Madrid is a fast-paced capital city: prices are rising, properties are selling in a matter of days, and competition between Spanish and international investors is fierce. For a French person, venturing into this ultra-competitive market alone means learning the rules of the game as you go along... sometimes paying dearly for your mistakes.
A French-speaking real estate agency in Madrid gives you a head start: understanding the market, targeting the right neighborhoods (those that are really on the rise), securing the purchase, and optimizing profitability. The experts at Terreta Spain explain how, step by step.
| Which French-speaking real estate agency should you choose in Madrid? Terreta Spain assists French buyers and sellers in Madrid with its expertise in neighborhoods inside and outside the M-30 ring road, a comprehensive legal due diligence service, and assistance with NIE, banking, and notary matters. Average timeframes: 2 to 3 months for a purchase and 1 to 3 months for a sale. We are the only French-speaking agency in Madrid to offer a turnkey renovation service. |
| In short – Are you in a hurry but want to understand? Madrid is an ultra-competitive market: prices are rising sharply (€5,760/m², +17.7%), properties are selling quickly, sellers are in a strong position, and there is a high risk of overpaying without detailed knowledge of the neighborhoods.The Spanish context is very different from France. Notaries offer less protection, deposit agreements are very binding, and financing for non-residents is limited. You also have to deal with NIE, bank accounts, taxes, and fees that often represent 10-15% of the price.Understanding the logic of inside/outside the M-30 and the up-and-coming neighborhoods (Tetuán, Arganzuela, Carabanchel, Villaverde, Vallecas, etc.) is key to finding the right balance between price, profitability, and added value.A reputable French-speaking agency in Madrid acts as a filter, organizes visits and videos, oversees legal and urban planning due diligence, and coordinates NIE, banking, and notary services. Terreta Spain bonus: we are the only French real estate agents in Madrid to offer a turnkey renovation service. For a French buyer, being accompanied by Terreta Spain in Madrid means saving time, greatly reducing the risk of error, and investing in the right neighborhood with a clear strategy (residence, rental, coliving, capital gains). |
Why choose a French-speaking real estate agency in Madrid when you are French?
Rules of the game that are very different from those in France
Do you think buying property in Madrid is the same as buying in Paris, Marseille, or Bordeaux? Think again. In Spain, the rules of the game are different.
- The notary authenticates the deed, but does not verify in detail the legal status and encumbrances of the property as is done in France. The buyer is responsible for this due diligence.
- Banks generally only lend 60 to 70% to non-resident buyers. You therefore need to come up with a large down payment. For more information, read our practical guide to mortgages in Spain.
- The buyer must complete a number of administrative procedures before taking action: obtain a NIE, open a Spanish bank account, and anticipate the tax implications (IRNR, IBI, capital gains, etc.).
- The deposit agreement (the preliminary agreement) is a very binding commitment: if you withdraw, you will generally lose 10%; if the seller withdraws, they must pay you double that amount.
- Purchase taxes and related fees vary depending on the region. In Madrid, the ITP, the main tax on existing properties, is 6% (4% for large families buying their primary residence). If you are buying a new property, you will have to pay 10% VAT + 0.5 to 1.5% AJD, a tax on documented legal acts. In addition, there are lawyer's fees, notary fees, and bank charges. In total, you can expect to pay between 10 and 15% in fees on top of the price of the property.
Relying on a French real estate agency in Madrid to invest allows you to anticipate each step, each expense, and avoid misunderstandings before signing anything.
For more information, see our practical guide: "The steps involved in buying in Spain" and the comprehensive Terreta Spain guide to buying property in Spain.
Madrid: a highly competitive market where mistakes are costly
How does a French-speaking real estate agency in Madrid secure your purchase?
In 2025, Madrid is one of Europe's most dynamic markets:
- Prices on the rise: €5,760/m² (+17.7% between the end of 2024 and the end of 2025) according to Idealista.
- Strong rental demand fueled by locals, expats, students, and digital nomads attracted by Madrid's tech boom.
- Limited availability in attractive neighborhoods.
- In certain central areas, prices are approaching €10,000 per square meter, with double-digit annual increases: €9,950 per square meter in Salamanca (+15%) and €8,700 per square meter in Chamberi (+20%).
Image title: Changes in purchase prices in Madrid
Source: Idealista
The graph shows steady growth since 2015, with a marked acceleration since 2022.
