Moving to Spain soon or just dreaming about it? ☀️Whether you plan to rent, buy, or invest, the Spanish property market follows its own rules. From deposits and documents to agent differences and hidden taxes, it’s easy to get lost without the right help.In this episode of the Expat Livin Podcast, Guillermo sits down with Flavie Staub, a trilingual real-estate expert based in Madrid who also serves clients in Málaga and Palma de Mallorca. Flavie shares her journey from France to Spain, explains how the market really works for foreigners, and reveals what to watch out for before signing anything.
🎧 What You’ll Learn
🏡 How renting really works for foreigners in Spain
💶 Step-by-step guide to buying a home as a non-resident
📄 Deposits, guarantees, and paperwork you’ll actually need
🚫 Common rental and purchase mistakes—and how to avoid them
📈 Key differences between investing in Madrid vs. Mallorca
💡 Why using vetted local pros (like Expat Livin’s network) saves you stress and money
🕒 Timestamps
0:00 – Intro │ How Spain’s real-estate market “plays by its own rules”
1:05 – Flavie’s story │ From France to Madrid and her first property in 1998
4:15 – Working across Madrid, Málaga & Mallorca │ How she manages multiple markets
5:40 – Rental process │ Why renting in Spain is tougher for foreigners
8:40 – Deposits & guarantors │ Insurance, escrow, and owner requirements
10:00 – Short-term vs long-term rentals │ How to test neighborhoods before committing
12:55 – Community & culture │ Integrating with locals vs staying in expat circles
14:00 – Buying in Spain │ Bank accounts, NIE numbers, and legal setup
18:00 – Agents & licensing │ Why anyone can call themselves an agent—and the risks
21:25 – Personal shoppers │ Spain’s version of a buyer’s agent explained
24:40 – Due diligence │ Scams, inspections, and what notaries don’t check
32:15 – Investing │ Madrid’s business focus vs Mallorca’s resort market
35:00 – Short-term rental laws │ Where licenses still exist (hint: Málaga)
36:10 – Market growth │ Property appreciation and choosing prime areas
38:00 – Taxes & fees │ Transfer tax, notary, registration, and new-build costs
39:14 – Final takeaways │ Why having the right local expert changes everything
39:55 – Outro │ How to start your home search with Expat Livin
👉 Ready to find your home in Spain? Visit expatlivin.com/real-estate and tell us where you’re moving. We’ll personally connect you with trusted, vetted agents—including experts like Flavie—to help you rent, buy, or invest stress-free.
🏠 Get real-estate help → https://expatlivin.com/real-estate
📌 Thinking about moving abroad but not sure where to start?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
🌍 Join the Expat Livin Community
Get clarity, real guidance, and support from people who are actually living this life.
👉 https://expatlivin.com/community
🧭 Need hands-on, done-for-you help?
Our Relocation Concierge Service is for individuals and families who want expert support with visas, housing, logistics, and planning—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://expatlivin.com/relocation-concierge
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