everyone the best in finding their dream home in Spain!
