Property Guides and Information for the Costa del Sol, Spain

The Toolbox: Renting your Property - A Shortlist of Recommendations

Here is a summary of some of the more important points that we feel will help you make the right choices while choosing and renting your property:

1. Do your research on an area and run a cash flow analysis using the calculator to help you project costs and return.
2. Define your rental strategy. Are you wanting to let your property on a short term basis of days or weeks or several months to a year.
3. If you are planning on using the property at all, use the short-term letting or por temporada contract.
4. Try, wherever possible, to let to people you know or trust. If that is not possible, ensure that you or your agent vet the potential tenant thoroughly.
5. If you are planning to lease the property for holiday let periods (days and weeks) you will need to furnish the property.
6. If you are looking at a longer-term lease it is probably a better idea to find out what owners of similar properties in your area are doing. It may transpire that your property is easier to rent unfurnished, saving you time and money in choosing and paying for furnishings.
7. If you plan on using the property yourself between lets, make sure you have a secure storage room to place your belongings.
8. When decorating your property, avoid bold colours and stick to a fairly neutral palette, furthermore don’t try and cram as much furniture in as possible, keep things basic and easier to clean.
9. Prepare an inventory before you start letting your property and ensure that your tenant and your letting agent (if applicable) has an up-to-date copy.
10. If you are not going to deal with tenants yourself, make sure you have a reputable agent to manage the lease, help you market the property and deal with the tenant on your behalf.

April 21, 2006 | Category: Renting Property