Using the example of Malaga, we present the key and universal issues to look out for if you want to rent a flat and are on a tight budget. Price, location, standard or facilities are the basics. But what other important details should you pay attention to when looking for a flat for rent in Spain?
Location: how to choose so as not to regret?
Of course, we do not just mean location, understood as the distance between the flat and the city centre. It is also, or perhaps above all, about safety and living comfort. In Poland, there are hardly any “bad” neighbourhoods any more, only specific buildings or streets are to be avoided.
For what it’s worth, every Spanish big city has at least one neighbourhood that is truly isolated from the others. It is difficult to find a major grocery shop or restaurant there. Sometimes such a neighbourhood is located quite close to the centre, so at first glance it may seem attractive. Before renting a flat, it is a good idea to do some reading about the area and the available services or attractions.
The sun does not always shine
Spain is mainly associated with sunshine and heat, but in winter it can be colder. In Madrid, the temperature at night often fluctuates around zero, while in the north of the country it can be slightly warmer. On the Costa del Sol there is no danger of frost, although at night the thermometers can show temperatures of less than ten degrees.
Such temperatures do not make much of an impression on Poles, but let us remember that in our country radiators are a permanent fixture in the home. In Spain, especially in the south, this is rare. Even for people who are extremely warm, we advise them to pay attention to whether there is air conditioning in the flat, which will serve as heating in winter. Newer flats already have underfloor heating.
Overlooking the bedroom
In Poland, we often wave our hands at the lack of photos showing the view outside the window in an ad. Few people pay attention to this, as you will see either the street or the estate. Let’s just hope the neighbours aren’t too close… and in Spain that’s what you need to pay special attention to.
In the centres of large cities, such as Malaga, the windows of the flats facing the inner courtyard are often so slightly apart that you can literally shake hands with the neighbours on your left or right. Those opposite, on the other hand, have an ideal view of, for example… our bedroom. It is then worth looking for a flat with a view of the street, especially if the street is not too noisy.
Park and go
If you are coming to Spain by car, be sure to get a parking space, preferably in a garage. In Spain’s big cities, not just in their centres, parking on the street often borders on a miracle. Looking for a space every time you return home would take a long time and often end up in a walk of at least a few minutes.
Admittedly, few rental offers include a parking space, but garages are plentiful in Spain. You will certainly be able to find a space for your car near your flat. It is also worth bearing in mind that driving into a Spanish garage can be a challenge even for the most experienced drivers.
Laundry, a challenge
It is a basic piece of equipment in Polish flats. In Spain, it is much more common to come across an offer to rent a property that does not have a washing machine – although most, certainly more than half of the flats – are equipped with one. As Poles, we are used to washing machines in the bathroom. In Spain, if they are already in the flat, they are often placed in the kitchen or… on the balcony.
So where to do the laundry? The solution is self-service laundries, of which there is no shortage in Spain. However, they are very popular, so you sometimes have to wait a little while for your turn. Also, carrying dirty clothes to the laundromat and turning up at a certain time to collect them can be a nuisance.
