How can I find an apartment to rent on Idealista? I’ve been searching for months!

Question

How do you guys manage to rent on Idealista? I’ve been searching for months now and had no luck.

They either don’t reply to me when I sent them email or WhatsApp with the details of myself included or if they reply, they replied with ”oh sorry, it’s rented” (after it’s been listed for only 2 days) 

I’m looking for an apartment in Madrid with the budget of 1000-1100. One agent told me that she received like 100 emails a day, how am I gonna compete with those 100 people? 

I’m so tired of finding a flat now

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

“Walk around in a neighborhood you want to move to, look for places with signs that say they have a place for rent and ask the portero. Right now, uni students are beginning the move back to town so tough moment to get a place.”

“All I can think of is that now isn’t a great time. When contacting people, I assume you are speaking Spanish? I had to be super aggressive when trying to get a place last year.

If you just can’t find anywhere, there is a company that will find a place for you…they charge a fee of course. Let me know if you want the name and I’ll try to dig it up.”

“The portero is key! Find the neighbourhoods you want to live in then go inside and speak to the porteros. They normally know what is for rent, you deal direct with the owners so no ridiculous agent fees and they will often have the keys and show you round.”

“I would also recommend calling instead of texting “

“You can search on Spotahome

“Try doing it in Spanish or with the help of a local. It will work for sure.”

“Just give them a call directly. Emails and messages just get disregarded”