In concrete terms, this means:
- Interesting items that disappear within a few days;
- Sellers who are aware of market tension and are in a position of strength;
- There is a real risk of overpaying if you are not familiar with prices in each neighborhood.
- In this context, opting for French-speaking real estate support in Madrid for French buyers is not just a "nice extra"; it is a strategic lever for investing without being swept away by the speed of the Madrid market.
Smooth communication, quick decisions
When the market moves fast, wasting 48 hours trying to understand what someone said to you in Spanish can cost you a deal.
A French-speaking contact person:
- Instantly explains the issues (legal, tax, technical);
- Clarifies negotiation options and room for maneuver;
- Allows you to make an informed decision, without any ambiguity.
Madrid: understanding the playing field before investing
Intra M-30 vs. extra M-30: two Madrids, two rationales
Madrid is divided into two distinct realities:
- Intra M-30: the heart of the city, central and premium neighborhoods, high entry prices but strong liquidity and good asset security.
- Extra M-30: more popular or changing districts, lower prices, often higher rental yields, but neighborhood selection is crucial.
Some neighborhoods within the M-30 remain untouchable for a first investment, while others outside the M-30 still offer very good price/yield/capital gain ratios.
To explore this key topic further, the experts at Terreta Spain have published a comprehensive guide: "Madrid: the cheapest neighborhoods to invest in 2025 (inside/outside the M-30 ring road)", which details prices per square meter, yields, and dynamics for each area.
Up-and-coming neighborhoods: don't arrive after the wave
A French-speaking real estate agent in Madrid, connected to the field, identifies areas where the curve is already shifting, not just those that are "trendy" in the media. Among the sectors attracting investors in 2025 and 2026 are:
| Neighborhood | Price per square meter | Profile | Profitability | Who is it for? |
| Salamanca | 9 950 € | Premium, heritage | 3-4% | Wealth investors, security |
| Chamberi | 8 700 € | High-end residential | 3.5-4.5% | Premium primary residence |
| Tetuán | 4 200 € | The changing North | 5-6% | Rental investors + capital gains |
| Arganzuela | 4 800 € | Well connected, dynamic | 5-6% | Mix of residential and rental properties for young professionals |
| Carabanchel | 3 200 € | The evolving popular South | 6-7% | Family rentals, shared housing |
| Villaverde | 2 600 € | Affordable South | 7-8% | Shared accommodation, rental income |
| Vallecas | 2 800 € | Is accessible | 6-7% | Family rentals, first-time investors |
Source: Idealista, November 2025. Indicative gross yields.
Once again, it's all about consistency with the project (long-term rental, co-living, primary residence, resale in 5–10 years).
Tetuán is one of Madrid's most profitable university neighborhoods. Read our guide: "Where to invest in Madrid's student neighborhoods."
Read also“The ultimate guide to Madrid neighborhoods for settling down and investing like a pro.”
What a good French-speaking real estate agency in Madrid should offer
Targeting and sorting properties suited to a French investor
In a market where there are many advertisements but they are not always transparent, the agency acts as a filter:
- Elimination of properties that are overvalued in relation to actual prices in the neighborhood;
- Be vigilant about condominiums with major renovations planned or high fees;
- Consideration of criteria that are often priorities for French people (rational layout, brightness, exterior, rental potential).
The goal: to save you unnecessary visits and focus your time (and trips to Madrid) on real opportunities.
On-site visits, remote visits, and “no-nonsense” feedback in French
For start-ups/investors who don't have 10 days to spend on site,the French-speaking agency becomes your eyes and ears in Madrid:
- Complete video tours, shots of the neighborhood, common areas, and surroundings;
- Objective reports (strengths as well as red flags);
- Estimated cost of the work and possible rent, in plain language.
The big plus with Terreta Spain: we are the only French-speaking real estate agency in Madrid to offer aturnkey renovation service.
Upstream legal and technical checks
In a tight market, it is tempting to quickly secure the property with a deposit. This is a bad idea if the necessary checks have not been carried out. An experienced agency in Madrid coordinates:
- Retrieval of all documents (land registry, certificates, charges, status of the homeowners' association);
- Review with a lawyer or legal advisor experienced in dealing with foreign buyers;
- Validation of the consistency of surface areas, extensions, and urban planning compliance.
