Housing fraud in Spain is a growing problem. More and more people are losing money by scammers posing as landlords or sellers. Scammers use clever tricks: fake ads, fake brokers and fake accounts on popular housing platforms. Both tourists and expats are at risk of falling victim to these practices, which can lead to thousands of euros in losses.

Forms of fraud: from fake offers to illegal commissions

Research by fact-checking platform Newtral shows that fraudsters often pretend to be brokers or hosts and false ads on websites like Idealista or Airbnb. They use real photos of existing homes, but place them with false data or under a different name.

They often ask for a deposit – supposedly to reserve the house – and then disappear with the money. This form of scam is mainly aimed at people who are in a hurry, or do not have the opportunity to visit the property first, such as foreigners or people renting remotely.

How does housing fraud work in Spain?

It is not surprising that many people become victims of fraud during their search for a home in Spain. Fraudsters use smart, sophisticated methods to trap home seekers. Property advisor José Carlos Padrino (REMAX Urbe, Madrid) puts in a blog some of the most common tricks in renting or buying a house in Spain:

• Buy new-build home without a quality guarantee – Check that the delivered property meets the promised finish (‘memoria de calidades’) before signing the deed of sale.
• Sell by someone who does not own – Check through the Spanish Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) if the seller is actually the owner.
• Hidden debts or charges – Request a note of a note of whether there are mortgages or other legal claims on the property.
• Internet ads with foreign phone numbers – The property cannot be viewed because the “owner abroad” would be. Pressure is applied to make a deposit quickly.
• Keys via courier – The “landlord” promises to send the keys after receipt of the deposit, but they never arrive. Keys should always be handed over personally.
• Misleading photos – The house in the photos turns out to be very different or in poor condition.

Illegal practices also occur with official brokers. Some agencies charge extra commissions or fees to the tenant, while they are legally for the landlord’s account. The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs is currently investigating several complaints.

Examples: from holiday homes to long-term rental

In Barcelona, a woman found her apartment on Airbnb, without ever renting it out. Tourists suddenly stood at her door, as the Spanish newspaper El Pais reported. The photos and description of her home were used without permission.

On Tenerife, a woman was arrested after she offered fake rental homes via WhatsApp and e-mail and deposits up to €4,800 per victim. According to media company Cadena SER, she used attractive prices to quickly win trust from potential tenants.

Also with official real estate agents there is sometimes housing fraud in Spain. The Spanish government has launched an investigation into several real estate agencies that ask illegal commissions to tenants. According to the ministry, these are abuse practices such as the unjust calculation of mediation costs, the imposition of temporary leases without legal ground and the inclusion of invalid clauses in contracts.

How do you prevent you from becoming a victim?

According to Newtral and real estate experts, there are clear signs that may indicate fraud. Here are the most important tips to protect yourself:

1. Distrust offers that are “too good to be true.” Is the price remarkably low? Just be alert.
2. Check if the provider really owns it. Ask through the land registry who owns the house or plot.
3. Ask a note simple to see if there are debts or charges.
4. Never pay in advance without seeing the house.
5. Use traceable payment methods and avoid cash or unknown apps.
6. Watch vague or defective language. Scammers often use automatic translations.
7. Do not fall for key transfer stories by courier.
8. Ask for official documents, such as the title deed and signed contract.
9. Check if the estate agent is registered, especially in regions where this is mandatory, such as Catalonia.

Stay alert when buying or renting a property

Renting or buying a property in Spain remains attractive, but the market is not without risks. By being alert, checking information and not making rushed payments, you can save yourself a lot of misery. – Do you doubt? Then call in a licensed broker or legal advisor.