When you first arrive in Spain, finding a place to live is definitely a top priority. I’ve seen many people on forums asking how to find an apartment, so I’ve combined my own experience with that of my friends to give you a rundown of the most mainstream online rental platforms here in Spain. Hopefully, this can help those of you struggling with your apartment search.
A Showdown of Mainstream Rental Platforms
Currently, the most widely used platforms are the two giants, Idealista and Fotocasa—the titans of the rental world. They have the largest and most comprehensive listings, ranging from studio apartments to entire villas, covering almost every city in Spain. I personally prefer using Idealista, as I find its app interface and filtering functions more user-friendly. Fotocasa is also great and sometimes has exclusive listings you won’t find on Idealista, so I recommend browsing both.
Besides these two, another app worth checking out is Badi, which focuses mainly on flat-sharing and finding roommates. If you’re looking for a single room rather than renting an entire apartment, Badi is definitely the top choice. Most listings are posted by individual landlords or lead tenants, and you can chat directly with potential future roommates. It feels more personal and makes it easier to find like-minded people.
A Quick Review of Each Platform’s Pros and Cons
| Platform | Key Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Idealista | Most listings, comprehensive features | Listings updated frequently, wide coverage, user-friendly app | Many agency listings, high competition |
| Fotocasa | Second largest number of listings | Occasional exclusive listings, good map search feature | Interface and user experience slightly inferior to Idealista |
| Badi | Focuses on flat-sharing and finding roommates | Strong social component, easy to find compatible roommates | Listings are for single rooms only, few options for whole apartments |
Finally, a few last words: no matter which platform you use, if you see a place you like, you have to act fast! Good apartments are in high demand and might be gone if you hesitate for a moment—a common reality when renting in Spain. When contacting a landlord or agency, it’s best to have a short self-introduction in Spanish ready; this will greatly increase your chances of securing a viewing. Also, be wary of listings with unbelievably low prices. There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and it’s likely a scam. Wishing you all the best in finding your cozy home in Spain!
