Should you really rent before you buy when you move to Spain?

“Rent before you buy” is the advice you’ll get from many people when you’re moving to Spain.

It makes sense. If you are unsure of where you want to live in, you can rent in different areas before finding the perfect home for you. Even if you have chosen your ideal place, renting gives you a chance to check out different neighbourhoods.

Even if you have decided to move to the Costa Blanca, each resort has its own distinct character. Read more about the North Costa Blanca resorts of Jávea, Benissa Coast, Benitachell, Cumbre del Sol, Dénia, Jesús Pobre and Moraira to discover how different they are.

Try before you buy

Renting is your flexible friend. As a tenant, you can switch homes, neighbourhoods, and towns every time your lease expires.

It also gives you breathing space to find out:

• About the area
• Whether it is noisy or not
• What the shops, bars and restaurants are like
• Is it near to good schools?
• Is there regular public transport?
• What are the neighbours like?
• Is it expensive to live there compared to neighbouring towns?
• What is the wifi like?
• What is it like living there in different seasons? An area that is buzzing in the summer could ‘close’ in the winter. Or what you thought was a peaceful haven is rammed with tourists in the summer
• What about the weather? Some areas are hot or humid in summer, or damp in winter
• Is it a predominantly Spanish area, cosmopolitan or a British enclave?
• The importance of the orientation as winter sun does make a difference

Renting gives you a chance to talk to local people and find out the pluses and drawbacks of living there.

Different types of Costa Blanca properties 

Live in different types of properties to see what you really want. You may dream of living in a large villa with a pool. But the reality could be that you find the garden is too much work or the travelling to amenities. You could decide living on an urbanisation with communal pool and gardens is preferable. Or vice versa.

Likewise, you may have strong views about apartment living. But in reality you find you like the views from the sixth floor and having a terrace instead of a garden. Or you decide you need garden space and don’t want to hear your neighbours’ washing machine or TV every evening.

Living in the campo or miles from anywhere sounds idyllic to many people. Again, try before you buy. Driving everywhere can become a chore. Or you might love waking up to the sound of birdsong, no traffic and no people.

If you’re planning to set up a business in Spain, it ‘s probably better to invest in a property once your enterprise is up and running successfully.

Take a look at our winter lets and long-term rentals in Spain’s Costa Blanca North region to get an idea of the variety of properties available.

Costs involved in buying a Costa Blanca property

It goes without saying that buying property is a major investment. On top of the actual cost of your new home, you need to pay taxes, notary fees, legal fees and a removal firm.

In Spain, it is wise to budget for an additional 12%-to-13% on top of the purchase price to cover these extra costs.

Bearing this in mind, moving to the wrong house or in the wrong area could be a costly mistake if you decide to move within a couple of years.

Give yourself time to find your ideal Costa Blanca home

Renting means you have all the time you need to look for your ideal home on the Costa Blanca. You don’t have to rush into buying a property because your ferry or flight is booked and you need somewhere to live. You can do your research, register with reputable and legal estate agents like VíllaMía and wait until your perfect property comes on the market.

Please get in touch for more information about renting on the Costa Blanca North. We´re happy to show you around, get to know what you’re looking for, and help you find your new home in Spain.

VíllaMía Office