I just moved to Spain not long ago and finally sorted out the big task of renting an apartment, which feels like I’ve cleared a major hurdle. I’ve seen many newcomers on the forums asking which apps to use for renting, so I thought I’d organize my experiences to share and hopefully help everyone out. I’ve run into a few traps and learned some lessons along the way. This is purely my personal take, and I welcome any additions from the veterans here!
A Comparison of Major Rental Platforms
There are quite a few rental platforms in Spain, but only a handful are commonly used. I’ve pretty much scoured all the main ones and feel that each has its own unique features and downsides.
Idealista: The ‘Big Boss’ with the Most Listings
When it comes to renting in Spain, Idealista is the one you absolutely can’t miss. Its status is comparable to the major real estate portals in many countries. The main advantage is that it has a massive number of listings. Whether you’re looking for a full apartment rental or a single room in a shared flat, its coverage is extensive, from big cities like Madrid and Barcelona to small towns. You can find properties almost anywhere. The app and website’s filtering functions are also very detailed, allowing you to search by area, price, whether it’s furnished, and many other criteria. The map search feature is particularly useful.
The disadvantages are also clear: because the platform is so large, there are many listings from agencies, and many require a one-month agency fee. Additionally, there are relatively more scammers. If you see a listing that looks luxurious but is priced unusually low, be extremely careful, as it’s likely a scam to trick you into paying a deposit. In short, when using Idealista, you need to be vigilant, contact multiple listings, and compare them carefully.
Fotocasa: Idealista’s Strong Competitor
Fotocasa is very similar to Idealista and can be considered the second-best option. If you can’t find anything suitable on Idealista, it’s worth checking Fotocasa, as you might occasionally find some exclusive listings. The interface and user experience are also quite similar, with a mix of agency and private listings. My personal impression is that the overall quality and design of Fotocasa’s listings seem slightly less impressive, but that’s purely subjective. I recommend using both platforms simultaneously—casting a wide net is the best way to find what you’re looking for.
Badi: The Go-To App for Shared Flats and Finding Roommates
If you’re a student or a young professional looking to rent a single room in a shared apartment, Badi is definitely the top choice! It’s more like a social rental platform focused on finding roommates. You can create a personal profile with your lifestyle, hobbies, etc., and then match with suitable roommates and rooms. Most listings are posted by individuals, so there are usually no agency fees, which is a huge plus! You can chat with potential roommates online beforehand to see if you’re a good match, which helps avoid many co-living issues. However, Badi’s listings are almost exclusively for single rooms, so it’s not suitable if you’re looking to rent an entire flat (piso).
Summary and Recommendations
To make the comparison more straightforward, I’ve created a simple summary table:
| Platform Name | Main Focus | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Idealista | Comprehensive property platform | Largest and most comprehensive selection of listings, wide coverage | Many agencies, more scammers, high competition |
| Fotocasa | Comprehensive property platform | A good supplement to Idealista | Slightly weaker interface and listing features |
| Badi | Focused on flat-sharing and roommate matching | No agency fees, strong social aspect | Almost only single rooms, few full apartment listings |
If you’re looking for an entire apartment when renting in Spain, focus on Idealista and Fotocasa, but be vigilant and prepared to pay an agency fee. If you want to find a single room in a shared flat and save some money, Badi is the top recommendation. I hope this information helps you in your search, and I wish you all the best in finding a cozy home in Spain!
