Rising interest in rentals outside major cities
In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for housing rentals in the suburbs of Madrid and Barcelona. According to analysts, municipalities located outside the administrative borders of these metropolises have become the most sought after among tenants. Leading the rankings are cities like Leganés, Móstoles, Hospitalet de Llobregat, and Terrassa. Their popularity is explained by a combination of more affordable prices and developed infrastructure, attracting those who are unwilling to pay a premium for living in the city center.
Around Madrid, cities such as Getafe, Fuenlabrada, Torrejón de Ardoz, Alcalá de Henares, Alcorcón, and Alcobendas also stand out. All these localities surpass the capital itself in terms of rental demand, with Madrid ranking only 33rd. In Catalonia, besides Barcelona, renters are increasingly choosing Sabadell and Badalona, as well as Sant Cugat del Vallès and Esplugues de Llobregat.
Provincial centers lose ground
Unlike previous years, large administrative centers are no longer leading in terms of rental market pressure. Among provincial capitals, only Guadalajara is among the top ten most in-demand cities. Others, such as Vitoria, Pamplona, Lleida, Zaragoza, Palma, and Tarragona, are positioned lower on the list. Barcelona has held onto a spot in the top twenty, while Madrid has dropped even further.
Among the cities where rental demand exceeds supply are Castellón de la Plana, Toledo, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Bilbao, Girona, Burgos, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Logroño, and Huelva. In total, the ranking includes 48 provincial capitals where at least 200 rental listings were published over the quarter.
A shift in demand in other regions
The trend of growing interest in renting in the suburbs is not limited to the capital regions. In Valencia, where the capital itself ranks 54th, leading spots are taken by Torrent, Paterna, Moncada, Puerto de Sagunto, and Gandía. In Alicante province, top positions go to Alcoy and Elche, as well as San Juan de Alicante, Benidorm, San Vicente del Raspeig, and Torrevieja.
On the Canary Islands, the municipalities of Telde and San Cristóbal de La Laguna have higher demand than their respective island capitals. In Andalusia’s Seville province, Dos Hermanas has become more attractive to renters than the city of Sevilla itself. In Cádiz and its surroundings, interest in renting is also rising in cities like Jerez de la Frontera and Algeciras.
Rental market changes expected in 2025
Experts note that the shift in demand is due to rising prices in central areas and limited supply. Renters are increasingly considering alternative options in neighboring cities, where housing can be found at more attractive prices. This trend is typical for most major urban areas in the country and affects not only Madrid and Barcelona, but also Valencia, Sevilla, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and other regions.
Analysts predict that in the coming months, interest in renting in the suburbs will continue to grow. Municipalities located near major cities are becoming increasingly attractive to those looking for a balance between cost, quality of life, and transport accessibility.
