Spain is not only a popular destination for foreigners looking to buy property but also for those pursuing their studies.
As the academic year approaches, the European medium-term rental platform HousingAnywhere has analysed searches by over one million overseas users seeking accommodation in Spain during the first half of 2024 and 2023. The analysis reveals that Americans are the most interested in relocating to Spain, while Spanish students most frequently search for accommodation in Germany. France and Italy complete the top three for both groups.
Foreigners looking for more accommodation in Spain
The study reveals that, while most searches for accommodation in Spain come from Europe, young Americans are the most interested in moving to Spain. They accounted for 13.8% of the total searches in the first half of the year, marking a 12.5% year-on-year increase. Following them are the French (11.6%) and Italians (11.5%). Searches from Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico and Colombia, as well as Brazil, which recorded 10.3%, also stand out.
Conversely, the largest year-on-year increases were seen among young Australians, with searches up 208.4%. Interest also surged in Ukraine (118.3%) and Russia (43%), likely due to the ongoing conflict, though only 2% and 0.8% of young internationals interested in Spain come from these countries. Poland also saw a notable increase of 58.7%, representing 3.3% of young foreigners seeking accommodation in Spain.
Where Spaniards look for accommodation
The HousingAnywhere study also explores the top destinations for young Spaniards studying abroad. Analysing the behaviour of over half a million users, it finds that Germany is the most popular choice, accounting for 16.7% of accommodation searches.
Italy and France follow, with 15.6% and 11.4% of the total searches, respectively. The Netherlands (11%), Belgium (7.3%), and Portugal (7%) are also notable destinations. According to the study, Spaniards "seek new opportunities to experience different cultures and advance their careers while staying relatively close to home".
On the other hand, the platform notes a significant increase in Spaniards interested in moving to Switzerland for studies, with a 77.7% year-on-year rise between January and June. Despite this growth, Switzerland accounts for just 4.6% of accommodation searches. Conversely, interest in the UK has decreased by 11.4% year-on-year, with only 3.5% of Spanish students seeking to study there in the first half of the year.
Student rooms
Another study by the LIFE4LIFE platform reveals that 60% of foreign students coming to Spain do so to complete their degrees, while the remaining 40% participate in mobility programs, commonly known as Erasmus.
The study also highlights the rental challenges students face, as they often gravitate toward regions with high population density and housing demand. Madrid, which hosts nearly 25% of international students, is the most sought-after city. It is followed by Catalonia (20%), Andalusia (15%), and the Valencian Community (13%).
Rental costs are highest in Madrid, with monthly rates averaging €500 per room. Valencia follows at €360 per room, and Seville ranks third at €330 per room.
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