Buying or Renting in Spain: What Makes More Sense Today?

The sun, the sea, the palm trees… and maybe a home next to them?If you’re planning to spend winters in Spain, come here regularly, or even settle for longer – you’re probably wondering: should I rent or buy? Both options have their pros and cons, so this post will help you better understand what fits your situation.

Long-term rental: less commitment, more flexibility
Long-term rental is often the first step for those who want to “try out” life in Spain. It’s especially convenient if you’re still not sure whether this place will become your second home. You can live comfortably, explore the area and feel free to change your plans at any time.

Most often, these are 2- or 3-bedroom apartments. Prices range from around €2,000 to €3,000/month. In rare cases, you may find options for around €1,500, but they’re limited. If you’re dreaming of a spacious house with sea views or a stylish apartment with a large terrace – be prepared for €3,000 to €5,000/month.

One important note: foreigners are often required to pay up to 6 months’ rent in advance, plus a security deposit.

Mid-term rental: from autumn to spring
There’s also a popular middle option – mid-term rental from September to May. It’s a great solution for those who want to escape the winter cold but return to Lithuania or travel elsewhere during summer. These rentals usually cost a bit less than long-term ones, but they often require tenants to vacate in the summer. You may need to organize storage for your belongings – but in return, you get 8 months of sunshine, a mild climate, and a calmer atmosphere.

Short-term rental: convenient, but pricey
If you’re coming for a holiday – short-term rental via Airbnb or Booking.com is your best bet. But if you’re planning to stay longer, the numbers start speaking for themselves.The average nightly price during the season is around €250 or more, meaning monthly income from such rentals can reach €7,500 to €10,000 or even higher. For example, a 2-week stay can cost around €3,500.

For comparison: long-term rentals typically range from €1,500 to €3,500/month, depending on the property, season and location. So if you’re staying for a month or longer – short-term rentals quickly become less financially efficient.

Or maybe it’s time to buy?

If you come to Spain every year, return regularly or plan to relocate – owning a property may not only be more convenient, but also a logical investment. Mortgage interest rates currently sit around 3–3.5%, and foreigners are typically granted up to 70% financing. The process from “I like it” to keys in hand takes 1 to 3 months.
And here’s the exciting part – your home can be both a personal retreat and an income generator.

An investment that can pay off

Let’s say you purchase an apartment for €400,000. If you rent it out during the summer at €250 per night, you can earn €4,000 to €8,000 per month. Over the year, this can cover your mortgage payments, property expenses – and often leave you with profit.
Plus, most owners work with property management agencies that handle guest check-ins, cleaning, key exchange and more. So it can become nearly passive income while you’re back in Lithuania or traveling elsewhere.

So, how to decide?
🟢 Coming for a short visit? Rent.
🟢 Want to try out life in Spain? Rent for longer.
🟢 Returning every year or planning to stay? Buying might be not just more convenient, but a smarter financial move.