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Home finder Sophia (Girona)

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Reliability of listings
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Your home finder is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
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Your home finder can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and he knows the local agencies and landlords
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At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our home finder.
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Access to local prices
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When you search alone, about 85% of the time goes into searching and 15% into viewings. With a home finder, you only do the viewings
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Application accepted
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In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your home finder will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
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Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
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Weak
Weak
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Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

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Weak
Very likely
95%
Girona

Girona is a mid-sized Catalan city offering a high quality of life, a compact and walkable urban environment, and a rental market that remains more accessible than Barcelona — though it has tightened considerably in recent years. The city is home to a diverse population of students, expats, and local families, all competing for a limited supply of long-term rental apartments.

Girona is classified as a stressed residential market area under Catalonian Resolution TER/800/2024, meaning rents for new contracts may be subject to the official Catalan rent reference index. Long-term leases are governed by Spain's Urban Lease Law (LAU), which provides strong tenant protections including automatic renewal rights and capped deposit requirements.

Key neighbourhoods for long-term renters include Barri Vell (historic charm, limited supply), Eixample (modern, practical, well-served), Devesa (family-friendly, green), Montilivi (university area, modern housing), and Santa Eugènia (affordable, residential). A complete rental dossier, knowledge of local regulations, and speed of response are essential to securing a good apartment in this market.

In short: Girona offers a high quality of life and a more affordable rental market than Barcelona, but competition for long-term apartments is intense and the legal framework is complex. Girona is a declared stressed area under Catalan law, meaning rents may be capped by the official reference index. Tenants are protected by the LAU, which limits deposits and prohibits landlords from charging agency fees. To succeed in this market, prepare a complete rental dossier, act quickly, verify contract terms carefully, and consider working with a local rental search specialist.

The Girona long-term rental market presents several practical challenges for newcomers:

  • Limited supply: Girona is a compact city with a relatively small rental stock. Available long-term apartments are quickly taken, particularly in sought-after areas such as Barri Vell and Eixample.
  • Rising rents: Rental prices in Girona have increased in recent years, driven by growing demand from students, expats, and the city's expanding cycling and tourism economy.
  • Competition from short-term and seasonal rentals: A portion of the housing stock is diverted to tourist and seasonal rentals, reducing the supply available for long-term tenants.
  • Landlord selectivity: Landlords in a tight market can afford to be selective. Tenants without a Spanish employment contract, a local guarantor (aval), or a strong financial dossier may face repeated rejections.
  • Language barrier: Most listings, landlords, and agencies operate in Spanish or Catalan. Non-speakers may miss listings or misunderstand contract terms.
  • Speed of the market: Desirable apartments in central neighbourhoods can be reserved within hours of listing. Remote applicants who cannot visit in person are at a significant disadvantage.

Renting a home in Girona as a foreigner involves several administrative steps that can be challenging without local knowledge:

  • NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): Most landlords require a NIE or, at minimum, a valid passport. Obtaining a NIE requires an appointment at the Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) in Girona, which can involve waiting times of several weeks.
  • Proof of income: Landlords typically request recent payslips, a work contract, or bank statements to verify financial solvency. Self-employed workers and freelancers may need to provide additional documentation such as tax declarations (declaración de la renta).
  • Empadronamiento (municipal registration): Once you sign a lease, you are required to register at the local town hall (Ajuntament de Girona). This registration is necessary to access public services, healthcare, and schools.
  • Catalan rent reference index: Understanding and applying the official rent cap tool requires navigating a Catalan-language administrative platform, which can be difficult for non-Catalan speakers.
  • Contract language: Rental contracts in Girona are typically written in Spanish or Catalan. Having the contract reviewed by a bilingual professional is strongly recommended before signing.
  • Seasonal vs. long-term contract risk: Some landlords attempt to classify long-term leases as seasonal contracts to avoid LAU obligations. Identifying and challenging this requires knowledge of Spanish tenancy law.

