Property for rent in Spain

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The Spanish College of Property Registrars has received more than 400,000 applications from owners seeking a registration number for short-term rental properties. Mandatory since 1 July, this requirement applies to tourist, short-term and room rentals. Properties without this code cannot be advertised on digital platforms.

The rental market in Andalusia is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in recent years. The new Andalusian Housing Law (Law 5/2025), which comes into force on 24 January, introduces major changes that will directly affect landlords, tenants and estate agents.

In some parts of Spain, more than 100 families now end up competing for the very same flat.

Whilst everyone, myself included, was distracted preparing for the 2025 end-of-year festivities (Hogmanay in Scotland), the Spanish government was busy, sneakily publishing a new law in Spain’s Official Law Gazette (BOE) on the last day of the year that concerns all landlords of short-term prop

2025 marked an unprecedented regulatory shift in the short-term rental market. The introduction of the Single Registration Number reshaped how owners, rental managers and platforms operate, requiring thousands of properties to regularise their status to continue listing on portals where payments are processed.

Spain’s long-running boom in tourist apartments is starting to turn.

As there is a lot of confusion surrounding this topic, I decided to publish a short post to (hopefully) shed some light on it.

For many, renting can feel like paying for a home without ever owning it. Buying is the alternative, but it comes with a significant financial commitment—especially with mortgage interest rates still relatively high.

Nowadays, more and more tenants are looking to rent a room in Spain for various reasons: studying, temporary work, or simply as a first step towards independence.

The Spanish Government will approve a royal decree at its next Cabinet meeting that includes funding to support landlords in cases of unpaid rent, specifically for leases to young people or vulnerable families.

Every summer, hundreds of families in Spain exchange their homes with others in search of free holidays and unique experiences. This rapidly growing practice, known as home swapping, operates in a legal grey area: there are no tourism regulations, no clearly defined tax obligations, and no administrative oversight from the tax authorities. What many see as an affordable and sustainable alternative to holiday rentals remains, for the government, a sector shrouded in legal ambiguity.

Demand pressure on the existing supply of rental housing is becoming increasingly acute in the suburbs of major cities.

The rental property supply has decreased since the Housing Law came into effect. Interventionist measures and the legal uncertainty faced by landlords have weakened the market. Therefore, many landlords are seeking guarantees from prospective tenants, such as a deposit. Is this legal?

In a context where access to housing is becoming increasingly challenging, rental assistance is essential for vulnerable people.

The mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez, has announced his intention to prohibit any new tourist rentals across the entire municipality of the Balearic capital.

Lagoom Living has begun demolition work on seven buildings in Málaga’s Lagunillas neighbourhood, in the heart of the city, where it plans to construct a residential complex comprising 109 affordable rental homes. Scheduled for completion in December 2027, the development will revitalise currently derelict or disused pieces of land and buildings located near the iconic Plaza de la Merced.

Soaring rents and fierce competition are pushing many people towards room rentals. On average, 22 prospective tenants compete for each listing on idealista, though demand remains lower than for full homes. Palma (65) and San Sebastián (62) record the most enquiries per room, while among the largest markets, Barcelona (22) edges ahead of Madrid (20).

Rental properties in the Balearic Islands (29.1%), Alicante (27.4%), Málaga (25.7%) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (21.9%) are seeing strong international demand, each accounting for more than 20% of total rental interest in Q1, according to a study by idealista.

When renting a home, it’s natural to have questions about the options that ensure peace of mind for both you and the landlord.

In the rental market, security and confidence are essential for landlords, agencies and tenants alike.

Amid a rental market plagued by limited supply and soaring prices, idealista is introducing an innovative rental insurance policy for tenants. The plan covers up to 12 months of unpaid rent, along with water, electricity and gas bills, should the tenant be unable to pay. It also includes legal expenses related to eviction proceedings or claims for outstanding amounts, offering comprehensive protection in uncertain times.

Whether you're moving to Spain to study, work, or start a new adventure, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is choosing your accommodation. The two most common options for newcomers are renting a room in a shared flat or renting an entire apartment.

Málaga has taken a major step to balance its booming tourism sector with the local housing market. The city council has confirmed that it will suspend new licences for tourist accommodation for the next three years, following a promise made by Mayor Francisco de la Torre.

Discover the key differences between tourist rentals and seasonal lets in Spain, from legal requirements and contract lengths to taxation and tenant rights. Whether you're a property owner or tenant, understanding these distinctions is essential for making informed decisions in the Spanish rental market.