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Renting a house, villa or apartment on a long let or long term rental is a great decision if you are moving to Spain. So many people take a quick trip to Spain in order to buy a house and it is only later that they find out many truths about the area and location which causes them to regret making such a hasty decision.
Buying property in Spain is such a huge commitment that renting first on a long term let or long term rental to try before you buy is so obvious, yet not enough people do it.
When buying in Spain you have to pay 10% of the purchase price to the government so that is a lot of money down the drain if you want to move later on.
A long term let or long term rental in Spain enables you to really feel what an area is like in different seasons.
The Costa Blanca is a good choice because some areas in Spain are too hot in summer (Costa del Sol in the south and Costa de Almeria) and some areas are much wetter than people think (Barcelona area, Costa Brava and Costa Dorada) and some areas are much colder in winter than people realise.
A long term let or long term rental can even help you decide whether a move to Spain is really for you, especially if you are thinking of retiring to Spain. One of the most important factors in moving to Spain is working and making a living and many people struggle and have to go back to their home country to make ends meet. You may find it hard to sell your house or apartment and may sell at a loss because you are desperate to move.
Renting a property on a long term let basis in Spain enables you to really get to know an area by talking to locals. In my area of Javea on the Costa Blanca I have found that some areas I thought were good are in fact crime hot spots and subject to ‘land grab’.
Schools are another good example that are very hard to research thoroughly until you are actually here.
Now you are hopefully convinced, let’s talk about the details of long term lets and long term rentals of houses, villas, apartments and townhouses in Spain.
Long term lets or long term rental contracts in Spain are often referred to as Vivienda contracts.
These should be much cheaper than short term lets because they are typically for a period of 11 months.
You won’t be able to move out within incurring a penalty. After the first year you will usually be able to get out with only a months notice.
Long term rentals in Spain usually involve putting down a deposit of a month or two in the case of furnished properties.
Finding houses to rent in Spain long term is not easy because in many areas people can charge such massive prices for summer holiday rentals so they don’t want a long term rental tenant in during these periods.
Where To Find Long-Term Lets
If you are searching for the best places to find cheap long term rentals in Spain or long lets in Spain is through the local estate agents. You won’t generally find them advertised much, so phone or go inside and ask. This is because estate agents make so much money through selling property instead. Most long term rental properties will be apartments not villas (houses).
The most popular places in Spain for long term rentals are the big cities in Spain such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia as well as the tourist resorts of the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca.
Where Is the Cheapest Place for Long Term Rental in Spain?
This is one of the mostcommonly asked questions concerning long-term lets and rents.
This question is properly best answered byreversing the question –by asking where the most expensive places in Spain are for long-term lets and rentals.
You definitely want to avoid areas that are very popular for tourism, so thispretty much eliminates the entire Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and to a lesser degree, the Costa Brava.
We can also safely include any major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia as being expensive.
The problem with finding the cheapest places for long-term rentals, is that they tend to be very remote and lacking in facilities and amenities. Naturally going inland, prices for long-term lets become considerably cheaper, but would you rather want to live there?!
A good compromise would be areas that are not as popular with tourists from other countries and which retain a degree of traditional Spain. For example northern Spain such as Galicia. This region is extremely pretty, has some beautiful beaches and towns as well as the Costa de la Luz which is also much less undiscovered andwhere long-term rentals are generally cheap.
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Long Term Rentals on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca region of Spain is situated on the east coast and is primarily a tourist and holiday destination due to the many wonderful sandy beaches in towns such as Alicante and Benidorm.
We can highly recommend this area if you are considering moving here. It is not so developed as the Costa del Sol and the beaches are much nicer.
This is a lovely area of Spain in which to live and work. There are lots of villas and apartments in the Costa Blanca available on long term rentals or long term lets.
For long term winter rentals the Costa Blanca is quite a poor choice with a relatively mild climate, however certainly not as warm as the Costa del Sol or the Spanish islands, especially the Canary Islands.
Below is a list of potential towns and cities in the Costa Blanca in which you could search for long term rentals or long term lets: Albir, Alcossebre, Alcoy, Alfaz del Pi, Algorfa/La Finca, Alicante, Almoradi, Altea, Beniarbeig, Benidoleig, Benidorm, Benijófar, Benimar, Benissa, Benitachell, Bolulla, Busot, Cabo Roig, Calpe, Campoamor, Castalla, Catral, Caudete, Ciudad Quesada, Cumbre Del Sol, Denia, Dolores, El Campello, Elche/Elx, Els Poblets, Gandia, Gata de Gorgos, Gran Alacant, Guardamar, Hondon de la Nieves, Hondón Valley, Jalón Valley, Javea, La Drova/Barx, La Empedrola, La Fustera, La Marina, La Mata, La Nucia, La Zenia, Las Ramblas, Los Altos, Los Montesinos, Mar Menor, Mazarrón, Mil Palmeras, Monovar, Monserrat, Moraira, Oliva, Orba, Orcheta, Orihuela, Pedreguer, Pego, Pilar de la Horadada, Pinar de Campoverde, Pinoso, Playa Flamenca, Polop, Punta Prima, Rafol de Almunia, Relleu, Rojales, San Miguel de Salinas, Sanet Y Negrals, Santa Pola, Santiago de la Ribera, Sax, Teulada, Tibi, Torrevieja, Totana, Vall de Laguar, Villajoyosa, Villamartin, Villena, Villotel.