Navigating the Girona rental market from abroad — or even locally — can be time-consuming and legally complex. Here is why working with a rental search specialist makes sense:

  • Local market knowledge: A specialist knows which neighbourhoods match your lifestyle, budget, and daily needs, and can identify realistic options quickly in a market with limited supply.
  • Local agencies: Many Girona landlords work with local agencies that a specialist knows well. A well-connected specialist can access apartments before they are publicly listed.
  • Legal protection: From verifying rent cap compliance under Catalonian Resolution TER/800/2024 to identifying abusive contract clauses, a specialist ensures you sign a legally sound lease.
  • Dossier preparation: A specialist helps you assemble a complete and compelling rental dossier, increasing your chances of being selected by landlords in a competitive market.
  • Remote search support: If you are relocating from another country or city, a specialist can visit properties on your behalf, conduct video tours, and manage negotiations without requiring you to travel before you are ready.
  • Time savings: Searching, shortlisting, visiting, and negotiating a rental in Girona can take weeks. A specialist compresses this timeline significantly.

A rental search specialist supporting your move to Girona will typically verify the following on your behalf:

  • Lease type and legal compliance: Confirming the contract is a long-term residential lease governed by the LAU, not a seasonal or tourist contract that would strip your tenant protections.
  • Rent cap compliance: Checking whether the advertised rent respects the Catalan rent reference index, since Girona is a declared stressed area under Resolution TER/800/2024.
  • Deposit and guarantee terms: Ensuring the landlord is not requesting more than the legally permitted fianza plus two months' additional guarantee.
  • Energy Performance Certificate (CEE): Verifying that the landlord provides a valid energy certificate before signing, as required by Spanish law.
  • Property condition: Assessing the actual state of the apartment — fixtures, appliances, damp, heating — against what is described in the listing.
  • Landlord identity and ownership: Confirming the person signing the contract is the legal owner or an authorised representative.
  • Neighbourhood fit: Matching the property's location to your daily needs — proximity to transport, schools, services, or the University of Girona campus.
  • Hidden charges: Identifying any community fees (gastos de comunidad) or IBI (local property tax) clauses that may be passed on to the tenant, which is only permitted if explicitly stated in the contract.

A typical rental search process in Girona, supported by a specialist, follows these steps:

  1. Initial briefing: You define your requirements — budget in EUR/month, preferred neighbourhoods, apartment size, move-in date, and any specific needs (pet-friendly, parking, home office space).
  2. Market assessment: The specialist provides a realistic overview of what is available in Girona within your criteria, including current rent levels and neighbourhood trade-offs.
  3. Active search: The specialist contacts local agencies and private landlords to identify matching properties.
  4. Property visits: Shortlisted apartments are visited in person or via video call. The specialist assesses condition, legal compliance, and neighbourhood fit.
  5. Dossier submission: A complete rental dossier is prepared and submitted on your behalf — including ID documents, proof of income, bank statements, and references.
  6. Negotiation: The specialist negotiates rent, lease duration, and contract terms with the landlord or their agent.
  7. Contract review: The lease is reviewed to ensure compliance with the LAU, the Catalan rent reference index, and the 2023 Housing Law before you sign.
  8. Move-in support: The specialist assists with the move-in inventory, utility transfers, and guidance on empadronamiento (municipal registration) at the Ajuntament de Girona.

Rental search support in Girona is particularly valuable for the following profiles:

  • International relocators: Professionals or families moving to Girona from abroad who are unfamiliar with Spanish tenancy law, the Catalan rental market, and local administrative procedures.
  • International professionals on long stays: People choosing Girona for its quality of life, compact size, and connectivity, who need a reliable long-term base but cannot afford to spend weeks searching in person.
  • Students and researchers: Those enrolling at the University of Girona (Universitat de Girona) who need accommodation near the Montilivi or Barri Vell campuses and face strong competition from other students.
  • Expat families: Families relocating to Girona who need to balance school catchment areas, green space, and apartment size within a defined budget.
  • Professionals on assignment: Employees transferred to Girona by their company who need a furnished or unfurnished apartment quickly and cannot dedicate time to an extended search.
  • Non-Spanish speakers: Anyone who does not speak Spanish or Catalan and needs support navigating listings, landlord communications, and contract terms.

