Individuals and families

Relocation in Madrid
for individuals and families.

Madrid is one of the tightest rental markets in Spain. We find your home, secure your lease and handle your paperwork, even before you arrive.

★★★★★5/5 on Google +53 families settled Usually < 1 month to a signed lease
Expat moving to Madrid with FeelCabanYa
Video viewingsEven from abroad
Lease checkedBefore you sign anything

What to expect

Renting in Madrid from abroad: six hurdles, six solutions.

Here is what most families moving to Madrid go through, and what we do so you don't have to.

The best homes go within hours

You're abroad and can't visit.

What we do: We visit for you, film the home and the neighbourhood, and give you an honest opinion the same day.

Applications are almost always vetted by rent-guarantee insurers

Without the right strategy and the right contacts, your application may well be turned down.

What we do: We put together a complete application in Spanish and back it using the right levers.

Reserving often requires a month's rent

Paying from afar for a home you haven't seen is a risk. Beware of fake listings.

What we do: We check the property, the advertiser and the terms before any payment.

Spanish leases have their own rules

Deposit, extra guarantees, duration, clauses: it's hard to know what's legal.

What we do: We review the contract and flag what should be negotiated or refused.

Your deposits are won or lost at move-in

Without a detailed check-in, any defect can be blamed on you when you leave.

What we do: We carry out a precise check-in and inventory, with photos, on key handover day.

NIE, Padrón, bank, utilities: an obstacle course

Impossible-to-get appointments, forms in Spanish, documents to provide.

What we do: We book the appointments, prepare the files and go with you.

Did you know?

How much should you budget when signing a lease in Madrid?

For a primary-residence lease, expect up to four months' rent when you move in. We check that what you're asked for stays within the law.

General information, valid for primary-residence leases. Short-term rentals (alquiler de temporada) follow different rules: we explain the difference before you sign.

1 monthLegal deposit (fianza)Mandatory for a primary residence. It is lodged with the regional authority and returned at the end of the lease.
up to 2 monthsAdditional guaranteeOften requested from newcomers. For a long-term lease, it is capped at two months' rent.
1 monthFirst month's rentPaid at signing or on moving in.
€0Estate agency feesSince the 2023 Housing Law, they are paid by the landlord for a primary residence. In practice, some agencies still try to charge them as contract management or personal shopper fees.

Our packages

Compare, choose, and we handle the rest.

Fixed prices, stated before you commit. 50% deposit on booking.

Find Housing€1,550excl. VATSettle In€2,100excl. VATFully Establish€2,500excl. VAT
Shortlist from the whole market and our network✓✓✓
Up to 5 viewings, in person or on video✓✓✓
Application, negotiation and reservation✓✓✓
Lease review up to signing✓✓✓
Key handover, check-in and detailed inventory—✓✓
Water, electricity, gas and internet—✓✓
Bank account opening—✓✓
Support and mediation—3 weeks5 weeks
NIE: appointment, file, support——✓
Padrón: town hall registration——✓
ChooseChooseChoose

Find Housing ends when the lease is signed. For Settle In and Fully Establish, help getting move-in defects repaired includes up to 3 written follow-ups per issue; beyond that, we offer a flat-rate supplement, with your agreement.

Or just one service

Remote viewingFound a place? We view it and check the contract.€250 excl. VAT
School searchUp to 5 schools, visits and enrolment.€1,350 excl. VAT
NIE onlyAppointment, forms and support.€390 excl. VAT
Padrón onlyTown hall registration, with support.€150 excl. VAT

Your timeline

Six weeks before you arrive is the right time.

Here is a typical timeline, from our first call to your complete move-in. It adapts to your dates, even if you arrive in three weeks.

Plan my arrival →
  1. J-40Discovery callBudget, affordability check, neighbourhoods, criteria: we shape your plan.
  2. J-30Shortlist and viewingsWe visit for you, on video if you're abroad.
  3. J-7Application and signingNegotiation, secure reservation, lease review.
  4. Day DKey handoverCheck-in, inventory, meter readings.
  5. J+7Everyday lifeWater, electricity, gas, internet, bank account.
  6. J+35PaperworkNIE and Padrón, with support at the appointments.

Where to live in Madrid

Which neighbourhood for your family?

Six neighbourhoods our clients often choose. We help you find the one that fits your budget, your commute and your children's school.

Chamberí

Neighbourhood life, markets, terraces and good schools. Popular with families who want to live centrally.

Salamanca

Elegant and central, with shops and restaurants. Ideal if you want a prestigious address.

Retiro

Steps from Retiro Park, quiet and family-friendly, with good transport links.

Chamartín

Residential, close to the business district and main roads. Handy for working in the north of the city.

Conde de Orgaz · Arturo Soria

Houses and residences with gardens, close to the Lycée Français de Madrid.

Pozuelo · Aravaca

More space and greenery, west of Madrid, with several international schools.

★★★★★
“Simply put, we don't know how we would have managed without Gaëlle! Finding a home in Madrid, especially from abroad, is quite a mission.”

Thomas W. · Fully Establish package

See the video testimonials →

FAQ

Your questions, answered.

How much does a relocation agency in Madrid cost?+

Our packages start at €1,550 excl. VAT for the home search, up to €2,500 excl. VAT with move-in, NIE and Padrón. Prices are fixed and stated before you commit.

Can you rent a home in Madrid without visiting?+

Yes. We visit for you, film the home and the neighbourhood, prepare your application and support you up to signing.

How long does it take to find a home?+

Usually less than a month from the start of the search to signing the lease. It depends on your budget, the neighbourhood and the season.

How much do you pay when signing the lease?+

For a primary residence, you can generally expect a legal deposit of one month, an additional guarantee of up to two months, and the first month's rent.

Who pays estate agency fees in Spain?+

Since the 2023 Housing Law, agency management fees are paid by the landlord for a primary residence. Our fees cover the support we give you.

Do you need an NIE to rent a flat?+

It isn't always required to sign, but you'll quickly need it for the bank, energy contracts and most procedures. We apply for it with you.

When should you look for a school?+

For state schools, visits take place in February and applications in March. Private and international schools have a more flexible calendar.

How does payment work?+

A 50% deposit is required on booking. Terms for the balance are set out in our terms and conditions.

Ready for your new life in Madrid?

Book a free 30-minute discovery call. We'll tell you honestly how we can help.

Free call, no commitment Transparent prices ★ 5/5 on Google