Long Term Rental in Torrevieja
Sleeps: 6
Price From Per Month: 450
Best Features:
The 1st floor apartment was completed in 2005. New apartment is situated 300 meters from the beach ´Playa del Cura´ and 400 meters from Playa Los Locos. This property has a communal swimming pool. Parking is available on the site of street.
Main Description:
The very well equipped 2 bedroom flat has 56 square meters of living space: one master bedroom with a double bed and three twin beds bedroom with patio. Fully equipped kitchen with built-in cupboards, extractor, fridge and freezer, washing machine, boiler, electric kettle, toaster, cutlery etc.
From: Anna Barta
Email: annabarta99@gmail.com
Long Term Penthouse Rental in Valencia
Sleeps: 8
Price From Per Month: 1000
Best Features:
– Penthouse – first row beach in Perellonet, Valencia
– 20 min from Valencia by car, bus to Valencia leaves every 20-40 min in front of house
– large terrace with sunshine all day long with several options for dining and relaxing
– big balcony with seating area and sofa and sunblinds
– wonderful view of the sea, the Albufera nature reserve and the mountains
– big living and dining room
– high speed internet connection of 1 GB/s, connection is strong and stable in every part of the apartment
– apartment contains four bedrooms. Three of them have double beds in them, two of which are actually above average size for Spain (2,00m x 2,00m and 1,80m x 2,00m) There’s another bedroom with two twin beds.
– 2 bathrooms with shower
– kitchen is fully equipped with pots, silverware, dishwasher, washing machine,..
– two TVs, netflix capable
– two swimming pools and a playground
– common room with table tennis and table football/foosball
– shared storage room for your bikes, surfboards, etc.
– reserved parking spot in the carport (gated)
– doorman 7 days of the week
– duvets for winter and summer
– sea breeze in summer, electrical heating in winter (we also have carpets for all rooms)
– bedding and towels provided
1000 for 3-6 months in winter
1600 for longterm (at least 12 months)
Main Description:
Penthouse in the first row at the beach in Perellonet, Valencia. The penthouse has a large terrace that is lit by the sun all day long and a big balcony for working. A total of around 143 square meters.
With beautiful views of the sea, the Albufera nature reserve, and the mountains. The apartment is well equipped for both work and leisure, winter and summer.
From: Verena
Email: marena@ena-mar.com
Telephone Number: 0049 1726104141
Long-Term Rentals and Lets on theCosta del Sol
The Costa del Sol is located on the south coast of Spain and is the most popular area of Spain for tourism as well as the most popular area for expats to live. This makes it a good area if you are looking for jobs. We personally prefer the Costa Blanca region of Spain but the Costa del Sol does have the best climate and opportunities.
There are lots of villas and apartments in the Costa del Sol available on long term rentals or long term lets. If you are looking for long term rentals in winter then the Costa del Sol is probably the best choice apart from the Spanish islands which are even warmer due to their close proximity to Africa.
Below is a list of potential towns and cities in the Costa del Sol in which you could search for long term rentals or long term lets: Algarrobo, Algatocín, Alhaurín de la Torre, Alhaurín El Grande, Almáchar, Almargen, Almogía, Álora, Alozaina, Alpandeire, Antequera, Árchez, Archidona, Ardales, Arenas, Arriate, Benadalid, Benahavís, Benalauría, Benalmádena, Benamargosa, Benamocarra, Benaoján, Benarrabá, El Borge, El Burgo, (Sitio de) Calahonda, Campillos, Canillas del Aceituno, Canillas de Albaida, Cañete La Real, Carratraca, Cartajima, Cártama, Casabermeja, Casarabonela, Casares, Coín, Colmenar, Comares, Cómpeta, Cortes de la Frontera, Cuevas Bajas, Cuevas de San Marcos, Cuevas del Becerro, Cútar, Estepona, Faraján, Frigiliana, Fuengirola, Fuente de Piedra, Gaucín, Genalguacil, Guaro, Humilladero, Igualeja, Istán, Iznate, Jimera de Líbar, Jubrique, Júzcar, La Viñuela, Macharaviaya, Málaga, Manilva, Marbella, Mijas, Moclinejo, Mollina, Monda, Montejaque, Nerja, Ojén, Parauta, Periana, Pizarra, Pujerra, Rincón de la Victoria, Riogordo, Ronda, Salares, Sayalonga, Sedella, Sierra de Yeguas, San Pedro de Alcantara, Teba, Tolox, Torremolinos, Torrox, Totalán, Valle de Abdalajís, Vélez-Málaga, Villanueva de Algaidas, Villanueva de la Concepción, Villanueva de Tapia, Villanueva del Rosario, Villanueva del Trabuco and Yunquera.
