Accommodation in Madrid
Expats will find that housing in Madrid is marked by disproportionately high prices and a reputation for being notoriously difficult to find when compared to other cities in Spain.
Downtown Madrid is separated into barrios, or neighbourhoods, that are often packed tight with small apartments and alleys. Each has a distinct character and choosing one that suits your style is the first step in organizing your expat accommodation.
It is recommended that expats stay in temporary housing prior to finding a longer term suitable living arrangement.
In lieu of Madrid’s accommodation scarcity and the expected language barrier, hiring a realtor is the most realistic means of finding an apartment. Agents usually charge the equivalent of one month's rent.
Apartment leases are usually for a one year period and often require a deposit of two or three months rent. A Spanish bank account in also required to begin a lease. One bedroom apartments in desired parts of Madrid cost €500 to €750 a month and larger rentals average €1,200 per month.
Neighbourhoods of Madrid
The obtuse shaped neighbourhoods divide downtown in a fragmented geography more akin to a Picasso painting then traditional residential streets.
A popular expat area is Chamartín, a residential neighbourhood with larger apartments favoured by expat families.
Smaller apartments can be found in Lavapies, a dense and lively section of the old quarter that packs together an amalgamation of expats, restaurants and shops. Despite being close to the city centre Lavapies has relatively low rent.
Gran Via is another option in the heart of the city. Latina is the oldest section of the city and its accommodation is set amidst old world charm and architecture.
Increasingly expats are finding locations in Madrid suburbs. These are well connected to the city with public transportation. It is easier to find housing in Madrid's surrounding residential areas although prices continue to be high.
Downtown Madrid is separated into barrios, or neighbourhoods, that are often packed tight with small apartments and alleys. Each has a distinct character and choosing one that suits your style is the first step in organizing your expat accommodation.
It is recommended that expats stay in temporary housing prior to finding a longer term suitable living arrangement.
In lieu of Madrid’s accommodation scarcity and the expected language barrier, hiring a realtor is the most realistic means of finding an apartment. Agents usually charge the equivalent of one month's rent.
Apartment leases are usually for a one year period and often require a deposit of two or three months rent. A Spanish bank account in also required to begin a lease. One bedroom apartments in desired parts of Madrid cost €500 to €750 a month and larger rentals average €1,200 per month.
Neighbourhoods of Madrid
The obtuse shaped neighbourhoods divide downtown in a fragmented geography more akin to a Picasso painting then traditional residential streets.
A popular expat area is Chamartín, a residential neighbourhood with larger apartments favoured by expat families.
Smaller apartments can be found in Lavapies, a dense and lively section of the old quarter that packs together an amalgamation of expats, restaurants and shops. Despite being close to the city centre Lavapies has relatively low rent.
Gran Via is another option in the heart of the city. Latina is the oldest section of the city and its accommodation is set amidst old world charm and architecture.
Increasingly expats are finding locations in Madrid suburbs. These are well connected to the city with public transportation. It is easier to find housing in Madrid's surrounding residential areas although prices continue to be high.
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