Reanna read it

The Right Place

When they heard I was looking for a new place to live, they said “Oh good, you can write about that.”

Maybe you arrived here, as I did, with a temporary rental chosen unseen except on the internet, then looked for somewhere to stay longer after arriving.

Thus you learn the implications of “estate agent jargon”. In the campo, “idyllic country house” can mean 20 miles from civilisation down a dirt track impassable to all but mountain goats. Attractive modern urbanisations frequently contain huge flights of stairs to properties which would remain empty if I had to carry furniture to them, obliquely referred to as “not suitable” for people with mobility issues. “20 mins walk into town” does not mention that this includes 15 of them puffing up a big hill. “Parking on the street” takes no account of half the population of Nerja competing for each space plus the need for a shoehorn to get into one.

In fairness most agents are pretty good about telling you the truth and can be encouraged to show you just the type of property you want (once you know what that is after viewing a variety to find  out)- although if they’re not enthusiastic, it is possible they know things you don’t because they live here and know how things work (or don’t!).

Renting gives you the flexibility to move around and try out different types of property. Having started out short term in holiday rental villas, after looking at everything from brand new modern  through to old character property, I’ve just spent 11 months in an old town house which my friends describe as “quirky”.

It’s a great place but you need to know how to get the best out of it with its faults, like everywhere else, and no property has everything you want. With experience you learn what questions to ask and what pitfalls there may be. This is Spain and renting is different to the UK – and much cheaper.

So my advice for home hunters is talk to people, many properties are never advertised as the outgoing tenant introduces the next one, don’t shun agents as they are experts with the extra security of them acting as intermediary. Take recommendations for friendly and helpful agents, but equally try phoning the “se alquila” numbers on boards. Lots of these will not speak English, the property isn’t actually available but they have “another flat in Torrox, would you like to see it?” but you never know. If you use the internet, don’t be surprised when you find several agents advertising the same property (few are exclusively with one agent) or that it has already gone. It pays to view a selection but to decide quickly - the best ones go fast.

Nerja is richly endowed with all sizes, types and prices for rented property. It’s quite fun looking around and choosing, which I’ve done, and I’ll tell you about that next time.

I hope I’ve found the right place.