Type of Property: Country House (Cortijo) – Casa Rural CR/GR00254 – 2 apartments, 1 cottage
Location: 45kms north of Granada City
Number of Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms, 3 kitchens, 3 salons, 3 shower rooms, one bathroom
Sleeps: 10
Price From Per Month: 750
Best Features:
Apartments and cottage linked to make one large property.
Option to let out areas and keep the income.
Suitable for large family, small family or couple.
7 year history of holiday lettings so good income potential.
Main Description:
A large old Andalucian farmhouse set in Olive Groves. Some neighbours. Small village.
Fabulous views and walks. Rural but not isolated. Good road access.
Close to other villages with shops, banks, bars & restaurants. 16kms from town of Alcala La Real.
Property lends itself well to a large family. Or a small family and the cottage can be let out to provide an income.
Alternatively a couple can take on owners apartment and let out other apartment plus cottage.
Variety of terraces. Olive grove area, parking area, clothes hanging area. Own drive.
Two additional cottages, still not reformed/developed.
From: Helen Watson
Email: helen@olivegrovefarmhouse.com
Telephone Number: 632399586
If someone wants to rent to sublet any of the holiday accommodation, I will keep my current ads running and can organise the lets remotely myself.
The person taking on the long-term rental of the whole house would look after guests, do the preparation for guests etc.
This would require me negotiating rent with the person long-term renting the whole house and/or offering them commission on the rent I take in.
Type of Property: Apartment
Location: Benelmadina
Number of Bedrooms: Two
Sleeps: 6
Price From Per Month: €500
Best Features:
Close to cavajal beach,underground ,gated parking space and lockup storage unit.Air con , third floor (with lift access.communel swimming pool.
Main Description:
Two bedroom apartment, main beach Cavajal. Close to cavajal, station.comes with underground car park space and lock up.Comunnel swimming pool.
From: Ray George
Email: raygeorge48@yahoo.com
Telephone Number: 07956435490
Costa Brava
The Costa Brava region of Spain is situated in North East Spain and this area borders France. Not the best area to look for jobs because although there are some popular tourist resorts, there are much fewer expatriates living in these areas so the opportunities are much less than the more popular Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol areas.
There are however plenty of villas and apartments in the Costa Brava available on long term rentals or long term lets. If you are looking at long term rentals over the winter period then it would be much better looking at the Costa del Sol because the Costa Brava does get very cold and wet in winter.
Below is a list of potential towns and cities on the Costa Brava in which you could search for long term rentals or long term lets: Lloret de Mar, Malgrat, Cap Salou, Tossa de Mar, Blanes, Girona, Cambrils, La Pineda, Portaventura, Salou and Sitges.
Tenerife Long Term Lets
Tenerife is largest of the Canary Islands and very much an all year round tourist destination so it is a good location if you need to find work and also a great location in terms of weather, even in winter, due to its close proximity to Africa.
Below is a list of potential towns and cities on Tenerife in which you could search for long term rentals or long term lets: Santa Cruz de Tenerife the capital, Amarilla Golf, Costa Adeje, El Medano, Garachico, Guia De Isora, Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes, Playa De La Arena, Playa De Las Americas, Playa Paraiso, Puerto De La Cruz, Puerto De Santiago and San Miguel De Abona.
Ibiza Long Term Rentals
Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands. Ibiza is one of the most popular places in Spain for jobs because of the huge popularity of the island for dance music and clubbing in the famous nightclubs such as Space, Eden and Pacha.
Ibiza is a great island with which to look for long term rentals although do note that if you are looking for long term rentals for the winter, you would be better off looking at the Spanish islands further south such as the Canary Islands. This is because the weather and climate is much better.
Below is a list of potential towns and cities on Ibiza in which you could search for long term rentals or long term lets: Cala Llonga, Es Cana, Figueretas, Formentera, Ibiza Town, Playa D’en Bossa, Portinatx, Puerto San Miguel, S’argamassa, Sa Caleta, Ibiza, San Antonio, San Antonio Bay, San Jose, Santa Eulalia and Talamanca.
