Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Finding Long-Term Rentals in Spain: Spotahome vs VRBO
Looking for advice to rent in Spain. Has anyone had experience renting a home through Spot a Home, or other similar platforms like VRBO for long-term rentals? Can you share your thoughts, good or bad? Thank you.
Renting in Spain: Real Experiences with Spotahome and VRBO
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“SpotaHome is for both short and long term rentals. It has some mixed reviews but they do inspect the place for you and guarantee your deposit. The other nice thing is you don’t need to pay 6 months up front if you aren’t on a work contract like many owners want you to do and no agency fee.”
“You can use Spotahome to rent apartments (or rooms) for several months in most Spanish cities. The process is done fully online without the need to visit the property. Here you can get a 20% discount in the tenant fees https://spainguru.es/apartment-rentals-in-spain-for-months/“
“Don’t do it!!”
“A lot of scams on VRBO, I would recommend corporate rentals where you have more security and better service.”
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Explore Cities →“You’re going to pay A LOT more on VRBO than you would through fotocasa and idealista”
Planning your move to Spain? Check out our complete Moving to Spain guide, learn about the Non-Lucrative Visa, explore the cost of living in Spain, and discover your Digital Nomad Visa options.
Conclusion: Best Platforms for Long-Term Rent in Spain
When it comes to navigating rent in Spain, experiences with platforms like Spotahome and VRBO are mixed. Some community members appreciate Spotahome’s convenience, especially the lack of upfront payments and agency fees. The online nature of the platform, including property inspections and deposit guarantees, also appeals to those new to Spain.
However, others caution against using such services, citing potential scams and higher prices. VRBO, in particular, is noted to be significantly more expensive than local rental websites such as Fotocasa or Idealista. Corporate rentals were suggested as a safer alternative, offering better service and reliability.
Ultimately, those planning to rent in Spain should carefully weigh the convenience of international platforms against the potential for higher costs or risks. Exploring local websites or corporate options may offer more favorable terms and greater security.
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