Recently, searching for a house with a garden in Madrid has taken quite a bit of effort, but I finally secured a nice place last month. Seeing many friends in the forum asking about this, I’ve compiled the information I gathered during this period, hoping it will help everyone.
Current Distribution of Garden Properties in Madrid
From my two months of house hunting experience, rental properties with gardens in Madrid are mainly concentrated in several areas. Pozuelo de Alarcón and Majadahonda have more garden properties available with genuinely nice environments, though the rent is relatively higher. If your Madrid garden budget is limited, consider looking at Alcorcón or Getafe. These areas, while farther from the city center, typically offer larger garden spaces with excellent value for money.
In the city center, areas like Retiro or Salamanca also have some apartments with small gardens, but these properties are extremely sought-after. I had my eye on one unit, but by the time I went to sign the contract the next day, it had already been rented. Many people are looking for housing this season, so if you find something suitable, don’t hesitate too long.
Rental Price Comparison
I’ve compiled approximate price ranges for garden properties in different areas for your reference:
| Area | Monthly Rent Range | Garden Size | Commute Time |
|---|
| Pozuelo de Alarcón | €1800-2500 | 80-150㎡ | 30-40 minutes |
| Majadahonda | €1600-2300 | 100-200㎡ | 35-45 minutes |
| Alcorcón | €1200-1700 | 120-250㎡ | 40-50 minutes |
| Retiro City Center | €2000-3000 | 30-60㎡ | Walking distance |
| Getafe | €1000-1500 | 150-300㎡ | 45-60 minutes |
These prices are just references; actual rent depends on the property’s specific condition, renovation level, and whether furniture is included. I ultimately rented a three-bedroom in Majadahonda with a 120㎡ garden for €1900 per month, which feels quite reasonable.
Important Points to Note When Viewing Properties
Regarding property viewings, I have several tips to share. First, always check the garden’s drainage system, especially as we’re entering the rainy season—poor drainage can cause significant problems. I previously viewed a property with a beautiful garden, but the landlord mentioned it floods every time it rains heavily, so I ultimately passed on it.
Some landlords claim they’ll handle garden maintenance, but the contract may actually specify that routine tasks like lawn mowing are the tenant’s responsibility. So before signing, clarify these details and preferably have them explicitly written in the contract to avoid future disputes.
Also, confirm whether pets are allowed. If you have dogs or cats, this is really important. I encountered several landlords who explicitly stated they don’t accept pets, even with a garden. Additionally, ask whether you can grow vegetables or place additional facilities in the garden—some landlords with small Madrid gardens are quite strict about this.
Rental Process and Required Documents
Regarding the rental process, Madrid typically requires an employment contract, three months of recent bank statements, NIE photocopy, and previous rental references. If you’re self-employed or new to Spain, you may need to find a guarantor or pay several additional months’ deposit for your Madrid garden rental.
At the time, because I had just changed jobs and hadn’t completed my probation period, the landlord required an extra month’s deposit. Though it hurt a bit, I had to accept it to secure the desired property. I suggest preparing all these materials before starting your search, so you can immediately submit an application when you find a suitable place.
Finally, a reminder: many agencies now post fake listings online to attract viewers, then recommend other properties. I’ve encountered this several times—arriving only to be told that unit was already rented, which wastes considerable time. Try to find reputable agencies or contact landlords directly, and video tour the property before viewing to avoid unnecessary trips. Hope this information helps friends currently searching for housing—wishing you all success in finding a satisfactory garden home!