Mallorca/Majorca Rentals (Long-Term)
Mallorca (also known as Majorca) is largest of the Balearic Islands and hugely popular as a holiday island so there are plenty of long term rentals and long term lets at all times of the year. If you’re looking for winter sun then you may be better off considering the other Spanish islands such as Tenerife and Lanzarote which have a much better climate.
Below is a list of potential towns and cities on Mallorca/Majorca in which you could search for long term rentals or long term lets: Alaro, Alcudia, Ca’n Picafort, Caimari, Cala Bona, Cala D’or, Cala Millor, Cala San Vicente, Calas De Mallorca, Camp De Mar, Costa De Los Pinos, Deya, Illetas, jobs in Magaluf, Paguera, jobs in Palma, Palma Nova, Playa De Muro, Pollensa, Puerto De Soller, Puerto Pollensa, Pula Golf, Son Severa, Randa, Sa Coma, Sa Pobla, Santa Margalida, Santa Ponsa and Santanyi.
Long Term Rentals in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the easternmost and the fourth largest of the Canary Islands. It is situated in the Atlantic Ocean about 80 miles (125km) off the coast of Africa so it would make an ideal choice if you’re looking for long term rentals in winter.
Below is a list of potential towns and cities on Lanzarote in which you could search for long term rentals or long term lets: Arrecife the capital, Costa Teguise, Matagorda, Playa Blanca, Playa De Los Pocillos, Puerto Calero and Puerto Del Carmen.
Gran Canaria – Long Term Lets & Rentals
The Spanish Canary Island (often referred to as the Canaries) of Gran Canaria has a number of popular holiday resorts which are good for looking for long term rentals or long term lets especially in the winter. These resorts include Amadores, Bahia Feliz, Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa Del Ingles, Playa Taurito, Puerto Mogan, Puerto Rico and San Agustin.
Cities –Madrid & Barcelona
The capital of Spain and second-largest city,has many long term rentals or long term lets but prices are high.
Murcia
The Costa Almeria/Murcia region of Spain is the driest area of Spain and it has some popular towns and cities which include Garrucha, Mojacar, Vera, El Ejido, Los Gallardos, Turre, Cartagena, Santiago de la Ribera, San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcázares, Cabo de Palos, Águilas, Las Negras, San Jose, Aguadulce, Almeria, Roquetas de Mar, Viator, Adra, Benahadux, Albox, Almerimar, Carboneras, Aguilas and Cuevas del Almanzora.
5-Bed Villa in Murcia
Sleeps: 10
Price From Per Month:1800 euros
Best Features:
-Beautiful villa in the sunny city of Murcia, with over 300 days of sun a year.
-Lovely swimmingpool and green areas all around the house.
-2 bars in the garden.
-Located just 10 minutes away form the city centre, and 25 minutes from the beach. 10 minutes from golf resort.
-2 minute walk to International School and sport complex with tenis, football, gym, padel, bascketball etc.
Ideal house for families looking for a new life in the sunny spain, located in a very quiet area in the mountain but just 10 minutes away from the centre of one of spains biggest cities, and less than 30 minutes away from the beach.
It is really close to an international school, perfect for children and to a sport complex where you can practice all sort of sports during the year. You can find Golf resorts around the area too.
From:
Hector
Email:
hectorlopezalcala@gmail.com
Telephone Number:
0034620890448
Pros & Cons of Long Term Rentals in Spain
There is one major downside to a long term rental lets in Spain. After the year the tenant has the right to renew for up to five years and the landlord can only increase the rent by the annual rate of inflation. So what’s the problem!
Well because the tenants have so many rights, after a year you will find many landlords will want you out and will get different tenants in. It means you have to move over and over again but the upside is you experience living in different types of houses in different areas of Spain.
In any case, after a year’s long term property rental or long term let you probably have a better idea of where in Spain you would really like to live now – almost certainly it will be in a different area to the one you would have chosen before you moved to Spain.
Whether you are looking for a long term let on the Costa Blanca or a long term rental elsewhere in Spain we hope this information has been of help.
Long-term Winter Lets in Spain
If you are looking to escape the cold winter weather and temperatures in northern Europe then finding and locating a long-term winter rental in Spain is a great idea as the weather in wintertime is often mild and sunny.
Also at this time of year many villas and apartments will be empty so you can find cheap bargain prices for winter lets in Spain. The Costa del Sol is a good choice for a long term winter rental because it has one of the best climates in Spain.
Better still try the Canary Islands which are closer to Africa than Spain. Most popular islands include Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
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About the Author
Mark Eastwood
Main author and owner of SpainMadeSimple.com which was started in 2004 when I first moved to Spain.
Spain Made Simple features expert advice on all aspects of moving to and living in Spain as well as useful tourist information and travel tips.
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