Assistance with NIE, bank, notary
For a French investor embarking on the process of buying property in Spain, friction often arises from the administrative procedures that sometimes have to be completed entirely remotely.
- Obtaining a NIE;
- Opening a bank account if necessary;
- Relationship with notary, bank, insurer, etc.
A French-speaking agency in Madrid with extensive experience in expatriate matters simplifies these steps and reduces delays, which can make all the difference in a market as competitive as Madrid's.
The main steps involved in buying property in Madrid with a French-speaking agency
1. Project scope
- Total budget (including expenses).
- Target neighborhoods (inside/outside the M-30 ring road) and "fallback" neighborhoods if the market is too tight.
- Strategy: primary residence, traditional rental investment, shared accommodation, pied-à-terre.
2. Preselection and visits
- Market scan (Spanish portals + off-market via network).
- Shortlist of properties that are truly aligned with the project.
- Organization of a condensed visit session (1–2 days) or video visits if you are unable to travel.
3. Due diligence and offer
- Legal and technical analysis of the property and co-ownership.
- Estimation of work, expenses, and target rent.
- Adjusting supply based on neighborhood tension (here, field experience is key).
4. Arras, financing, notary
- Negotiation and drafting of earnest money agreements with protective clauses.
- Coordination with the French or Spanish bank.
- Preparation for notarization: documents, powers of attorney, physical presence or representation.
5. Post-purchase and project launch
- Connections and contracts (water, electricity, community).
- Commencement of work, furnishing, rental or installation.
To visualize this, take a look at our timeline for buying property in Spain.
Case study: purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Tetuán with Terreta Spain
- Client profile: French entrepreneur, 38 years old, French tax resident, rental investment project. Total budget: €290,000 (down payment + loan).
- Objective: Acquire approximately 60 m² in a changing neighborhood with good rental potential and medium-term capital gains.
Step 1: Framing (2 weeks)
→ Targeting Tetuán (good balance between price and potential). Preselection of 6 properties out of 22 analyzed. 16 rejected: overvalued, condominium requiring major work, poor orientation.
Step 2: Visits (3 days in Madrid)
→ Organization of concentrated tour visits. Fall in love with a 58 m² two-bedroom apartment in Tetuán, listed at €280,000, with a 15 m² terrace and elevator.
Step 3: Due diligence + negotiation (1 week)
→ Verification of title deed (clear ownership), co-ownership status (no debts or planned work), cadastral/registry compliance. Negotiation: final agreement €270,000.
Step 4: Deposit + financing (3 weeks)
→ Signing of deposit agreement with financing clause. Obtaining NIE (3 weeks at the consulate), Spanish bank account, 65% loan granted (€175,500). Contribution: €94,500 + €30,000 in fees (11%).
Step 5: Notary signature + rental (2 months after deposit)
→ Signing of authentic deed in Madrid. Introduction to rental manager. Apartment rented long term at €1,450/month. Net return (after expenses, IBI, IRNR): 4.5%.
Total time frame: 3.5 months from the first visit to signing.
Summary: Secure purchase, negotiated price (-3.5%), financing obtained, property quickly rented in an up-and-coming neighborhood.
Why Terreta Spain is well positioned for French buyers looking to purchase property in Madrid
Terreta Spain specializes in Madrid with an approach tailored to French buyers:
What sets us apart from other agencies:
- Regular analyses: prices, returns, neighborhoods undergoing change (guides by area, focus on inside/outside the M-30 ring road)
- Local knowledge: Tetuán, Arganzuela, Carabanchel, Villaverde, Vallecas, as well as Chamberí, Retiro, and Salamanca
- Turnkey renovation service: the only French-speaking agency in Madrid to offer this integrated service
- Trusted network: notaries, French-speaking lawyers experienced with non-residents, verified tradespeople
- Post-purchase support: rental, rental management, renovations, follow-up
Are you considering a purchase in Madrid? The best place to start is to talk to your French-speaking expert who really knows the city and its dynamics neighborhood by neighborhood.
And get inspired by reading our full article: "Madrid 2025: the new European capital of real estate investment."
Sell your apartment or house in Madrid with a French-speaking agency
Are you a property owner in Madrid looking to sell? Terreta Spain is also your real estate agency for selling your property in Spain.
In such a competitive and fast-paced market, selling with a French-speaking agency like Terreta Spain allows you to optimize the price, qualify buyers, and manage taxation with peace of mind.