Girona is a compact city, and the choice of neighbourhood significantly affects your daily life and rental budget. Here are the main areas to consider:

  • Barri Vell (Old Town): The most characterful area, with medieval architecture, riverfront apartments, and proximity to cultural attractions. Popular with expats and the international cycling community. Rental supply is limited, parking is difficult, and streets are narrow. Rents tend to be at the higher end of the Girona range.
  • Eixample: The modern city centre, with a grid layout, abundant shops, the main market (Mercat del Lleó), schools, and excellent public services. Considered the most practical area for day-to-day living. Good apartment availability across a range of sizes and budgets.
  • Devesa: Borders one of Catalonia's largest urban parks. Well suited to families seeking green space and good apartment availability. Quieter than the centre but still well connected.
  • Montilivi: Located near the University of Girona campus. Offers modern housing, sports facilities, and a younger demographic. Popular with students, young professionals, and families.
  • Santa Eugènia: A more affordable residential neighbourhood to the south of the centre. Good transport links and local amenities, with a more local feel than the tourist-facing areas.
  • Pedret i Sant Daniel: A quieter area north of the old town, considered one of the safer and more residential parts of the city. Suits those looking for calm surroundings close to the historic centre.

Rental prices across Girona remain significantly lower than in Barcelona, though they have risen in recent years. The average rental price is approximately 12.2 EUR per square metre per month (source: Expat.com, 2024), with significant variation by neighbourhood and apartment type.

When budgeting for a long-term rental in Girona, keep the following points in mind:

  • Security deposit (fianza): Under Spain's Urban Lease Law (LAU), landlords may request one month's fianza plus up to two additional months as a supplementary guarantee. Requests exceeding this are not compliant with the LAU.
  • Agency fees: Since Spain's 2023 Housing Law (Ley de Vivienda), agency fees for residential leases must be paid by the landlord, not the tenant. If you are asked to pay them, this is a red flag.
  • Upfront costs: Plan for the equivalent of two to three months' rent at signing (deposit plus first month's rent), in addition to any supplementary guarantee.
  • Rent reference index: Girona is classified as a zona de mercat residencial tens (stressed residential market area) under Catalonian Resolution TER/800/2024. This means rents for new contracts may be capped by the official Catalan rent reference index. Always check the index before signing.
  • Utilities: Monthly utility costs (electricity, water, gas, internet) are generally not included in the listed rent. Budget an additional amount each month for these expenses.
  • Annual rent increases: For contracts governed by the LAU, annual rent increases are linked to a legally defined index, not freely set by the landlord.

These are the most common mistakes made by people searching for a long-term rental in Girona:

  • Signing a seasonal contract for a primary residence: Some landlords offer contratos de temporada (seasonal leases) to avoid LAU protections. If you intend to live in the property as your main home, insist on a standard long-term residential lease.
  • Paying agency fees as a tenant: Since the 2023 Housing Law, agency fees must be covered by the landlord for residential leases. Tenants who pay these fees without questioning them are losing money they are legally entitled to keep.
  • Accepting a deposit above the legal limit: Requesting more than one month's fianza plus two months' additional guarantee is not permitted under the LAU. Agreeing to pay more weakens your legal position.
  • Not checking the rent reference index: In Girona, a declared stressed area, rents may be capped. Signing a contract above the reference index without verifying it means potentially overpaying.
  • Skipping the property inspection: Failing to document the condition of the apartment at move-in (with photos and a written inventory) can lead to unjustified deposit deductions at the end of the tenancy.
  • Underestimating the dossier requirements: Arriving without a complete rental dossier (ID, proof of income, bank statements, references) means losing apartments to better-prepared candidates in a competitive market.
  • Relying solely on online listings: Many available apartments in Girona are let quickly through local agencies. Limiting your search to online platforms significantly reduces your options.

