Property for rent in Spain

The number of tourist properties in Spain has risen sharply in the last year. According to the INE, in February there were 351,389 tourist flats throughout Spain, representing an increase of 9.2% year-on-year. Andalusia is the region with the most units (82,454), followed by the Valencian Community (59,413) and Catalonia (52,598). Currently, tourist flats represent 1.33% of the total residential stock, although their weight exceeds 1% in provinces such as Girona, Malaga, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas. On the other hand, in Madrid and Barcelona they represent less than 0.7%.

In the age of digitalisation and instant messaging, it is becoming increasingly common for negotiations and agreements to be conducted through electronic channels, such as WhatsApp. Leases are no exception to this trend, with landlords and tenants looking to simplify processes.

Legally renting a property for tourist purposes implies complying with certain requirements that may vary depending on different factors: whether it is a business or professional activity; where the accommodation is located; whether or not it is in a horizontal property regime... Firstly, you should know who regulates tourist accommodation: the regulations that regulate flats and houses for tourist use in Spain are the responsibility of the autonomous communities and the owners themselves.

A lack of rental supply is driving more tenants to sublet rooms without the landlord's consent, as reported by the Agency for Rental Negotiation (ANA). However, the real problem arises when those who do so seek to make a business out of subletting, which, moreover, they do not declare. The ANA is committed to improving the search for solvent tenants and penalising these practices in the contracts.

The Bank of Spain has analysed the weight that tourist accommodation has in the rental stock of the 25 urban areas with the highest density of holiday homes and Marbella and Elche at the top of the ranking. In Malaga, tourist apartments represent almost 65% of the rental market in the city centre, while the Alicante town's weight is close to 70% in the peripheral area. On the other hand, in Spain as a whole they represent 10%, more than double that of Madrid or Barcelona.

Embarking on the quest for affordable apartments for rent in Spain unveils a world of opportunity for both locals and international seekers. This journey is inspired by the allure of Spain's vibrant culture, mild climate, and scenic landscapes, all accessible without straining your wallet.

Rental listings posted on idealista in the first quarter of 2024 received an average of 27 leads before they were removed, a figure that is 55% higher than that recorded in the same period of 2023. This surge in demand pressure, caused by the decrease in available supply, has led to rental prices rising by 12.6% in the last year, according to a study published by the southern European real estate marketplace. The contacts received per advertisement in Madrid (41) and Barcelona (40) skyrocketed, while Vitoria, Guadalajara and the Canary Islands capitals reached the highest volume of interested people.

Seasonal rentals keep gaining relevance in the real estate market to the detriment of permanent rentals, as a consequence of the successive policies that are driving this phenomenon. In the first quarter of 2024, this type of rental accounted for 11% of the market, with a year-on-year increase in supply of 56%, while the permanent rental supply fell by 15% in the same period.

The reduction in permanent rental stock in Catalonia has gained new momentum after price controls came into force due to the Housing Law on 16 March: stock falls by 13%, according to an idealista study.

The Government of the Canary Islands has presented the draft Law on Sustainable Management of the Tourist Accommodation, which will provide city councils with tools to plan and organise the tourist accommodation. The new standard establishes that 90% of the residential buildable area must be used as a permanent residence and explains why the use of accommodation can be enabled. Current properties intended as holiday homes and/or tourist accommodation must meet minimum requirements of sustainability, quality and competitiveness within a period of five years.

The lax monetary policy from central banks, printing money to no end, over the last years has led to a huge inflation spike.

Last 16 March, the Government's new reference index for capping rent and the ratio of stressed residential market areas in Catalonia (140 towns and cities) came into force. Ashurst law firm has prepared this guide to address all rent cap queries.

In recent times, irregular practices have been escalating in the rental market in Spain. Experts are detecting that some landlords are flouting the mandatory renewals to which tenants are entitled. To do this, they claim they need to recover the home, reside in it for a time and then sell or rent it at a higher price.

Homeownership is losing ground in Spain in favour of renting.

With the new annual rent renewal limit, some tenants are finding themselves with the unpleasant surprise that their landlord wants to raise their rents by 5%: 2% for 2023 because they did not get to apply this increase and 3% for this year.

House prices have risen during 2023 and experts predict they will not slow down this year either. Although hikes may be less significant, what will happen to rent in Spain?

The Governing Council of the Andalusian Regional Government approved on Monday the new decree on tourist accommodation (VUT), tourist apartments and hotel establishments in the region, which introduces the main new feature that local councils may limit the maximum number of tourist flats per buildin

There are several ways to buy a property in Spain, from the typical sale to rent-to-own schemes, allowing the tenant to purchase the property they occupy after paying a monthly rent for a specific period.

Eight of the ten places with the highest pressure on housing supply in the rental market are in the towns and cities on the outskirts of the two major Spanish capitals, according to the idealista study.

Renting a place can be a beautiful moment, especially if you're planning a move to Spain. A new neighbourhood, a new house, brand new projects... Yet it can become a real headache if things don't go according to plan.

When renting a property, the landlord and tenant must carry out some formalities and sign several documents, especially for rental agreements, as there are several types.  The most common agreement for renting a house is the simple rental contract, which must contain the landlord's and tenant'

The eviction process for unpaid rent is the judicial process that allows the landlord to regain control of their property if the tenant defaults on rent payments. Now, who can initiate an eviction process for unpaid rent? What is required?

Are you a foreigner thinking of renting a property in Spain? What permits and documents do you need to move into a flat?  Renting a flat in Spain can seem overwhelming, but with the correct information, you can find the perfect home without unnecessary hassle.

Renting to a foreigner is essentially the same as renting to a Spanish citizen. However, you should consider some points and request certain documents to ensure an efficient rental agreement.  What do you need? What documents are required?

In the world of tourism and holiday accommodation, there tends to be confusion between the terms holiday home and tourist accommodation. At first glance, they may seem like synonyms, but really there are significant differences between the two concepts.