Your Guide to Long-Term Rentals in Spain: How to Rent a Spanish Home

Sunny Spain is the most popular destination for British expats, with 8% of Brits making the move for good.

Spain has a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. So it comes as no surprise that so many people make this place their second home. It's a country full of bustling, vibrant cities and quaint rural countryside.

Instead of buying property, it can be much cheaper to find long-term rentals in Spain instead.

If you're looking to take the leap, read on for your guide to getting a long-term Spanish rental.

Long Term Rentals in Spain: What You Need to Know

Long-term rentals in Spain can be very luxurious and you can find the perfect place to suit your needs.

One of the most desirable places to live in Spain is the Costa Del Sol. The beautiful sea breeze and gorgeous surroundings make it a paradise.

To find your perfect long-term Costa Del Sol rental, here are four tips to help make your move as simple as possible.

1. Finding a Place to Rent

The first thing is finding a place you want to rent. If you're not sure about the neighbourhood, take a drive around. Find spots you like and take note.

A common site in areas of Spain are the "se alquila" noticeboards. Property owners who are looking to rent houses out will put notices up here.

The internet is your friend here. There are a lot of forums where you can find expats who may be leaving and their house will be available to rent.

You can also find directories of listings in your desired area. They come with rental prices, pictures and all amenities in the house. These sites make it easy to arrange a viewing too.

2. How Long Will You Be Renting?

It's important to know how long you'll be living in Spain. Short term rentals are around 11 months to a year long, with the possibility of renewal.

But, there are some landlords who will offer you a short-term rental with a verbal agreement to extend. This isn't enough, if you want to stay longer, you need it in writing. Otherwise, they could kick you out early.

Most long-term rentals in Spain are a 3 year fixed term. It's possible to get annual renewal afterward if you and the landlord agree.

If you want to leave before the 3 years are up, you must give the landlord 2 months notice.

3. What Documents Do You Need?

To rent in Spain, you have to provide a few documents to make it official.

You'll have to prove your identity with your NIE number. You need to prove your residency status, and be able to prove you have enough money to pay your bills there.

If you're working there, you need to provide your tax ID number. You may also need to provide personal references to the landlord.

4. How Will It Cost?

Depending on where you're moving in Spain, the costs will vary.

A 3-bed apartment in Malaga will set you back around 1,070 per month. In smaller towns in Spain, you could expect to pay this much for an entire home.

Small apartments in less popular areas are cheap. They come in at around 350 per month, which is very affordable.

To rent in popular areas and neighbourhoods, you can expect to pay anything from 450 - 700 per month.

You'll also have to pay a deposit when renting a house in Spain. This is one or sometimes two months of rent. You''ll get this back at the end of your lease, provided there's no damage to the property.

The utility bills in Spain are cheap too, coming in at around 50-120 each month.

Long-Term Rentals in Spain: Make the Move

Now you know the most important steps you need to take to make the move to Spain.

Long-term rentals in Spain are often a cheaper way to live the dream in sunny paradise. You don't need to invest in a house you may not even want to live in after a few years.

Long-term rentals are also a great way to get a taste of Spanish living before making a permanent move. Whatever you choose, living in Spain is something everyone should aspire to do in life.

Find this article helpful? Check out our blog for more tips on Spanish living.