Rental price trends in Spain
Over the past twelve months, the cost of residential rentals in Spain has risen significantly. As of September 2025, the average rate reached 14.5 euros per square meter per month. Despite this, a slight decrease of 1.3 percent was recorded over the last quarter. These findings are included in a recent real estate market analysis.
Causes of growth and impact on tenants
Experts note that demand for rental housing continues to increase, while the number of available listings has remained virtually unchanged. As a result, competition among tenants is intensifying, and property owners are more likely to choose candidates who can guarantee stable income and minimal risk. This situation leaves young people with limited financial resources and vulnerable populations at a disadvantage when searching for housing. Specialists emphasize that the issue can only be addressed by increasing supply in the market.
Cities and regions with the highest growth
Among all provincial capitals, the sharpest price increase was recorded in Segovia—almost 20 percent over the year. In Madrid, rents rose by 11.2 percent, in Seville by 9.8 percent, in Valencia by 7.8 percent, in Alicante by 7.5 percent, in Bilbao by 7 percent, and in Barcelona by 6.9 percent. The most modest changes were seen in San Sebastián (0.4 percent), Málaga (6.1 percent), and Palma (6.2 percent). In Huesca, growth was just 0.2 percent.
Most Expensive and Most Affordable Cities
Barcelona remains the most expensive city for rentals at 24 euros per square meter. It is followed by Madrid (22.7 euros) and Palma (18.4 euros). The top five also include San Sebastián (18.2 euros), Málaga, and Valencia (both at 15.4 euros). The lowest prices are seen in Ciudad Real and Lugo (7.7 euros), as well as Zamora and Cáceres (7.9 euros each). Eighteen out of 51 regional capitals have recorded historic highs, including Barcelona, Madrid, Palma, Alicante, and Seville.
Situation in Provinces and Autonomous Communities
Rental prices have increased in almost all Spanish provinces, except for Cáceres and Soria, where declines of 2.4 and 2 percent respectively were recorded. The sharpest rise was noted in Segovia (18.7 percent), as well as in Zamora, Guadalajara, Ourense, and Palencia. In Madrid, prices rose by 12.2 percent, and in Barcelona by 8.4 percent. The most expensive provinces remain Madrid, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, and Gipuzkoa. The most affordable rentals are found in Jaén, Ciudad Real, Lugo, and Badajoz.
Overall Situation by Autonomous Communities
Over the past year, rents have increased in all autonomous communities. The largest increases were observed in Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, Andalucía, La Rioja, the Valencian Community, Catalonia, and Castilla y León. The lowest growth was in Extremadura. The highest average prices are in Madrid, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands. The lowest are in Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, and Murcia.
Methodology
Only current listings were considered for the ranking, with duplicate and atypical properties excluded. Both apartments and houses were included, but properties that generated no user interest were not taken into account. The final values were calculated based on the median prices in each region.
