Bilbao Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Bilbao, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain)

Vizcaya's capital, in the heart of Spain's Basque Country, rests on the banks of the River Nervión and boasts a mild climate year-round. Expats don't just settle in the industrial port city of Bilbao for the pleasant weather - they come here for the Basque lifestyle and easy access to surrounding places of interest.

Best known by many outsiders as being home to the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is more than just a museum hub. The city attracts many expat workers who find employment at the seaport or within one of the many factories and businesses that line the river. The city is becoming an increasingly popular second home destination too.


The Old Town (Casco Viejo) is perhaps the most attractive part of the city, but inevitably, property prices here are high. In fact, real estate prices are high across the board in Bilbao's central districts, with only those in the Spanish capital of Madrid, along with Barcelona and San Sebastian, seeing greater price tags. Lower property prices can be found along the coast in the likes of affluent Getxo, historic Durango and traditional Leioa.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Short-term serviced apartments are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to hotels in Bilbao. While short stays often incur rates similar to those at equivalent hotels, extended stays garner substantial discounts, making serviced apartments an attractive option for those looking for all the comforts and amenities of a hotel.

Private holiday apartment rentals are also available at cheaper rates than those of serviced apartments. Deposit rates for serviced apartments vary according to length of stay. Typically, apartments come with all mod cons, from washing machines to microwaves and toasters.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Foreigners are able to purchase property in Bilbao without trouble. Buyers should take note that stamp duty and transfer tax of around 0.5 and six percent respectively must be paid. The purchaser should register the property after signing the contract to protect their rights to the property.

Investment potential remains good in Bilbao, as it is away from the southern Spanish coastal resorts that have traditionally been the main focus of foreign buyers. Recent financial investments in the development of Bilbao look set to see the city's profile continue to increase, making purchasing here attractive.

Real Estate Agents

You may feel more secure choosing an agent that is Agente de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria (API) registered. However, many large Spanish realtors are not. If you don't speak Spanish, finding an agent with excellent English language skills is a must to guide you through the purchasing or renting process.

Check out the following Bilbao real estate agents:

Inmo Berri
Address: Calle de Rodriguez Arias 70, Bilbao, 48013, Vizcaya, Spain
Tel: +34 94 442 1897
Email: aojeda@inmoberri.com
Website: www.inmoberri.com
This estate agent offers property in and around the city and has a useful Spanish-language website.

Libercasa
Address: 2de Leeghwaterstraat 2hs, 1018 RA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 320 6351
Email: info@libercasa.co.uk
Website: www.libercasa.co.uk/bilbao/property
Despite having its main office in the Netherlands, Libercasa is a great resource for the purchase or rental of Bilbao property.

Tecnocasa
Address: Avenida Zumalacárregui 32 (Begona), Bilbao, 48006, Vizcaya, Spain
Tel: +34 94 607 1207
Local realtor Tecnocasa has no online presence, but does have a Bilbao office with helpful staff.