First a long-term rental, then a property purchase in Spain

A new trend is evident on the Spanish property market. More and more Poles are starting their adventure with the Iberian Peninsula with long-term rentals. This is the first step towards buying a property and settling permanently in Spain.

Costa del Sol attracts sunshine

According to data presented by property analysts, attractive locations – such as the Costa del Sol, Seville and Malaga – are currently the most popular. The same is true for Marbella, which is no longer just the destination of choice for golfers or tourists, but also for those who intend to make a permanent commitment to Spain. Confirmation that the luxury real estate market in Marbella is growing strongly is provided by the arrival of brands such as Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi, Dolce Gabbana, Lamborghini, Missoni and Elie Saab.

The long-term rental and subsequent purchase of property in Spain is also a result of the geopolitical and economic situation in Central Europe. Rising inflation and interest rates have encouraged many Europeans and Poles to invest on the Costa del Sol, among others. Nowadays, many people can carry out their professional duties hybrid or remotely, and access to a developed transport infrastructure (airports, railways, motorway networks) facilitates efficient movement and thus does not restrict mobility.

Live, check, buy

A new trend, evident among Poles, is to rent for, say, a year to try life in Spain. This allows you to be fully convinced whether the Iberian Peninsula is a dream place to live. This solution is increasingly being chosen by families whose children are now going to school from September. Before they make the final decision to buy a property, they want to be sure that the children will fully acclimatise to their new school and location. It is worth noting at this point that the high level of schooling is cited as one of the advantages of Spain.

This approach is not surprising, as it allows us to at least get to know the local community in which we choose to live. In addition, we can find out which areas or towns meet our expectations and needs before we decide to buy a property. Long-term renting allows for an effective adaptation in a new place. It also helps to make a smooth transition to a new environment. It allows us to familiarise ourselves with the culture and local customs, as well as organising the entire logistical process and the move to Spain.

The new trend, associated with long-term rentals, is not the only change visible in the market. Spain’s Málaga and the Costa del Sol area are seeing a surge in the number of people moving from other European countries. This is largely responsible for the change in lifestyle by young people who are choosing to become digital nomads. You can read about why digital nomads are choosing the Sunshine Coast in our blog.