If there's one thing we love in Spain, it's a firework and a fiesta! Although no bonfire night, we've still a party of two to be enjoyed at this time of year.
The month begins with the sombre occasion of All Saints Day (Todos Los Santos) when Spanish people from all over the country return to their birthplaces to remember their deceased relatives. It's a national holiday marked on November 1st, when all businesses (including ours) will be closed.
There are various film festivals during the month and an alcohol fuelled Fiesta down the road in Benidorm which is very popular with local residents and tourists alike. Although a relatively quiet time, we still enjoy balmy temperatures and t-shirts this time of year, so take advantage of those cheap flights and come and enjoy some Winter sun!
Winter lets are very popular in Javea now, reducing the number of all year rentals available. We have done this guide to help tenants:
VíllaMía organise winter lets, and the period is a minimum of 3 months but can be as long as 10 months, so possibly September until June inclusive. The occasional winter let will include July but never August, when many owners use the property themselves or summer let it out.
For tenants, it may be people coming over to the Costa Blanca for a few months for better weather, using the property when they look to purchase in the area so just not ready to commit to an all-year rental.
Prices range normally from 500 euros for a one bed apartment to several thousand for a modern villa will views. On average, a 2-bed apartment is 600 to 800 euros, a 3 bed from 800 to 1200 euros, a 4-bed townhouse round 1,400 euros and a 3-bed basic villa from 1100 euros.
Heating – it is better to have some form of heating as it can get cold in December and January. Gas central heating, hot air con, electric heating or log burners should be noted. An apartment without heating is viable and you can look into options such as putting rugs down, electric blankets and temporary solutions such as a gas estufa or oil radiators but a villa without heating is something you need to consider carefully.
Winter sun – it is better to be south facing and have winter sun as north facing properties will be colder
Internet and TV – many of our British clients want internet and English TV set up as if there isn't any it can be expensive to set up, especially for a short-term contract
Owners with the above are more likely to rent their property as there is so much competition now which was not there a year or two ago.
Linens - owners do not have to provide bedding and towels so you need to check what is included as you may find there are no duvets or just basic supplies. For owners, the more winter bedding you can supply the better.
The owners pay the IBI tax plus the pool and garden maintenance or the community fees if applicable. Tenants normally pay utility bills such as gas, water and electricity. Often owners include wifi and tv but sometimes this and the rubbish tax can be added to a rental. Everything will be clear beforehand and included in the contract.
The deposit will vary depending on the length of the contract but a minimum of one month deposit is normal. Please note this is non-refundable if you put down a deposit and then pull out as often the contracts would have been drawn up and owners removed the property from the market, losing other potential business.
There will also be an agency fee to pay. The charge for tenants is half a month's rent plus 21% iva for contracts under 6 months and a full month's rent plus iva if 6 months and over. Again, this is non refundable so make sure you are 100% sure before putting any money down.
The rent is paid monthly in advance. You do not have to start a contract on the first of the month and the rent is simply paid on the date you start, for example, the 10th of every month.
VíllaMía will do the contract and make sure the entry runs smoothly. The inventory is the owner's responsibility, but we go through it with the tenants and keep on file. The utility bills are often reimbursed for winter lets and VíllaMía will work out the first split bills.
Please get in contact if we can help.
Sign up for our informative and fun packed monthly newsletter! We won't share your email, and you can unsubscribe at any time.