Ukrainian woman Polina, who has been living in Spain for more than two years, tells about this in her TikTok.
What problems can arise when renting housing in Spain
According to the Ukrainian woman, in Valencia housing can be conditionally divided into old housing stock and new buildings. Modern apartments with renovations, air conditioners, terraces and pools are in high demand. Good options can find tenants almost immediately after appearing on the market.
“When a new building with good renovation, air conditioning, terrace, and pools appears, there are very quickly people willing to rent it, and people are ready to put up with almost everything. Homeless people under the windows? Okay. Construction? Okay. But the apartment is beautiful, modern, and you don’t have to put up with the downsides of old housing stock,” Polina said.
Old housing stock is often cheaper, but has its drawbacks. Among them are outdated renovations and furniture, thin walls and poor sound insulation. Cold in winter can be a separate problem. Tiles on the floor help save from heat in summer, but in cold season the room cools quickly. Many Spanish homes do not have central heating.
In Valencia, you should also pay attention to the presence of an air conditioner. Due to the hot climate, its absence can significantly affect living comfort.
Even before signing the contract, Ukrainians are advised to find out the possibility of official registration at the address. It is necessary for employment and processing a number of documents. At the same time, some owners avoid formalizing the lease and do not agree to register tenants.
Landlords may also require proof of solvency. This includes bank statements, proof of income, and an employment contract. In some cases, the tenant’s income must be at least three times the rental cost.
“You can earn well online and have a good income in another country. But if you don’t have a Spanish employment contract, the owner may simply not want to approve you,” the Ukrainian woman explained.
According to Polina, it is precisely because of strict document requirements that some Ukrainians prefer more expensive housing in new buildings, where conditions for tenants may be simpler.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Spain in 2026
According to the data provided by the source Numbeo, one person needs approximately 718 euros per month to live in Spain, excluding rental costs.
The average cost of housing is:
one-bedroom apartment in the city center: about 905 euros;
one-bedroom apartment outside the center: about 711 euros;
three-bedroom apartment in the center: about 1414 euros;
three-bedroom apartment on the outskirts: about 1078 euros.
The actual cost depends on the city, area, condition of the building, and characteristics of the apartment. In popular cities and modern residential complexes, high demand additionally complicates the search for a suitable option.