Having just settled in Madrid, my recent house-hunting experience has been such a rollercoaster that I feel I could write a whole essay about it. I’ve noticed many people on the forums are also looking into buying or renting, so I thought I’d organize my thoughts and share what I’ve learned to hopefully help others avoid some of the same bumps in the road.
Online Platforms: My Two Go-To Tools
I was completely lost at first, but I soon discovered that the most popular platforms are Idealista and Fotocasa. These two websites/apps cover the vast majority of property listings in Spain, for both sale and rent. Personally, I prefer Idealista’s interface; I find its filtering options more detailed, and the map search feature is especially intuitive. You can filter by neighborhood, price, property type, and even specific features like having an elevator or a terraza. When I found a place I liked, I usually sent a message or called directly through the platform to schedule a viewing.
Quick tip: Good listings, especially reasonably priced ones, get snapped up fast. If you see something you like, don’t hesitate—contact them immediately! I missed out on several great places because I decided to ‘just keep looking’…
In-Person Viewings: Seeing is Believing
No matter how good the online photos look, nothing beats seeing a place for yourself. Photos on Spanish real estate websites might be taken with a wide-angle lens, making spaces appear larger than they are. Plus, things like the property’s orientation, natural light, ventilation, neighborhood noise, and the general atmosphere are impossible to gauge from pictures. When I view a property, I always make sure to open all the windows to get a feel for the airflow, and I’ll spend a little extra time inside just to listen for any strange noises.
Talking to the landlord or agent is also crucial. You can ask about the property’s basics, like how long the previous tenant stayed, why they left, and what’s included in the community fees (gastos de comunidad). Their answers can give you a good sense of how reliable the property and the landlord are. Here are a few essential questions I’ve learned to ask during viewings:
| Category | Specific Question | Purpose |
|---|
| Costs | Besides rent/mortgage, what are the other fixed monthly expenses? | To understand the true cost of living |
| Property Condition | When was it last renovated? Are utilities (water, electricity, gas) in good working order? | To assess the property’s quality and maintenance |
| Neighborhood | Are there supermarkets and metro stations nearby? What is the safety like at night? | To check for convenience and safety |
| Neighbors | Are the neighbors families or students? Is the building generally quiet? | To predict the future living experience |
House hunting in Spain requires both legwork and strategy. Do your homework online, be bold but detail-oriented during viewings, and always see multiple places to compare. I hope my experience is helpful to you all. Feel free to add your own tips, and I wish everyone the best of luck in finding their own cozy home in Spain!
