After you move to Madrid and start looking for an apartment, you must be careful. This guide explains the most common housing scams in Spain and how to avoid them.
How common are housing scams in Madrid?
Yes, they are very common. The high demand for housing makes it easy for scammers to find victims.
Foreigners are targeted because they do not know the local laws. You must be cautious during your search.
Common types of housing scams
Scammers use several methods to steal money from home seekers. You should understand how these scams work.
The “out of the country” landlord
The scammer posts a beautiful apartment at a low price. When you contact them, they claim to live abroad.
They cannot show you the apartment in person. They offer to mail you the keys after you transfer money.
They often send fake links that look like Airbnb or TripAdvisor. They ask you to complete the booking there.
The copied listing
Scammers copy real listings from websites like Idealista. They lower the price to attract more people.
They tell you that many people want the apartment. They ask you to pay a deposit to reserve it.
After you pay, they disappear with the money. Multiple victims often show up at the same apartment on moving day.
The fake agency fee
Some scammers pretend to work for real estate agencies. They ask for a fee to arrange a viewing.
Agencies cannot charge tenants for viewings or contracts. If an agent requests a fee, it is a scam.
How to find an apartment in Madrid
How to spot a housing scam
You can identify most housing scams by looking for specific warning signs. Trust your instincts during your search.
The price is too low
If the price looks too good to be true, it is probably a scam. Research local prices before searching.
A one-bedroom apartment in Centro rarely costs less than €900 per month.
Housing prices by neighbourhood in Madrid
The landlord refuses viewings
A real landlord or agent will always arrange a viewing. Scammers will make excuses to avoid meeting you.
They might claim they are travelling, working abroad, or dealing with a family emergency. Never rent without seeing the place.
They demand money upfront
Never transfer money before you sign a contract. Scammers will ask for the fianza (security deposit) or rent upfront.
They might ask you to use Western Union or Zelle. These payment methods are impossible to trace.
How to protect yourself
You can protect yourself from scammers by following a few simple rules. Never let a landlord rush you.
Never pay before visiting
Never transfer money until you have visited the apartment in person. If you are abroad, hire a relocation agent.
You can also ask a friend in Madrid to visit the apartment for you.
Check the property register
You can verify who owns the apartment before signing the contrato de arrendamiento (rental agreement).
Request a nota simple (property registry extract) from the official property registry. It costs about €10.
This document shows the owner’s name and any debts on the property.
Verify the agency
If you use an agency, check their office address. Visit the office in person before transferring any money.
Look for online reviews of the agency. Real agencies will have a physical presence and registered tax details.
What to do if you get scammed
If you lose money to a scammer, you must act quickly. This increases the chance of recovering your money.
Contact your bank
Call your bank immediately. Report the fraudulent transfer. They might be able to stop or reverse the payment.
File a police report
Go to the nearest Policía Nacional (national police) station. File a denuncia (report) in person.
Bring all messages, email exchanges, bank receipts, and the fake lease contract. The police will investigate the fraud.
Questions and answers
Can I get my money back if I am scammed?
Rarely. Once the bank transfer is complete, the money is difficult to recover. Scammers usually withdraw the cash immediately.
You must contact your bank and the police as fast as possible.
Is it safe to rent through Airbnb?
Yes, if you use the official site. Scammers often send links to fake Airbnb websites.
Always check the domain name in your browser address bar. The official domain is airbnb.com.
Do real estate agencies charge viewing fees?
No. Real estate agencies cannot charge you to view an apartment. This practice is illegal in Spain.
If an agency asks for money to show a property, report them.
How can I verify who owns the apartment?
Request a nota simple. You can get this document online from the official Spanish property register.
It lists the owner’s name. Check that this name matches the landlord’s Documento Nacional de Identidad (national identification card, or DNI).
Should I pay a holding deposit?
Only after seeing the place. Never pay a deposit before you visit the apartment in person.
If you pay a deposit to hold a place, ensure you get a written receipt.