Practical tips for a successful long-term rental search in Girona:

  • Start your search early: The Girona rental market moves quickly. Begin your search at least six to eight weeks before your intended move-in date.
  • Prepare your dossier in advance: Gather your ID (NIE or passport), the last three payslips or proof of income, recent bank statements, and any references from previous landlords before you start applying.
  • Check the rent reference index: Since Girona is a declared stressed area, use the official Catalan rent reference tool to verify whether the advertised rent is within the legal cap before signing.
  • Insist on a long-term residential lease: Make sure your contract is classified as a contrato de arrendamiento de vivienda under the LAU, not a seasonal or tourist contract, to benefit from full tenant protections.
  • Do not pay agency fees: Under the 2023 Housing Law, agency fees for residential leases must be paid by the landlord. Refuse any request to pay these as a tenant.
  • Visit in person when possible: Photos and virtual tours do not always reflect the real condition of an apartment. If you cannot visit, ask a trusted local contact or specialist to inspect on your behalf.
  • Register at the town hall promptly: Once you have signed your lease, complete your empadronamiento at the Ajuntament de Girona as soon as possible. This registration is required to access healthcare, schools, and other public services.
  • Learn basic Spanish or Catalan: Most landlords and local agencies operate in Spanish or Catalan. Even a basic level of language ability will help you communicate and build trust during negotiations.

Remoters connects you with vetted rental search specialists who know the Girona market and can support your long-term accommodation search from start to finish. Whether you are relocating from abroad, searching remotely, or simply navigating a competitive and legally complex rental market for the first time, Remoters helps you find the right apartment in the right neighbourhood — with the right contract.

In a city where supply is limited and competition is strong, a Home Finder based in Girona searches through letting agents and landlords, shortlists homes in the Barri Vell, the Eixample or Devesa, views them with photos or video, helps you put the application together and reviews the lease to make sure it is a proper residential lease, not a seasonal contract.

A free, no-commitment first conversation with a Home Finder in Girona who speaks English opens the search, then a quote sets out the price, what is included and what happens if the search does not succeed. They view homes with photos or video, deal with landlords and follow your application through to signing. You pay online, and the funds are only released to them at the end of the search.

They check that you are not offered a seasonal contract for a main residence, since it would strip you of the LAU protections. They also check compliance with the reference rent index, Girona being a tight-market zone, the deposit requested, at most one month of fianza plus two months of guarantee, and the energy performance document. Agency fees should fall to the landlord.

Most landlords require a NIE or at least a valid passport; the NIE needs an appointment at Girona's Oficina de Extranjeros, with waits of several weeks possible. Prepare payslips, an employment contract or bank statements, and tax returns if you are self-employed. Once the lease is signed, register on the municipal register (empadronamiento) at the Ajuntament.

What are you looking for in Girona?

One of our home finders will look for the ideal property for you
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Long-term rental

standard lease, for 12 months or more
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Short rental

for periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat
Floor plan of a home with its rooms and furniture.

Long-term rental

Standard lease, for 12 months or more
Blue backpack and folding chair: short-term rental.

Short-term rental

For periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat

How does it work?

1

First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

2
Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
3
Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
4
Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
5
Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
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Frequently asked questions

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In practical terms, what does a Home Finder do for your rental in Girona?

In a city where supply is limited and competition is strong, a Home Finder based in Girona searches through letting agents and landlords, shortlists homes in the Barri Vell, the Eixample or Devesa, views them with photos or video, helps you put the application together and reviews the lease to make sure it is a proper residential lease, not a seasonal contract.

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How do you rent in Girona from abroad, from first contact to signed lease?

A free, no-commitment first conversation with a Home Finder in Girona who speaks English opens the search, then a quote sets out the price, what is included and what happens if the search does not succeed. They view homes with photos or video, deal with landlords and follow your application through to signing. You pay online, and the funds are only released to them at the end of the search.

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Which traps does a Home Finder check for before a lease is signed in Girona?

They check that you are not offered a seasonal contract for a main residence, since it would strip you of the LAU protections. They also check compliance with the reference rent index, Girona being a tight-market zone, the deposit requested, at most one month of fianza plus two months of guarantee, and the energy performance document. Agency fees should fall to the landlord.

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What formalities should a foreigner plan for when renting in Girona?

Most landlords require a NIE or at least a valid passport; the NIE needs an appointment at Girona's Oficina de Extranjeros, with waits of several weeks possible. Prepare payslips, an employment contract or bank statements, and tax returns if you are self-employed. Once the lease is signed, register on the municipal register (empadronamiento) at the Ajuntament.

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