How to find accommodation in Madrid: a practical guide
· 6 min read
Madrid is one of Europe's most popular cities to move to — for work, study or a change of scene — and that makes housing the first thing to sort out. This guide walks you through how to find accommodation in Madrid, from setting a budget to moving in.
1. Decide how long you are staying
Your length of stay decides what kind of housing makes sense:
- A few weeks: a hotel or holiday rental is usually simplest.
- One to eleven months: a mid-term rental — a furnished room or flat rented by the month — fits best. It is built for internships, semesters, work projects and the first months after a relocation.
- A year or more: a standard long-term lease becomes an option, although it usually means an unfurnished flat, more paperwork and a longer commitment.
If you are not sure yet, start with a mid-term rental. It gives you time to learn the city before committing to an area for years.
2. Set a realistic budget
Rents in Madrid vary a lot by neighbourhood and type of home. Shared flats and residences are the most affordable way to live centrally, colivings cost a little more but bundle bills, cleaning and a community, and a whole flat to yourself costs the most.
When you compare, look at the total monthly cost: rent, bills, internet and any cleaning or service fees, plus the deposit you pay upfront. On Tenify every listing shows the monthly price and the deposit before you book.
3. Choose a neighbourhood
- Malasaña and Chueca: lively, central and full of bars and cafés.
- Chamberí: central but calmer, popular with young professionals.
- Lavapiés and La Latina: multicultural, historic and close to the centre.
- Salamanca: elegant and well connected, at a higher price.
- Moncloa and Argüelles: the student areas, next to Ciudad Universitaria.
- Tetuán and Chamartín: good value with fast links to the business district.
Madrid's metro is extensive, so a room a few stops out can save money without adding much travel time. Check the route to your office or campus before you book.
4. Pick the type of housing
- Room in a shared flat: your own room, shared kitchen and living room.
- Student residence: rooms with services such as cleaning and sometimes meals — see student accommodation in Madrid.
- Coliving: a private room in a managed home with shared spaces and a community — see coliving in Madrid.
- Studio or flat: all to yourself, at a higher price.
5. Start early
Demand peaks before university semesters (late summer and early winter) and when companies onboard new hires in September and January. Starting your search four to eight weeks ahead gives you the best choice.
6. Avoid rental scams
Scams usually follow the same pattern: a great flat at a low price, a landlord who is "abroad" and a request to send a deposit by bank transfer or money app before you have seen anything. To stay safe:
- Never pay a deposit to someone you cannot verify.
- Keep booking, messages and payments on the platform you found the place on.
- Be wary of prices far below similar places in the same area.
On Tenify your card is only authorised when you request a booking and charged once the landlord approves, through Stripe. The payment stays protected until 48 hours after you move in.
7. Have your documents ready
Landlords usually ask for a passport or ID and sometimes proof of studies or employment. On Tenify you complete a one-time identity check from your account, and every booking request relies on it. Once you are in Spain for longer stays, you may also need to register at your address (the padrón) and get a foreigner identity number (NIE) for work or banking.
8. Book and move in
Once you have found the right room: choose your dates, complete the identity check and send your booking request. When the landlord approves, you are set — move in on your start date with nothing more than a suitcase.