We have a service where you can list your long term rental for free http://www.eyeonspain.com/Holiday-Rentals-Spain.aspx. This would also be the first port of call for anyone looking for a long term rental online. Such people could range from those who have bought off plan and their property is under construction to those who want to come out to Spain for while to test the water.

Once you start researching the market, you may soon be overwhelmed by the choice. You need to think about what you really need and want. Remember, you are likely to be living there for a minimum of six months and as delays on developments are commonplace, if you are buying off plan, you will probably be renting for longer than anticipated. Have a look at the following points to help you narrow your search.

Location

* Do you want to live in a predominantly Spanish or an English/international area?
* Do you want to live in a community where your neighbours are holiday lets or fellow long term tenants?
* Would you like sea view?
* When do you get the sun on the property?
* What is the noise level?
* Is there construction nearby?
* Is it close to work? .Is it close to shops?
* Can you walk to facilities?
* Is it close to your children’s schools?
* Do you have friends living nearby?
* How close is it to the airport for visitors or flying back and forth?
* Are there leisure facilities nearby?
* Are there parks and play areas nearby for children?

Characteristics

* What type of property are you looking for a villa, townhouse, or apartment?
* Do you need outdoor space?
* How many bedrooms?
* Can you keep pets?
* Is there satellite television installed?
* Would it be possible to work from home?
* Is there storage space?
* Do you want a private or communal pool?
* Is there a phone line? (Big problem on the Costa del Sol)
* Where can you park?
* Is the terrace safe for your children?
* Is there heating? (It is very cold indoors during the winter)
* Is there air conditioning?
* Where can you park?
* Is security a concern for you?
* Is there an alarm system or 24 hour security?

Rental Periods

The maximum length of a rental contract is usually eleven months with a renewal clause in the contract. Those with rare rental contracts over this time period have greater rights under Spanish law. During the winter low season; you will find those landlords are quite eager to rent out their property. Therefore, they will be more flexible about the length of rental contracts.

However, once the temperatures rise around Easter, they may begin to rub their hands together at the thought of a much more profitable holiday income over the summer months. Likewise, at the onset of the summer months they will rarely agree to contracts less than eleven months as they do not want an empty property over winter.

Using an agent

Finding a long term let via an agent has its advantages. They usually employ at least one bilingual member of staff which is essential as many landlords are Spanish. They can assist you with maintenance problems and put you in contact with local services such as cleaners, gardeners etc. Some will ensure that your utilities are connected to save you the headache of costly phone calls and wasted days. Always ask about their commission policy.

Agent’s usually charge a finder’s fee, usually equal to one month’s rent. On top of this, the owner will be charged for their services. The tenancy agreement is usually in Spanish. Make sure that you get it translated so that you understand all the terms before signing. Do not accept a translation from the agent or owner.

About the author: Susan Pedalino is Masters Degree qualified in Intercultural Communication and teaching English as a foreign language. Susan regularly writes for www.eyeonspain.com, the Spanish off plan property forums website and www.eyeonworldwide, the overseas property forums website. View their website at: www.eyeonspain.com

Coping with the limited space
of an apartment in Spain

By: Justin Aldridge

Most people who decide to move to Spain are seeking a change in lifestyle. It might involve examining priorities. Ultimately many of those priorities will be directly or indirectly associated with money. For a great deal of people the only way they will be able to at least to begin a new life in Spain, is to make some sacrifices. One of those sacrifices may be exchanging their comfy, central heated “castle” for a more basic apartment. Those who have decided to downsize from an average sized home with a loft and garage in the UK to an apartment in Spain will need to assess their belongings.

In order to live in apartment, you can really only keep what you need. If you are lucky enough to have a “trastero” (small store room) included than you are slightly more flexible. However, there is usually limited space within an apartment itself and once the wardrobes are full with your clothes, it doesn’t leave space for much else. It is particularly difficult if you have children because of the obvious accumulation of toys.

It requires you to be quite ruthless to part with the belongings that have surrounded you either within your sight or stuffed away in a loft for a significant part of your life. But it must be done. Down grading to an apartment is not for sentimentalists and if you really want to hang on to your clutter you might want to consider the option of storage.

Another tip to overcome the limited space is to think carefully when furnishing your new property. Look for furniture which has a dual usage. For example a huge trunk can be filled with books and used as a coffee table. Look for beds with space underneath, okay it might not be good from a feng shui point of view, but I am sure the feng shui bosses would rather everything be under the bed than all over the floor as a hazard. You can use the space to store bed linen in those specially designed slim boxes. Invest in a couple of those vacuum bags to store away duvets during the summer.

Looking for a sideboard? How about one with drawers. The same goes for a bedside table. It takes up floor space so make sure that it has drawers. Make storage a priority when you are looking for furniture as you will certainly use it. You might even seek the assistance of the professionals such as a furniture broker who will put you in touch with suppliers who can assess your needs such as www.completelyfurniture.com

If you have a spare single wardrobe, fit two or three shelves in to hide away towels, tools etc. Don’t forget you won’t have an airing cupboard or a cupboard under the stairs – all those hidey holes that you took for granted!

Living in an apartment really does take minimalism to the extreme and you will have to use your imagination to store away everyday items or you will soon feel as though you are bursting at the seams.

If you are making the move to an apartment in Spain this year review what you are taking with you, and then get rid of half it and a month later half again! Of course, it is entirely up to you what you do with your belongings but many people choose to sell things at car boot sales, put ads in local papers or if you are feeling generous give the lot to charity!

the end

Long Term Renting In Spain

Coping with the limited space of an apartment in Spain

Long Term Renting
In Spain

Coping with the limited space
of an apartment in Spain