Average rental cost has reached €1,100 p/month
Rental prices in Spain have seen a sharp rise, with April 2025 recording a 12.9% year-over-year increase, according to the latest data from the Fotocasa. On a monthly basis, prices grew by 2.5%, bringing the national average to €13.89 per square meter. For an average 80m² apartment, that means monthly rent now exceeds €1,100.
This marks the fifth time in the past six months that Spain has experienced double-digit annual growth in rental prices, reminiscent of the market surges seen in 2018.
“We are facing an unprecedented affordability crisis,” says María Matos, Director of Studies and spokesperson at Fotocasa. “Demand continues to grow, while the available supply shrinks. This imbalance is driving prices up across the country — not just in Madrid or Barcelona, but in nearly every region.”
A Market Under Pressure
Rental demand is being driven by several factors:
- More people unable to buy property
- Population growth due to work opportunities and migration
- Owners pulling properties from the rental market due to legal uncertainties or more attractive alternatives
As a result, the €1,000/month mark is no longer exclusive to Spain’s biggest cities — it’s increasingly becoming the new national norm.
Annual Rental Price Growth Across Spain
From April 2024 to April 2025, average rental prices jumped from €12.30/m² to €13.89/m². All 17 of Spain’s autonomous communities saw price increases, with seven regions exceeding 10% year-on-year growth:
- Madrid: +15.1%
- Aragón: +14.5%
- Catalonia: +13.8%
- Castilla-La Mancha: +12.2%
- Andalusia: +11.0%
- Galicia: +10.6%
- Valencian Community: +10.3%
Where Renting Is Most Expensive
The four priciest regions in Spain now exceed €15.00/m² per month:
- Madrid – €21.10/m²
- Catalonia – €19.01/m²
- Balearic Islands – €17.99/m²
- Basque Country – €16.63/m²
These are followed by the Canary Islands, Valencian Community, and Andalusia, where prices remain high but below the €15/m² threshold.
Rising Rents by Province
Out of 49 provinces analyzed, 46 reported year-on-year increases in rental prices. Notably, 19 provinces saw growth above 10%, with Zamora topping the list at an eye-watering +36.0%.
Other provinces with steep increases include:
- Lleida: +19.9%
- Lugo: +19.6%
- Huesca: +18.1%
- Ourense: +15.9%
- Madrid: +15.1%
Most Expensive and Most Affordable Provinces
Top 7 most expensive provinces for renting (€/m² per month):
- Madrid – €21.10
- Barcelona – €20.66
- Balearic Islands – €17.99
- Gipuzkoa – €17.79
- Bizkaia – €16.47
- Málaga – €15.65
- Girona – €15.62
Most affordable provinces:
- Jaén – €6.24
- Ciudad Real – €6.75
- Teruel – €6.81
What This Means for Renters and Investors
Whether you’re renting, investing, or advising clients, it’s clear that Spain’s rental market is undergoing significant transformation. Rising prices reflect strong demand and limited supply, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. For those considering property investment, this could be an opportunity — especially in regions where demand is increasing rapidly.
Stay tuned to our blog for regular updates and insights into Spain’s dynamic property market.
