Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Is it possible to secure housing months in advance via places like idealista (not Airbnb), etc? We move in July and I’d really love to find something but also want to be realistic. Have most of you rented through airbnb once arriving before finding a long term apartment?
Answers
These are the answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
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“We worked with a reputable rental agent in Barcelona who did virtual showings for us. We connected with her a few months in advance and secured a rental a few weeks before our arrival date. It was a risk but after a year and a half we’re stillhappy with our choice.”
“I used Spotahome.com to secure a short term rental prior to our arrival. Then we used Idealista to secure a long term rental. Our 6 week short term rental was just barely enough. But we had pets which complicated matters, but it turned out fine in the end.”
“We did a long term hotel. We first rented for 3 months at a higher rate so we could cancel, we needed the 3 months for the visa. When we arrived we downloaded Idealista the rental app and walked the city over a 2 week period to see what sections of the city we liked.”
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Explore Cities →“I worked with a relocation assistant. She secured us the most magnificent flat we could have ever dreamed of landing in upon arrival. She also helped us upon arrival with appointments and contract review.”
“Eyes wide open!! It’s full of cheaters offering for rent properties that don’t exist..”
“We used a relocation specialist to find our place, give us a video your, and negotiate it. It is unlikely to find something far in advance, generally no more than 30 days before the lease starts. We had to start paying a month early.”
“After looking in person I would never rent without seeing it and the neighborhood myself. We saw a few that were horribly represented or very loud with traffic. Not close to what we needed daily.”
“Just be very careful about where you rent from. The place is great but the company lied to us even after asking constant questions. They have made it impossible to get our padron even though it is illegal to do so.”
“I think it wise to do a short term rental for a month or two until you find a longer term place. I wanted a place I could ship my 20+ boxes to until I can find long term housing.”
“Depending on where you would be looking to rent, it is actually highly advisable to secure housing way before because July is peak vacation season.”
“Most likely what you see listed now in idealista will be rented in the next couple of weeks. Unless you want to pay rent now and then move in July, you will have to look closer to your move in date.”
“It might actually take you months to find something long term! The norm is to get an Airbnb and then go searching for something while you’re in the country.”
“Do not rent an apartment from an individual on Idealista. I just got scammed out of 1800€ from one and Idealista won’t help you. I ended up using Airbnb.”
“In Valencia city things on idealista are rarely still available. You need to be on the ground and able to view that day otherwise. Most people do a temporary Airbnb like arrangement.”
“It’s possible, but not advisable. You need to know a lot about the neighborhood, building and apartment before deciding.”
Conclusion
Based on the experiences shared, renting in Spain several months in advance is possible but comes with significant risks, especially when done without visiting the property or neighborhood in person. Many members reported scams, misleading listings, or issues that only became apparent after arrival.
Several contributors found success using short-term solutions such as Airbnb, Spotahome, long-term hotels, or relocation agents, giving them time to search locally. Virtual viewings and professional help reduced risk, but often required flexibility or paying rent earlier than planned.
The most common takeaway is to use short-term accommodation first, then secure a long-term rental once in Spain, especially when trying to rent in Spain during peak summer months.
This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
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