What it costs to furnish an unfurnished Spanish rental

Key rules

• Appliances: Appliances are usually the biggest cost, so check which ones the flat already has.
• Second-hand: Second-hand furniture is typically 30-70% cheaper than new, but private sales usually have no warranty.
• Budget: A basic one- or two-bedroom flat typically costs from a few thousand euros to furnish from scratch.

What an unfurnished flat usually lacks

"Unfurnished" (sin amueblar) often means close to empty. Expect to bring or buy almost everything.

• Lighting: often only bare bulb holders, with no lamps or light fittings.
• Kitchen: sometimes only worktops and a sink. Many flats have a fitted kitchen with hob and extractor, but the rest varies widely.
• Appliances: fridge, washing machine, oven, hob, extractor and water heater may all be missing.
• Storage: built-in wardrobes (armarios empotrados) may not exist.
• Everything else: curtains, beds, mattresses and all furniture.

Check the listing and ask the landlord exactly what is included before you sign.

A realistic budget

Furnishing a basic one- or two-bedroom flat from scratch with budget retailers such as IKEA, Leroy Merlin or Conforama typically costs from a few thousand euros. Prices change, so check current retail prices before you fix your budget.

The main items are:

• beds and mattresses
• sofa
• table and chairs
• wardrobes
• lighting
• curtains
• kitchen appliances (fridge, washing machine, oven or hob)

Appliances are usually the largest part of the bill. If the flat already has some, your total drops sharply, so count what is there first.

How to spend less

Buying second-hand is the biggest saving. Discounts are typically 30-70% below new prices. They are higher for bulky furniture and smaller for recent appliances.

Places to look:

• online classified and resale apps
• local expat groups
• rastros (flea markets)
• charity shops
• Cash Converters
• house-clearance shops

Check the condition of any appliance in person. Private sales usually come with no warranty, so test it before you pay.

A sensible order: list what the flat lacks, buy beds, a fridge and a washing machine first, then add the rest over the first weeks. The questions below cover the most common doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Will an unfurnished flat have lights and wardrobes?

Not always, because many unfurnished flats come with only bare bulb holders and sometimes no built-in wardrobes. Some have a fitted kitchen with hob and extractor, but in others the kitchen is only worktops and a sink. Ask the landlord for an exact list of what stays before you sign.

Which part of furnishing a flat costs the most?

Kitchen appliances are usually the biggest part of the bill when you furnish a flat from scratch. A basic one- or two-bedroom flat typically costs from a few thousand euros with budget retailers. Check whether the fridge, washing machine, oven or hob are already included, since that changes your total a lot.

How much can I save by buying second-hand furniture?

You can typically save 30-70% compared with new prices, with bigger savings on bulky furniture and smaller ones on recent appliances. Try online marketplace apps, flea markets (rastros), charity shops or house-clearance shops.