Spain is often associated with sunshine and mild winters, but a new study from Idealista suggests that for millions of households, staying warm indoors is far from guaranteed. According to research by idealista, 25% of homes across the country have no heating system at all.

The study, based on property listings for sale and rent published in November, reveals a striking geographical divide. Climate, tradition and long-standing building habits appear to matter far more than national averages when it comes to winter comfort.

Nowhere is the contrast clearer than in the Canary Islands. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 89% of homes are listed without heating, while in Las Palmas the figure reaches 86%. In these areas, mild temperatures year-round have historically made heating seem unnecessary, a perception that continues to shape the housing market.

Southern mainland Spain follows a similar pattern. More than half of homes in Cádiz and Huelva lack heating, both at 54%, while Murcia and Almería stand at 50%. Even during colder spells, many properties rely on portable solutions or none at all.

Move north, however, and the picture changes dramatically. In provinces such as Soria, Salamanca and Navarre, only 4% of homes are listed without heating. Segovia, Valladolid and La Rioja are close behind at 5%, reflecting a housing stock built with harsh winters in mind.

The same divide is evident in Spain’s provincial capitals. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 88% of homes lack heating, compared with 86% in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Ceuta and Cádiz both record 64%, while Huelva reaches 52%. Almería (48%), Melilla (41%) and Castellón de la Plana (41%) also show high proportions.

In Spain’s largest cities, the situation is more balanced but still revealing. In Barcelona, 17% of homes have no heating, while in Madrid the figure drops sharply to 5%, reflecting both colder winters and newer building standards.

At the other end of the scale, Pamplona, Soria and Salamanca emerge as the best prepared for winter, with just 2% of homes lacking heating. Ciudad Real and Oviedo follow at 3%, while Logroño, Burgos, Segovia, Ávila and Valladolid all stand at 4%.

The findings highlight a lesser-known reality of Spanish housing: while the country may enjoy a generally warm climate, heating remains unevenly distributed, leaving comfort in winter largely dependent on postcode rather than national norms.