Finding an cheap accommodation in Spain can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially if you're not familiar with the local real estate terminology.
Whether you plan to rent an apartment in Madrid or a spacious house in Valencia, understanding the most frequently used terms in Spanish real estate can make the process more enjoyable and smoother.
Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate your rental experience.
- Types of housing
- Number of rooms
- Important terms
- Utilities and extras
- Rental process terms
- Renting tips
Types of housing
Apartamento vs. Piso
- Apartamento: Typically refers to a small living space and is often used for holiday rentals or other types of short-term rentals.
- Piso: A more common term that refers to an apartment intended for a long-term or monthly rentals. Compared to an "apartamento," it usually suggests a larger space.
Casa
Casa is a standalone house that can range from a small home for a single-family to a chalet (chalet) or a larger villa (villa). It’s typically found in rural or suburban areas.
Ático
Ático means a penthouse. Typically found on the top floor. It usually comes with a terrace.
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Number of rooms
Referencing rooms
Habitaciones
Habitaciones means "rooms." However, it’s often used to refer to bedrooms. The number of bedrooms is often indicated clearly in the listing description.
- Estudio: Typically a single-room apartment that has no separate bedroom.
- 1 Dormitorio (1 bedroom): Also referred to as Piso 1 habitación or simply 1 habitación.
- 2 Dormitorios (2 bedrooms): Also referred to as Piso 2 habitaciones or simply 2 habitaciones.
- 3 Dormitorios (3 bedrooms): Also referred to as Piso 3 habitaciones or simply 3 habitaciones.
Additional terms
- Habitación individual: Single bedroom.
- Habitación doble: Double bedroom.
Baños
Baños means bathrooms. When looking at rental accommodations in Spain, you might see:
- Baño completo: A full bathroom with a shower or bathtub, sink, and toilet.
- Aseo: A half-bath, typically just a sink and toilet.
Cocina
Cocina is the kitchen. Some more terms you might encounter:
- Cocina americana: An open-plan kitchen. This kind of kitchen is often connected to the living area.
- Cocina equipada: A fully equipped kitchen that comes with all necessary appliances.
Salón
Salón is the living room. Sometimes it’s referred to as Sala de estar.
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Important terms to know
Amueblado vs. Sin amueblar
- Amueblado: Furnished. The apartment is equipped with all necessary furniture.
- Sin amueblar: Unfurnished, which means you must bring your own furniture.
Trastero
Trastero is a storage space or room or space. It’s useful for storing items that you don't use on a daily basis.
Garaje
Garaje means garage or parking space. This is especially important in crowded cities where it can be challenging to find parking.
Calefacción and aire acondicionado
- Calefacción: Heating. Could be individual (individual) or central (central).
- Aire acondicionado: Air conditioning.
Contrato de arrendamiento
Lease agreement or rental contract. In this document, look for important points to check. These include the rent amount, duration of the lease, and any included utilities.
Fianza
Fianza means security deposit. It’s usually the equivalent of one or two months' rent.
Utilities and extras
Gastos de comunidad = Community fees
These refer to monthly fees for communal areas and building maintenance. This fee is often included in the rent.
Suministros = Utilities
This includes water (agua), gas (gas), electricity (electricidad), and sometimes internet (internet).
Amueblado vs. Sin amueblar
- Amueblado: Furnished. The apartment comes with all necessary furniture.
- Sin amueblar: Unfurnished. You’ll need to provide your own furniture.
Rental process terms
Contrato de arrendamiento = Rental contract or lease agreement
There are important points to check in this document such as the rental price, the duration lease, and any included utilities.
Fianza = Security deposit
It’s typically equal to one or two months' rent.
Inquilino = Tenant
The person who rents the property.
Propietario = Property owner or landlord
Duración del contrato = Lease term
This could be long-term (largo plazo) or short-term (corto plazo).
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Renting tips in Spain
- Research neighborhoods: Consider how close the rental accommodation is to public transportation, your workplace, and shops. Areas closer to city centers are more expensive. However, they offer more amenities.
- Check what’s included: Always verify if utilities (suministros) and community fees (gastos de comunidad) are included in the rent.
- Understand your lease: Carefully read and understand the contrato de arrendamiento before you sign it. Pay attention to the fianza, duration, and any clauses about terminating or renewing the lease.
- Inspect the property: Before moving in, properly inspect the property for any damages and make sure all appliances are working. Take photos and document any existing issues.
- Know your rights: Make sure you’re familiar with tenant rights in Spain. There are different laws meant for protecting tenants. These include regulations on eviction processes and rent increases.
Flatio: Accommodation for rent in Spain
Are you looking for flexible and cheap accommodation for rent in Spain? Just take a look at Flatio.com. There you will find the following accommodations and more!
- Furnished apartments in Spain
- Furnished houses in Spain
- Beachfront villas in Spain
- Private rooms for rent in Spain
- Accommodation for students in Spain
- Cheap accommodation to rent for digital nomads in Spain
- Accommodation for couples in Spain
- Pet-friendly rentals in Spain
- Short-term stays in Spain
- Monthly stays in Spain
- Long-term stays in Spain
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