Property - Rent or Buy on the Costa Blanca?

There are still many northern european residents, itching to escape the cold weather and hoping to move to the Costa Blanca, as soon as their property is sold. Your Choice! Do you really want to wait?

At the moment, however, selling in most areas is difficult, so why not consider rentals as a first move? Let’s have a look at the pro’s and con’s to see what’s best for you..

You Can’t Sell Your House

You might be able to rent it out though. If you are not relying on your equity to see you through your life change, why not think about renting? Apart from new apartments and low end properties, the demand for quality housing in most areas is still there. In most cases, you will get more for your UK property than you would renting in the Valencia region, like for like. Don’t forget there are lots of empty properties here and many have bought off plan, expecting to sell and have not.

Those who want to sever all links with the UK, which I find totally understandable, might want to wait, but apart from in some exceptional areas, you may have to drop to sell quickly. This need not concern you too much as the same savings can be made here if you decide to buy. There is plenty of choice for both buying and renting, if you know where to look.

You Can Sell Your House

You may decide to wait a bit to see if prices drop further, in which case you can move out and rent for a while. You may get to know the area better this way and take time to buy your property

Finding Quality Properties

As with buying, you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince and there are many properties geared up for the holiday market that are not suitable for long term lets. Many are poorly furnished and badly maintained. Many are far to expensive; owners being reluctant to accept that there is a recession going on. Look long and hard and you will find something that suits you at prices from €400 per month upwards, but be prepared for the long haul. Don’t expect to find a gem on a three day visit, like buying you need to take your time and preferably have short listed properties to view before you arrive.

How Do I Do That?

You could go to a couple of agents that will show you a few properties on their books and if you are lucky, find one that suits you. You will pay them a month’s rent for the few hours you spend with them. You will waste a lot of time. Or you could use a home finding service like us, that will charge you the same, but pre-qualify and short list the good ones from all sources. Or, you could come to Spain four or five times instead of once and spend a few grand plus an agent’s fee.

You Know It Makes Sense

Your time is valuable, you want rent or buy as cheaply and effectively as possible. You need someone who knows the area and what is available. Full stop. You need somebody to do the legwork for you. That is what we do, so contact us, details on our website at www.homesearchcostablanca.com

Mike Pick Homesearch Costa Blanca Ltd.,

Please note, we do not do holiday lets!

Tags: costa blanca rentals, Spanish long term rentals, Spanish property rentals