We know that, when moving to a new city, the issue that will occupy us the most time and will cause the most headaches is the search for housing.
—Even though you know it’s a rental and therefore temporary —Almudena thinks out loud.
—Exactly! It’s not a lifelong decision —assent Paloma.
—Yes, but the pressure is huge.
—Of course, we always want the best for our people.
—And for ourselves!
On the one hand, the pressure of finding a home where you can develop a comfortable life in a safe and welcoming environment within a foreign city and sometimes even a foreign language.
—It would be like founding a haven of peace within the unknown.
—Yes, like a shelter.
—Hence the difficulty … our high expectations!
—And the suspicion that always exists …
—There’s no way to know if they don’t tell you the whole truth.
—Or if you miss anything.
And, on the other hand, the pressure to choose a house where you can maintain or improve your lifestyle. We already know that it cannot be the same to live in Madrid as, for example, in Hong Kong. The differences between renting a house in one city and another are countless, however, in both places you can choose to live in a central or suburban area, near a sports centre or near your work place or near a park, etc.
—Let’s see, what are the essential points to consider when renting a home in Madrid? —asks Palo.
—Yeah! Let’s focus.
—I’d classify them into two categories: firstly, regarding the lifestyle we want to develop and, secondly, those related to the property itself. —replies Almu.
—Well, then, let’s start with the first ones!
—So, according to the lifestyle:
1.- It is essential to decide if we want to live an urban life and enjoy Madrid or if we prefer a more relaxed nature-like life in the suburbs.
2.- Also, you have to choose between living in a flat/apartment or a chalet. Enjoying more or less privacy and independence. Even if they both have common areas to share with neighbors.
3.- Check the availability and convenience of your required or most coveted services such as parking, public transport, supermarket, gym, etc.
4.- Finally, proximity or ease of access to the workplace can make the difference in finding a balance between professional and personal life.
—Now we can move on to the second category.
—Which are, let me remind you, the essential points related to the property itself.
—Exactly! And these are the following:
5.- Check if the house is well cared for. Although it may be years old and long-timed used, it’s easy to see whether it is well maintained (clean and tidy) or, on the contrary, the owners do not take much care of it.
6.- The landlord. How you get along with him/her would make a difference.
7.- It’s essential the availability: find out out if you could use it during all the time you intend to.
8.- Utilities consumption (and types of them) and maintenance cost is worth checking to avoid unexpected shocks.
9.- Last but not least, we can’t forget International differences in decoration, room sizes and even available spaces.
Finally, relax and be aware that a surprise may always arise, something that comes up without even having crossed your mind no matter how many times you’ve moved.
—Oh yeah! Remember that very quiet house in front of a large natural park that I was so happy to rent?
—Knowing that there was also a small zoo.
—And without ever imagining the mini-monkeys squeaky sounds every dawn.
—They looked like factory sirens!
—Exactly! You suffered them when you visited me, too.
—How could I forget?
Being realistic and having in mind a trouble-free and quick relocation, once we have visited several options, we must choose between the 2 or 3 that best suit our requirements. In case we can’t decide, we’ll revisit these finalist properties the next day. I am sure that this second visit, knowing what we are going to find and focusing on the feeling that each one of them causes us, will be definitive to choose the best option.
Moral: the perfect house doesn’t exist.
If you plan to move soon, you will find this in more detail along with other essential info to achieve a smooth landing in The secret of relocating to Madrid. If, in addition, you need help with the organisation or if you prefer we accompany you, check out our services.
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