What Type of Property Should You Buy in Spain if You Only Visit for a Few Months a Year?

If you're thinking about buying a property in Spain to enjoy for part of the year, there are several factors that may influence your decision beyond location and price.

The type of property, its maintenance, annual running costs and the possibility of renting it out while you're away are all worth considering.

Apartment, Townhouse or Villa: Which Property Best Suits Your Needs?

Besides the space you need during your holidays, think about how the property will be looked after while you're away and what arrangements you'll need to make before arriving or after leaving.

Apartment in a Residential Complex

An apartment can be a good choice if you're looking for a second home that requires relatively little management while you're away.

In residential complexes with shared facilities, the owners' community usually arranges maintenance of gardens, swimming pools and communal access areas. This can be an advantage if you live abroad and don't want to arrange these services yourself.

It's also worth finding out what's included in the community fees, whether any special assessments have been approved and which rules apply to the use of communal facilities.

Townhouse or Bungalow

Townhouses and bungalows can offer a balance between space, privacy and maintenance.

Depending on the property, they may be part of a community with shared facilities or have private outdoor areas that require individual upkeep.

It's worth knowing which maintenance tasks you'll be responsible for while you're away.

Detached Villa

A detached villa may appeal to you if you value privacy, your own plot of land or outdoor spaces that you don't have to share with other owners.

If the property has a swimming pool, garden or irrigation system, you'll need to arrange maintenance throughout the year, including when you're not in Spain.

You can hire professionals to take care of these tasks, but their fees should be included in your property's running costs.

A detached villa can also make an excellent second home. The question is whether you're comfortable managing its upkeep and the associated expenses.

Which Option Is Right for You?

There is no single ideal choice for every buyer. Your decision will depend on how much space you need, the features you're looking for and the level of maintenance you're prepared to take on while you're away.

What Happens to Your Property When You're Not in Spain?

When a home is left unoccupied for several months, taking a few precautions can help prevent problems and keep it in good condition until you return.

Here are some things to consider:

• Water and electricity: decide which utilities need to remain connected and which can be switched off while you're away, taking into account the property's systems and appliances.
• Ventilation and damp: arrange periodic visits to air the property and identify potential moisture problems.
• Terraces and drainage: keep drains clear and check that rainwater can flow away properly.
• Security: check the condition of locks, windows and security systems.
• Dealing with unexpected issues: have someone you trust who can access the property if a fault or emergency occurs.

You should also check the terms of your home insurance, particularly any conditions relating to periods when the property is unoccupied.

What Costs Will You Have Even When You're Not Using the Property?

Even if you only spend part of the year in your home, you'll still have certain expenses throughout the year.

The main costs to consider include:

• Property tax (IBI) and any other applicable local taxes.
• Community fees and possible special assessments.
• Home insurance.
• Fixed charges for water, electricity and other contracted utilities.
• Maintenance of installations, terraces, gardens or swimming pools, depending on the property.
• Tax obligations that may apply to you as a resident or non-resident property owner.

Understanding these costs will help you calculate how much it will cost to maintain your property, in addition to the purchase price.

Which Location Should You Choose for Your Second Home?

Do you picture spending your holidays near the beach, or would you prefer a quieter residential area? Whatever your preference, think about what you'll need during your stays.

If you plan to visit outside the summer season, check which businesses remain open throughout the year.

Consider the proximity of supermarkets, healthcare centres, pharmacies, restaurants and other places you'll use regularly.

It's also useful to look at travel times to the airport and transport connections, especially if you expect to make several trips a year.

In Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar del Segura, Ciudad Quesada and Pilar de la Horadada, you'll find different types of properties and residential areas.

The important thing is to choose a location that suits how you want to enjoy your second home, both in summer and during the rest of the year.

Can You Rent Out Your Property When You're Not Using It?

You may prefer to keep your property exclusively for personal use, or you may be considering renting it out when you're not visiting Spain.

If you're considering this option, it's worth looking into it before buying.

Not all properties can legally be used for holiday rentals. You need to check the applicable regulations, planning restrictions, rules of the owners' community and relevant administrative requirements.

You'll also need to consider the costs of renting out the property, cleaning, maintenance, guest support and the periods when you want to keep it available for your own use.

Rental income may help offset some of the costs of your second home, but it does not guarantee a particular return.

If you're exploring this possibility, we recommend reading our article “Investing in Costa Blanca Property: Rental Returns and Capital Appreciation”, where we discuss other factors to consider before investing.

If you live abroad, having support to organise bookings, look after guests and keep the property in good condition can make managing your holiday rental easier while you're away.

That's why VIVEE Real Estate also offers a holiday rental management service for owners who would like professional support when renting out their property.

How Can VIVEE Real Estate Help You?

If you're looking for a second home, we can help you compare properties and locations based on how much time you plan to spend in Spain, nearby amenities and the features of each property.

Browse our available properties and explore the different options for buying a home.

If you already have an area in mind or need guidance on where to start, contact VIVEE Real Estate.

About VIVEE Real Estate

At VIVEE Real Estate, we help buyers from Spain and abroad find property on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida.

Our goal is not simply to show you properties.

We want to help you get to know the different areas, understand your buying options and choose a home that suits the way you want to live in Spain.

We guide you through the buying process and help you organise the necessary steps.

On our website, you'll find:

• New-build and resale properties.
• Guides for international property buyers.
• Articles about property investment and quality of life.
• Information about local areas and property developments.
• An up-to-date selection of properties for sale on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida.