Question 1

What time of year is it easiest to find a one-bedroom rental apartment in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

1-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao have a very high turnover and are rented out quickly at any time of year — which is why planning your search well in advance is particularly important. The most favourable periods are still September to November and January to February. – January–February: low demand and good availability — average search time 1–3 weeks; prices are more negotiable. – March–May: moderate demand with good availability — 2–4 weeks; stable prices. – June–August: very high demand — the best one-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao are rented out within 24–48 hours; search times of 4–8 weeks and prices rising by 5–15% compared to the rest of the year. – September–November: the best supply-to-demand ratio of the year — 1–3 weeks; more competitive prices after the summer peak. Since one-bedroom apartments are the most in-demand category on the market, set up alerts on Rentola to receive new rental apartment listings in Bilbao as soon as they are published — in this category, acting quickly is key to not missing out on the best options.

Question 2

How much is spent in total on utilities per month in a 1-bedroom apartment in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

In a one-bedroom rental apartment in Bilbao, utilities amount to between 80€ and 160€ per month in total, depending on the heating system and the time of year. The typical breakdown is: 1. Electricity: 40–80€ per month, based on actual consumption.
2. Gas or heating: 25–50€ per month (more in winter).
3. Water: 10–20€ per month.
4. Internet: 30–45€ per month. In Spain, utilities are paid based on actual consumption with no fixed advance payments. In winter, total costs can rise by 30–50%. In privately rented 1-bedroom apartments in Bilbao, always verify which utilities are included in the rent before signing.

Question 3

How much does it cost to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

The average price of a 1-bedroom rental apartment in Bilbao is 1294 € per month. The most affordable one-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao start from 700 €, while the best located or most recently refurbished ones can reach 2417 €. Price differences depend on the neighbourhood, the condition of the property, whether it is furnished, and the services included. Visit Rentola to explore the available 1-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao and find the option that best fits your budget.

Question 4

What size is a 1-bedroom rental apartment in Bilbao usually?

Accepted Answer

A one-bedroom rental apartment in Bilbao has an average of 65 m², although the size varies depending on the neighbourhood, the age of the building, and the type of construction.
Typical layout of 1-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao:
- One separate bedroom.
- Living-dining room — in modern buildings, frequently integrated with the kitchen in an open-plan concept.
- Kitchen — separate in older apartments; open-plan or American-style in new or refurbished properties.
- Full bathroom — usually one; some apartments include an additional toilet.
- Hallway or entrance hall.
Some apartments also include:
- Terrace or balcony — very common in Spain.
- Parking space or storage room (sometimes at an additional cost).
Older apartments tend towards more compartmentalised layouts with slightly larger rooms, while new-build properties opt for open-plan spaces that make better use of every square metre. When renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Bilbao, checking the actual layout during the viewing is particularly important — in properties of this size, the usable floor area can differ considerably from the built area indicated in the listing.

Question 5

Are 1-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao usually furnished?

Accepted Answer

When renting a 1-bedroom apartment from a private landlord in Bilbao, the available options include both furnished and unfurnished properties, although the proportion of furnished apartments is higher than in larger categories given the typical tenant profile. Fully furnished apartment: - Bed with base and mattress in the bedroom. - Wardrobes and desk or bedside table. - Sofa, dining table, and chairs in the living room. - Fitted kitchen: fridge, hob, microwave, and in many cases a dishwasher. - Washing machine. Partially furnished apartment: - Fixed appliances (fridge, hob, oven). - Built-in wardrobes in the bedroom. - No living room or bedroom furniture. Unfurnished apartment — also present in long-term one-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao: - Bathroom and kitchen installations. - Built-in wardrobes in some cases. - No furniture or portable appliances. - Slightly lower rent, but requires an initial investment in furniture of between 600 € and 2,000 €. Before signing, always check the detailed inventory — in privately rented one-bedroom apartments in Bilbao, the furnishings can vary considerably between listings.

Question 6

What documents are required to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

To formalise the contract for a one-bedroom apartment in Bilbao, the landlord will ask for documentation proving your identity, employment status, and ability to pay. Usual documents: 1. A valid ID (DNI) or foreigner's identification number (NIE) — essential for all signatories.
2. The last 3 payslips or equivalent proof of income.
3. Most recent income tax return (IRPF).
4. Employment contract (permanent or temporary).
5. References from previous rentals (if you have them). Income requirements: - Net income must be between 2.5 and 3 times the monthly rent.
- For 1-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao with two tenants, the income of both can be combined. If there are multiple occupants: - All adults usually provide their ID (DNI) or NIE.
- For long-term contracts, it is standard for all of them to appear in the contract or as guarantors.
- If income is not sufficient, a personal guarantor can make up for it. If you are self-employed, landlords usually ask for social security contribution receipts and the quarterly tax return. Foreign nationals without a NIE may provide their passport along with a bank guarantee. One-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao are in high demand — having all your documentation ready in advance can make the difference when it comes to securing the apartment you want.

