What to Expect in an Apartment in Spain

Apartments around the world come with different standards of ‘normal.’ As you apartment hunt in Spain, there are a few differences that you’ll notice -especially if you’re coming from the US.

If you’ve haven’t already, read up on How to Find an Apartment in Spain. Once you’ve got your head reeling, you might be wondering what exactly to expect.

An apartment is an apartment. True. But, as you start viewing places you’re going to wonder if what you’re seeing is typical, or a scam. But breathe easy. Whatever seems unusual to you can probably be chalked up to simple cultural differences.

What to expect in an apartment in Spain — Walk into a Spanish apartment for the first time knowing what to expect.

You’ll Have Less Space

Get ready for living tiny.

Generally speaking, European apartments are much smaller than what we’re used to in the US, and Spain is no exception. While you won’t have to go to extremes, you might want to think about paring down what you deem essential.

The good news is that you’ll be moving to Spain with a suitcase or two. So you will have already whittled down your possessions. If you need further help, try to channel a minimalist and/or Marie Kondo mindset. Whatever sparks joy, my friends!

You Won’t Need to Buy Furniture (For the Most Part)

While not all apartments come furnished, a good majority are. You may not like the furniture, but the savings will be well worth it.

And this is great news for you. It means less startup costs and more move-in ready places.

However, there is a wide range of ‘furnished,’ From no furniture at all, to just a bed, to every piece of furniture you’ll need including dishes and cookware.

The details will be in the listing. So make sure you set your search for furnished apartments only (amueblado) and read the listing.

You Won’t Have a Laundry Room

Remember how I said Spanish apartments are smaller? That means there isn’t space for a laundry room.

Expect to find a washing machine in the kitchen or patio, but don’t expect a dryer.

Air drying your clothes is the norm, even in the winter. Your apartment will have a dedicated space to hang clothes whether it’s on your own patio or balcony, in a shared patio or rooftop, or on a clothes rack inside your apartment.

Get Used to Cold and Hot Temperatures

Many apartments don’t have AC or heat. Some have AC and no heat. Some have heat and no AC. A few have both. And you’ll even find some with neither.

If you don’t have heat, your landlord may have a small, portable heater. They work well enough. If not, they’re pretty cheap to find second hand.

As for AC, I’ve noticed many Spaniards mention how it’s bad for their health. If I had a penny for every time someone mentioned that the AC gave them a cold, I would be slightly less broke. AC units aren’t very common, so try to get a cheap fan. And trust me, it gets hot. You’ll need it.

Apartments Are Privately Owned

I remember apartment hunting in Dallas at giant leasing agencies with hundreds of units. We leased through a large company that offered tons of amenities (pools, gyms, community centers, parks, etc.)

That’s not how it works here.

Each apartment is privately owned. While you’d be lucky to find an apartment in a complex that has a pool, that’s typically not the norm. Apartment buildings are built and sold unit by unit. The owners then rent out their unit to people like you and me.

Think ‘Wardrobe,’ Not ‘Closet’

Yes, I’ve had apartments with closets, but very few. You’ll probably have a room with a wardrobe. And it will be small. So go back to thinking about what sparks joy and minimizing your clothes.

Front Doorknobs Are Purely Decorative (As Far As I Can Tell)

This is specific to the front door of your apartment. Spanish apartments have a beautifully ornate doorknob smack dab in the middle of the door. It doesn’t do anything. It doesn’t even turn.

I can’t tell you why it’s there, other than that it’s pretty.

You put your key in the lock and push the door open. But that doorknob? It just kinda hangs out.

You Might Need a Propane Tank

Some apartments don’t have a gas line hook up. Instead, you’ll get a propane tank delivered about every month or so (depending on how fast you use it). You hook it up yourself to the hot water heater.

In my experience I’ve only needed propane in Southern Spain when I lived in Cádiz. Though, I still see them delivered to neighboring apartments here in Madrid.