Madrid, the bustling capital of Spain, is a popular destination for thousands of expatriates each year. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant history and great career prospects, it's no wonder people flock to this dynamic city. If you plan to听make Madrid your new home, finding the perfect pad should be at the top of your to-do list even before your arrival. Fortunately, you'll be spoilt for choice, as the city offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all preferences, requirements and budgets.
Good to know:
Madrid is the most densely populated Spanish city, with around 3.4 million inhabitants. This includes many expatriates from European Union听countries and other parts of the world.
Types of accommodation in Madrid
The most common type of听rental accommodation in Madrid听is a听flat, called a听piso.听Detached, single-family homes听exist but are located strictly in the suburbs.听Flat sharing听is particularly popular among听students and singles in Madrid, and rental websites offer a wide selection of both shared and听individual apartments. Additionally, you'll find options for both听furnished and unfurnished flats听during your search.
When considering the type of place you want to call home, be sure to factor in proximity to your work and the neighborhood vibe that suits your lifestyle. Madrid is a sprawling metropolis, and although听public transportation is excellent,听commute times听are long when traveling from one side of the city to the other. Also, areas known for booming nightlife won't appeal to families, just as suburbs may not be what young students seek.
How to find accommodation in Madrid
Here are a few valuable tips to help you听find accommodation in Madrid:
- Use听online real estate platforms听and听websites specializing in rentals, such as Idealista and Fotocasa.听
- Wander through your favorite听neighborhoods听and听respond to se alquila (for rent) adverts听in windows and on balconies. However, this approach may not be best for you if you don't speak Spanish. If you're looking for听short-term furnished rentals in Madrid, try Airbnb or Vrbo.
- Use a听local real estate agent听or听relocation services. They can provide guidance and access to a wider range of听rental options.
- Join expat communities听and听social media groups听focused on Madrid. These platforms provide a wealth of information, recommendations and personal experiences shared by other expats residing in the capital.
- Be flexible and open to different types of rental accommodation, such as studios or shared flats, as听Madrid's rental market听can be competitive.
- Don't rush into听signing a lease; take the time to carefully read and understand the听rental contract, ensuring that all terms and conditions are agreed upon before committing.
Important:
Although听real estate agents work for landlords by finding tenants, some bill their services to the renter. This can be as much as one month's rent.
Madrid has an active rental market, so be prepared to spend several weeks searching for the right home for you.
Many expats听move to Madrid听just before the international school year starts in August and September, making this a hectic time to search for your new home. Therefore, booking听short-term accommodation听before arriving can help ease the pressure of finding the perfect flat immediately.
Popular neighborhoods for expats in Madrid
Whether you're looking for a lively nightlife scene, a quiet residential area, or convenient access to international schools and amenities, Madrid has something to offer everyone. Among the most popular places for expats to live in Madrid are:
Salamanca: Known for its upscale shops and restaurants, Salamanca is a highly desirable neighborhood. It offers a high-quality lifestyle with luxury apartments and great amenities.
The average price per month for rented accommodation in Salamanca is 26.39 euros per square meter.
颁丑补尘产别谤铆: This traditional neighborhood is known for its charming streets, beautiful architecture, and colorful local culture. Expats enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the variety of trendy bars and restaurants.
The average price per month for rented accommodation in Chamberi is 26.51 euros per square meter.
Retiro: Home to Retiro Park, this neighborhood is perfect for those who love outdoor activities. With its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to the city center, Retiro is a popular choice for expats seeking a quiet yet convenient location.
The average price per month for rented accommodation in Retiro is 24.46 euros per square meter.
惭补濒补蝉补帽补: Famous for its alternative vibe, artistic scene, and lively nightlife,听惭补濒补蝉补帽补 is a vibrant听neighborhood听with a diverse range of听trendy bars, boutiques, and international cuisine options.
The average price per month for rented accommodation in 惭补濒补蝉补帽补 is听more than 22 euros per square meter.
颁丑补尘补谤迟铆苍: Known for its excellent transportation connections, 颁丑补尘补谤迟铆苍 is frequently chosen by expats who work in multinational companies. It offers a mix of residential areas, commercial centers, and green spaces.
The average price per month for rented accommodation in 颁丑补尘补谤迟铆苍 is听24.51 euros per square meter.
El Viso: Known for its luxury properties and high-end facilities, El Viso attracts affluent expats seeking a prestigious residential area.听Residents enjoy a refined, peaceful environment and easy access to amenities.
The average price per month for rented accommodation in El Viso is 28.19 euros per square meter.
How to find cheap rentals in Madrid
Here are some tips for expats looking for cheap rental accommodation in Madrid:
Use property websites such as Idealista, Fotocasa and Airbnb to find available properties for rent. These platforms usually have filters allowing you to set your budget and preferences to narrow your options.
Consider sharing accommodation with roommates or other expats to reduce costs. Websites like Roomgo and Uniplaces are popular for finding shared apartments or rooms in Madrid.
Join expat groups or forums on social media platforms听for insights and recommendations from fellow expats who already live in Madrid. They can share tips on affordable areas and any available housing opportunities.
Check local classifieds, such as newspapers or magazines that offer rental listings. Visiting local real estate agencies in person can also be helpful, as they may have exclusive listings and can provide more personalized assistance.
Look for short-term rental options, especially if you are uncertain about your long-term plans. These may be cheaper and allow you to explore different areas before committing to a long-term lease.
Don麓t hesitate to negotiate the rent with the landlord or agent, especially if you plan to stay longer. Sometimes, landlords are open to lowering the rent, especially if the apartment has been vacant for a while.
Be flexible with location. Consider living slightly outside the city center as rents tend to be lower in the outskirts. Additionally, areas well-connected by public transport can offer affordable options and provide easy access to downtown.
Remember to always be cautious when searching for accommodation online and avoid scams by verifying the legitimacy of listings and landlords before making any payments or signing contracts.
Rent prices and other costs in Madrid
Compared to other Spanish cities,听rental prices are relatively high in Madrid. As you would expect, they vary according to the neighborhood, type of housing, size and comfort level, among other factors. According to the online database听, you can expect to pay the following for a听flat in Madrid:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: Between 鈧�1,030 and 鈧�1,800
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: Between 鈧�800 and 鈧�1,200 per per month
- 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: Between 1,800 and 鈧�3,000 per month
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center: Between 鈧�1,200 and 鈧�2,000 per month
In practice,听long-term rental contracts听of at least a year are the norm, but six-month contracts may also be available. When you听sign a rental contract, it's common for landlords to request a听security deposit equivalent to one or two months' rent. Usually, the rent includes听community charges and taxes听but not utilities. Be sure to clarify what you will be paying for before signing your lease. If you're responsible for听utilities such as water or electricity, your landlord will present you with the bill each month.
Important:
All听rental contracts are in Spanish. Likely, your landlord will want to听conduct business in Spanish听as well. You'll need a bilingual realtor or a friend to help translate your lease agreement if you don't speak the language.
Useful links:
(for short-term furnished rentals)
(short-term furnished rentals)
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