Question 7

Where can I find 1-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

To find one-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao, Rentola is one of the most comprehensive options — it has 21 active listings and allows you to contact private landlords directly without intermediaries and arrange viewings from the very start. To search effectively: 1. Set up alerts for new listings — the best rental apartments in Bilbao are rented out within a few days. 2. Filter by area, floor area, and price to find the options that best fit your needs. 3. Have your documentation ready before making contact — NIE, payslips, and employment contract. 4. Reply on the same day — in high-demand areas, competition is high. 5. Always visit before signing — check the condition, heating, and utilities. On Rentola you can browse both privately rented and agency-listed 1-bedroom apartments in Bilbao and compare prices from anywhere.

Question 8

Who is a one-bedroom rental apartment in Bilbao ideal for?

Accepted Answer

A one-bedroom rental apartment in Bilbao is suitable for 1–2 people and offers just the right amount of space to live comfortably on a long-term basis without taking on the cost of a larger property.
Most common profiles:
- 1 person living alone — the most common option; a private bedroom and separate living room provide greater comfort than a studio apartment.
- Couple (2 people) — enough space to live together comfortably, with the bedroom separate from the living room.
- 1 person working remotely — the separate living room allows the workspace to be kept apart from the rest area without the need for a second bedroom.
- Student or young professional — a good balance between price, size, and comfort compared to other options on the market.
In practice, 1 person is the most common occupancy for one-bedroom rental apartments in Bilbao, although up to 2 people is perfectly viable depending on the floor area and the contract conditions. The number of occupants must always be communicated to the landlord — both for private rentals and through an agency, the contract may include restrictions in this regard.

Question 9

How much does it cost to heat a 1-bedroom apartment in winter in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

Heating a 1-bedroom rental apartment in Bilbao in winter costs on average between 30 € and 80 € per month, the lowest expenditure of all property categories thanks to the smaller floor area to heat.
The most common systems and their estimated costs are:
1. Natural gas: the most widespread; 35–80 € per month in winter, 12–25 € in spring and autumn.
2. Electric heating (radiators): 30–70 € per month; variable cost depending on the tariff.
3. Air-to-air heat pump: 20–45 € per month; efficient in mild climates.
4. Aerothermal heating (air-to-water heat pump): 15–40 € per month; common in new buildings.
5. Central communal heating: 15–40 € per month included in community fees.
Impact of the energy efficiency certificate:
- A–B: approx. 12–30 € per month;
- C–D: approx. 30–55 € per month;
- E–G: can exceed 80 € per month in winter.
When renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Bilbao, whether from a private landlord or on a long-term basis, always check the energy efficiency label before signing. When renting a one-bedroom apartment in Bilbao, the type of heating is not always indicated in the listing, so it is worth asking about it before the viewing.

Question 10

What are the most common hidden costs when renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

When renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Bilbao, in addition to the rent you should budget for between 70€ and 250€ extra per month depending on the contract conditions. At the start: 1. Security deposit and additional guarantee: 1–2 months' rent tied up upfront.
2. Setting up utility contracts: 50–150€ per contract. Monthly: 1. Community fees: 20–60€ per month, not always included.
2. Waste collection tax: 50–200€ per year, sometimes passed on to the tenant.
3. Internet: 30–45€ per month if not included.
4. Pay television (optional): 10–20€ per month if contracted.
5. Home insurance: 8–18€ per month (recommended). Unexpected costs: 1. Minor repairs: damage caused by ordinary use is the tenant's responsibility.
2. Property tax (IBI): between 150€ and 600€ per year, occasionally passed on to the tenant if the contract specifies it. In privately rented 1-bedroom apartments in Bilbao, these conditions vary from contract to contract. Always ask for a full breakdown before signing to avoid unexpected costs.

1-bedroom apartments for rent in Bilbao

Refine your search

By features

By bedrooms

Rent by property type

Other cities with apartments for rent

Rentals in top cities

Barcelona

Madrid

Málaga

Murcia

Palma de Mallorca

Seville

Frequently asked questions