9 tips on how to find an apartment in Barcelona as an expat
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Last year, I moved to a one-bed flat in Poble Sec. This was my first time looking for an apartment in Barcelona, and I have learned a lot along the way. From becoming an expert at spotting red flags on Idealista listings to learning how to ask the right questions to landlords, I am now well-versed in the art of finding an apartment in sunny Barcelona.
That’s why I have put some tips together for anyone else in the process of looking for an apartment in Barcelona.
Is it hard to find a place to rent in Barcelona?
Finding a place to rent in Barcelona can be quite difficult, especially during peak rental seasons. Properties are in high demand and the competition for good quality, affordable apartments, and houses can be quite fierce.
Prices tend to be quite high, especially in popular tourist areas and it can be difficult to find something that meets your budget and needs. Additionally, landlords may require a high deposit and lengthy contracts, making it difficult to find a short-term rental.
It is also important to consider whether you will need to obtain a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) in order to rent a property, as this may be a requirement for some landlords.
If you are in the process of looking for a flat in Barcelona, make sure to set aside some time each day to search for flats. I would recommend dedicating at least an hour a day to your search. It is important to be consistent.
It is also important to be flexible. If you want to find a flat quickly, you may have to compromise on some of your requirements. Don’t be too picky, but also make sure you don’t settle for less than you need.
How do I find somewhere to live in Barcelona?
Finding somewhere to live in Barcelona can be a challenge, but there are several options available to you.
1. Short-term rentals: This is a popular option for those looking for a place to stay in Barcelona for a short period of time. There are a variety of websites that offer short-term rentals, including couchsurfing, AirBnB, Booking.com, and HomeAway. You can also find listings in local newspapers or in neighborhood bulletin boards.
2. Long-term rentals: If you’re looking for a place to stay for an extended period of time, there are also a variety of websites that offer long-term rentals. You can find listings on websites such as Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia. You can also check with local real estate agents who specialize in long-term rentals.
3. Roommates: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you could consider sharing a flat or apartment with a roommate. There are websites such as badi, Roomorama, EasyRoommate, and Roomz that can help you find potential roommates. You can also check local bulletin boards or post an ad on websites such as Craigslist.
4. Hostels and Hotels: Another option is to stay in a hostel or hotel. There are a variety of hostels and hotels in Barcelona that offer different types of accommodations and prices. You can find listings on websites such as Hostelworld and Booking.com.
9 Tips to find an apartment in Barcelona
When looking for an apartment in Barcelona, there are several key considerations people should keep in mind.
Budget wisely
First of all, it is important to define your budget and needs; this will make it much easier to find a flat that suits you. Depending on your budget and the size of the flat, you can decide whether you want to live in a particular area. For example, if you have a limited budget and you need a 1 bedroom flat, it might be best to look for flats located on the outskirts of the city like Badolona, Sant Cugat, Montgat, and Hospitalet with a good connection to Barcelona.
Don´t forget to add the agency fee to your budget as this can be up to one month’s rent, which I think is insane considering how little some agencies do!
2. Beware of Squatters or Okupas
Squatters or Okupas are also a big problem in Barcelona. Although you can´t predict whether or your block of flats might be dealing with squatters in the future, you can try and look for any red flags. Ask your future neighbors about the safety of the property. Make sure your future flat has a strong and sturdy door with locks. Check how secure the flat’s main entrance is.
3. Start your search on popular websites
Once you have decided on your budget and ideal location it is time to start searching for a flat. There are many websites that offer flats for rent in Barcelona. Some of the most popular websites are idealista.com, fotocasa.es, pisos.com and habitaclia.com.
These websites offer a wide selection of flats for rent, so it is important to be patient and take your time when searching for a flat. I found my flat in habitaclia.
4. Get your paperwork ready
When looking for a flat, it is also important to have all of your documents up-to-date, such as your ID/passport, latest payslips, and bank statements. You will also need to pay at least 2 month’s rent upfront as a deposit, in addition to an agency fee in some cases.
5. Be mindful of the location
You should also consider the neighborhood you will be living in. What most bloggers don´t tell you about trendy areas like Gracia, Poble Sec, Gothic Quarter, etc. is that they can get quite noisy during the summer, especially during the Summer fiestas in Barcelona. That’s why you should research the area well to make sure you won’t be disturbed by street activities that go on during the Summer. Although it might sound fun at first trust if you happen to live on a very busy street, between the music playing all night, tourists, and drunk people making noise the month of August will become hell on earth.
6. Keep an eye out for Airbnb rentals
Barcelona is filled with Airbnb. Although this is a great thing for tourists, for people looking for long-term rent, living in a block of fat with a lot of Airbnb can be a real struggle.
As you can imagine, most people booking Airbnb are most likely tourists looking to party and enjoy the city. In the previous apartment where I lived, the block had 3 Airbnb rental flats. During peak season, it was impossible to sleep, because of the loud noise, music, etc. Unless this is not a problem for you, always ask the landlord about the other flats in the building.
7. Don´t neglect natural light
Always try to visit the flat during the daytime. This will give you a better idea of how much natural light it receives. Depending on whether you live in an exterior or interior flat, they might not actually have a single window in the flat that faces the street.
There are also a lot of apartments in the old city located on dark narrow streets meaning that you can forget sunlight during most of the day.
8. Prepare an amenities checklist
You should also keep in mind the high temperature in Barcelona and consider if you need a flat with air conditioning or not. Also, check the wifi connection, especially for digital nomads, freelancers, or anyone with a hybrid job looking to work from home.
9. Be persistent
Once you have found a flat you like, contact the landlord to arrange a viewing. This can usually be done via email, WhatsApp, or phone. I found that WhatsApp was the most effective way to communicate. Be insistent, it is a very competitive market, so make sure to keep on reaching out to them until you get a date for the viewing.
As a Black woman, one of my concerns was whether or would be facing some sort of discrimination when looking for a flat. In my case, I did not. I found that I was treated exactly the same as anyone else, and what really made a real difference was how persistent I was during my search. Remember, no matter what you will eventually find a flat that suits your needs. It took me one month to find a flat.
Last but not, make sure you read the contract carefully before signing it. You should also ask the landlord for copies of all documents related to the flat, such as bills and proof of ownership.
Ultimately, finding a flat in Barcelona can be a challenging task, but it is certainly possible. With the right budget, documents, and patience, you will be able to find a flat that suits your needs.
Good luck with your search!