Why sell with Terreta Spain in Madrid?
- In-depth knowledge of the Madrid market: we analyze prices inside and outside the M-30 ring road (Salamanca, Chamberí, Tetuán, Arganzuela, Carabanchel) to set a realistic and attractive sale price.
- Preparation of the sales file: simple note, energy certificate, community certificate, IBI—we check and gather all the mandatory documents.
- Professional marketing: HD photos, virtual tours, multilingual listings (FR/ES/EN), distribution on all real estate portals and, above all, to our network of qualified buyers.
- Comprehensive tax support: coordination with our partner lawyers for the management of the 3% withholding tax, the IRNR declaration, etc.
- Remote sales: Do you live in France or elsewhere? We organize visits, negotiate on your behalf, and finalize the signing by proxy.
Sale period in Madrid
The Madrid real estate market is booming. Properties are selling quickly. Expect an average of 3 to 6 months, often less than 3 months for properties in sought-after neighborhoods (Salamanca, Chamberí, Retiro, Tetuán).
Want to sell your property in Madrid? Check out our comprehensive guide to selling in Spain or contact us for an estimate.
FAQ: buying with a French-speaking agency in Madrid
Is it really less risky to go through a French-speaking agency when buying property in Madrid?
Yes, because it explains the procedures in French, filters out risky properties, coordinates due diligence, and helps you avoid signing an unfavorable deposit agreement in a hurry.
Isn't Madrid already "too expensive"?
The city center is expensive, but there are still neighborhoods undergoing gentrification or catching up in terms of prices where profitability remains very reasonable and the potential for capital gains is real. The challenge is not to find "a good deal everywhere," but rather the right neighborhood for your strategy.
What budget should you set aside for a good rental investment in Madrid?
For a profitable rental investment in Madrid, expect to pay at least €200,000–250,000 (property + fees + renovations) in up-and-coming neighborhoods (Tetuán, Carabanchel), and at least €350,000–500,000 in more established areas within the M-30 ring road. An agency such as Terreta Spain can help you determine the right entry price based on your strategy.
I'm thinking more about Valencia or Málaga. Does Terreta Spain also serve these cities?
Yes, of course, the support is the same. Only the market parameters change: entry tickets, tenant profiles, rate of price increases. A French-speaking representative based locally, such as Terreta Spain, can compare Madrid with Valencia, Alicante, or Malaga and help you make the right decision.
How long should I allow for a purchase in Madrid?
Between defining the project, conducting research, visiting properties, obtaining a NIE, signing the deposit agreement, and finalizing the deed, it takes two to four months in a smooth scenario, and longer if financing is complex or renovations are required.
Do you need to speak Spanish to shop in Madrid?
No, a French-speaking agency such as Terreta Spain translates all documents, coordinates with the notary/lawyer in French, and accompanies you to every appointment.
Can we buy remotely from France?
Yes, with video visits, notarized proxy signature, and complete management of NIE/remote banking procedures. Expect a minimum of 2-3 trips (visits, signing of the deposit, signing at the notary).
What is the difference between a Spanish agency and a French-speaking agency?
A French-speaking agency understands the expectations and constraints of French buyers (taxation in France/Spain, financing for non-residents, dual tax returns) and coordinates everything in French.
Does Terreta Spain also assist with sales in Madrid?
Yes, absolutely. Terreta Spain will guide you through every step of the process of selling your apartment or house in Madrid: realistic market valuation (analysis inside/outside the M-30 ring road), compilation of a complete file (simple deed, energy certificate, co-ownership certificates), professional multilingual marketing, buyer qualification, negotiation, and tax support with our partner lawyers. Average sale time: often less than 3 months in sought-after neighborhoods within the M-30 ring road.
How long does it take to sell a property in Madrid?
Often less than three months for properties in sought-after locations within the M-30 ring road (Salamanca, Chamberí, Retiro, Tetuán). The Madrid market is highly competitive with strong international demand. A realistic valuation and professional marketing are essential for a quick sale at the right price.
Can you sell your property in Madrid from France?
Yes, that is entirely possible. Terreta Spain manages on-site visits, qualifies buyers, negotiates on your behalf, and can finalize the signing at the notary's office by notarized power of attorney. You do not need to travel unless it is to sign the deposit agreement (compromis). We also coordinate with our tax lawyers to manage the 3% withholding tax and capital gains tax (IRNR) declaration.
