When I first came to Spain, I didn’t have a car and never gave parking a second thought. After getting a small second-hand car last year, I realized that finding a parking spot in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona is an absolute nightmare! Circling my neighborhood for half an hour after work became a daily routine, all while praying not to get a parking ticket. My lease is up for renewal soon, and I’m determined to rent a place with a parking space. After doing some research, I want to share my findings with you.
How to Find a Place
Finding an apartment with a parking space is pretty much the same as a regular apartment hunt; the key is in the filters. I mainly use these platforms:
- Idealista: The most popular website. Just check the “Garaje” box in the search filters. It has the most listings, but the good ones get snapped up quickly.
- Fotocasa: Similar to Idealista, it can be a good supplement. Sometimes you’ll find exclusive listings here.
- Badi/Spotahome: These newer platforms focus more on shared flats or short-to-medium-term rentals, but you can also find entire apartments for rent, and they also have options to filter for parking.
My advice is to browse several platforms simultaneously and set up email alerts. Contact the agent or landlord immediately when you see a suitable place. It’s true that you snooze, you lose!
Types of Parking and Prices
Parking spaces in Spain come in several types, with significant price differences. Be sure to ask for clarification when viewing the property, and it’s best to physically inspect the spot when you’re considering renting with a parking space.
| Parking Type | Description |
|---|
| Plaza de Garaje Incluida | The ideal situation. The parking space is included in the rent, usually in the underground garage of the same building. |
| Alquiler Aparte | The parking space is rented separately from the apartment. They might belong to different owners, requiring you to sign two separate contracts. |
| Garaje Comunitario | Community parking. The spots are not assigned and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is almost like having no parking at all, as you’ll still have to compete for a spot during peak hours. |
In terms of price, a separate parking space in downtown Madrid can cost anywhere from €100-€200 per month. Therefore, if the rent includes a parking space, even if the total price is slightly higher than a place without one, it often turns out to be more cost-effective. For example, if one apartment is €1000 without parking and another is €1100 with parking, you’d definitely choose the latter!
What to Look For in the Contract
When signing the contract, pay close attention to the section about the parking space!
- Clearly Stated in the Contract: Whether it’s included in the rent or rented separately, the specific location of the parking space and your right to use it must be clearly written into the lease agreement.
- Deposit: Confirm if the deposit covers the cost of the garage remote control. A separate deposit of a few dozen euros is common, which is refunded when you return the remote upon moving out.
- Fee Disclosure: Ask if there are any additional community or management fees you need to pay besides the rent.
I almost made a mistake this time. A landlord verbally told me the parking space was assigned, but the contract only stated ‘right to use community parking.’ Luckily, I asked a follow-up question and found out it was first-come, first-served, so I immediately backed out. In short, all verbal promises must be put in writing. I hope your apartment hunting goes smoothly and you can soon say goodbye to the daily struggle of finding a parking spot!
