Long Term Rentals in Marbella and Why You Must Rent Before Buying

For those of us hailing from colder climes, the idea of living in the beautiful city of Marbella is undeniably attractive. But while the visions of sun-and-sangria soaked days currently dancing around in your head are wonderful, they don't necessarily represent the reality of life is Spain's Costa del Sol. The fact is, not everything about living in Spain is what you hope it will be - even if you're a hard-as-nails realist. Which is why jumping right in is almost always a mistake; and why looking into long term rentals is such an important part of your move to Marbella.

The Consequences of "Jumping Right In"

It probably sounds lecturing and a bit patronizing, but I'm going to say it anyway: this is Spain, and the Spanish people and culture are different from what you're used to. And while these differences may seem attractive when you're looking at the gray and cloudy sky through your rain-spattered window at home, you'll have a very different perspective when you live here.

Those that move quickly, selling their current home and putting all of their finances into a property in the Costa del Sol, tend to repent that decision at leisure. Some even become "trapped abroad," financially obligated to live in a place they've discovered isn't to their liking.

In short, if you don't take the time that long-term lettings allow you, you may find yourself in a nightmarish situation in one or two years' time. Sure, it doesn't sound likely... but it happens all the time.

The Benefits of Long Term Rentals

1. Getting a real feel. Those who look for long-term lettings instead of buying a property get a chance to really feel what it's like to live abroad. Just as with marriage, moving to a new country generally implies a "honeymoon" period, during which the place and the people can do no wrong. Staying in long term rentals allows you to get past this period, and evaluate Marbella and the rest of Spain in a very real, very practical way.

2. Finding the best location. Unless you've spent a lot of time living all over the Costa del Sol, you probably can't be sure of the perfect location in which to buy a property. With lettings, you can really get an idea of the different cities in the area, and the different neighborhoods within each city. When you really know Spain, you can make a much more educated decision when it comes time to buy.

3. Preventing monetary loss. It can be hard to believe when you come here to visit, but a surprising number of the people who move to Marbella from places like the UK decide that Spain is not for them. Perhaps they miss friends and family back home. Perhaps the culture shock is too much. Whatever their reason for leaving, though, those people who sell their homes in order to pay their way to the Costa del Sol are often unable to recoup their losses. And they go home with much less than they came with.

4. Networking. Another benefit to long term lettings is the opportunity they give you to network. While you're discovering and enjoying Marbella, you'll also be meeting people and forging relationships. When it does come time to buy a property, you'll be better positioned, with a wider network of friends and acquaintances who can help with the process.

Of course, it's wonderful to be an optimist, and to see your future in Spain with a bright eye. But it's also important to be a realist - and to commit to your new lifestyle in small stages. If you play it safe with long term rentals, you can rent out your current home to pay for your temporary new home. As most Spanish rental contracts span about 11 months, you'll have plenty of time to live in and observe the Costa del Sol. And when it comes time to truly choose a place to settle, you'll know that you made the best - and most educated - choice for you.

Long Term Rentals In Marbella
La Costa Property Solutions is an established full service real estate company based in Marbella on the Costa del Sol and specializes in sales, holiday rentals, project management, property maintenance and long term rentals.