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Working in Spain - Accommodation Costa del Sol
Working in Spain - Accommodation
One of the biggest priorities when working abroad is finding accommodation. There are plenty of rental properties on the Costa del Sol, which can be sourced through an estate agent (commission is charged - usually at least 1 month's rent) or privately.
As part of the Obelisk commitment to helping you make a good start to your career in Spain, the H.R. Department is happy to assist you in making enquiries about rental accommodation on your behalf.
The following is a brief guide to short and long-term rentals during your recruitment in Spain.
Short-term Rentals
Although most people coming to work in Spain choose a long-term rental, you may wish to take short-term rental accommodation while you decide where to live on the Costa del Sol. Short-term rentals are considerably more expensive than long-term and you may not be able to rent the property for more than 1 month, although you might get a good deal out of season during the winter months when some properties are available for longer lets. Expenses such as utilities are usually included in the price and the majority of short-term rental properties are furnished.
Short-term rentals are often carried out by estate agents and property management companies. It is also worth looking on holiday accommodation websites and in UK newspapers and magazines before you leave for your job abroad.
Where to Live
When working abroad in Spain the location of your accommodation is a very important factor and the Costa del Sol offers a variety of towns and resort areas. All have advantages and disadvantages, although perhaps the main consideration is the distance between your home and Obelisk in central Marbella. You may also wish to consider the area's amenities such as schools, shops and public transport, and the following points:
Noise & Time of Year: When looking for accommodation for your recruitment overseas, bear in mind the noise factor, particularly if you are looking in a predominantly Spanish neighbourhood as these may be noisy in the evening. The time of year is another important consideration - a bustling area in the summer may be extremely quiet out of season with shops and amenities closed.
Parking: If you have a car, it is worth looking at parking options when choosing a property. It is difficult to find street parking in most areas of the Costa del Sol so accommodation with a parking space is a real advantage.
Price: The price factor is also important for your career abroad accommodation. In general, Marbella is the most expensive area on the Costa del Sol while outlying districts such as Estepona, Mijas Costa and Fuengirola are considerably cheaper. The following gives a rough idea of prices for long-term rentals:
|
Location |
2-bed Apartment |
3-bed Apartment |
3-bed House |
|
Marbella |
From €700 |
From €800 |
From €900 |
|
Estepona |
From €550 |
From €650 |
From €850 |
|
Mijas Costa |
From €500 |
From €600 |
From €750 |
Properties near a beach or a golf course are the most expensive and accommodation in predominantly ex-pat areas costs more than property in a mainly Spanish neighbourhood.
Long-term Rentals
Long-term rentals while working in Spain can be found as follows:
Rental Agents: There are several specialist rental agencies on the Costa del Sol such as Hudson International (Tel: 952 853 370, Email: info@hudsoninternationalproperties.com) and Nordica Rentals (Tel: 952 811 552, Email: annalena@nordicarentals.com)
Websites: Numerous Spanish websites list long-term accommodation properties on the Costa del Sol such as http://www.idealista.com/ and http://www.fotocasa.es/. Properties are posted by private owners so there is no commission.
Newspapers: The popular weekly Sur in English newspaper carries rental adverts, which can also be viewed on http://www.surinenglish.com/ in the Classifieds section.
Another alternative is to simply drive or walk round the area of your choice and take note of properties with a ‘Se Alquila' (‘For Rent') sign outside them. Many on recruitment abroad have found a home this way.
Long-term Rental Contracts
Once you have chosen a rental property to live in while you work in Spain, you and the owner of the property sign a contract. The contract (in Spanish, so ask for a translation if you need one) states the details of the property, duration and terms of the rental.
Duration: Short-term ‘seasonal' contracts (contrato de alquiler de temporada) are valid for the dates stated on the contract. Long-term rental contracts (contrato de alquiler de vivienda) can be valid for anything from 11 months to 5 years in Spain (regardless of the dates stated on the contract), depending on the landlord concerned. As the tenant, you have the right to stay for a maximum of 5 years, although this does vary depending on the type and length of contract you have. You must usually give a month's notice in writing if you intend to leave. Most rental contracts on the Costa del Sol are short-term, up to 11 months.
Payments: When you sign the contract, you must usually pay between 1 to 3 month's deposit plus 1 month's rent in advance. So that the landlord is covered in case you default on rental payments, you may have to provide a bank guarantee or the name of a third party who will make rental payments on your behalf. Rents are usually paid in advance during the first 5 days of the month, directly into the landlord's bank account.
Utilities & Bills: Long-term tenants are usually liable for all utility bills (electricity, water, gas and telephone). Make sure you obtain details of utility companies when you move in so that you can set up direct debits for forthcoming bills. The landlord is usually responsible for the payment of community charges and rates.