The Search for the Perfect Apartment...

Well all things considered, I feel I was lucky on the hunt for my first apartment in Spain. If you are young and just looking for something affordable, you’re best option is to walk around the busier parts of town and look for flyers that people have put up looking for roommates. Usually they are students or young professionals that have an extra room that needs to be filled. I came at the beginning at the summer, so I had a few choices of apartments because many students return to their villages after school ends. Even more rooms become available towards the end of summer. This is because many landlords, after the school year ends in June, will not rent out the apartment for the summer because it is harder to find tenants. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across an apartment where at least 2 of the roommates are staying for the summer so they need to fill the other rooms that have become available.

I knew starting off the search of some conditions I had. I couldn’t afford more than 200 euro a month for an apartment, I wanted to be closer to Dani since he was the only soul I knew in the country, and it had to be within range of public transportation. I didn’t know where I was working at the time I was searching for my current apartment. After my summer lease ends, this will be another factor I must consider for my next apartment.

Within the apartments themselves, there are things that must be considered. Coming from the U.S, I’ve been spoiled with certain amenities that are not commonly found in Spain. Apartments should have a washing machine but dryers are almost non-existent. If you find a dishwasher and an oven, consider yourself very lucky.

Most student apartments will come furnished by the landlords. It won’t be the most stylish or comfortable, but it’s definitely livable. Many landlords will even provide bed sheets and dishware. Air-conditioning is an added bonus; so don’t be disappointed when you don’t find it, especially in older apartments. Ask about the heating situation even if you’re looking in the dead of summer. Fall and winter nights can get very cold so you want to make sure windows are well insulated or there’s at least some heating system in every room. Internet is pretty much a no-go. If you’re lucky, there will be some unsecured WIFI connection that you can steal from someplace. Depending on how long you want to live in one apartment, you can look into setting up your own internet with the local cable company. However, if you’re living with students or young professionals, they most likely won’t help pay for it. From what I’ve seen, the Spanish are quite conservative with their spending habits especially when it comes to their living expenses. They can most likely get internet from their school, work or local library, so why spend the extra money? I’m currently adapting to this method of thinking, and I feel it will be quite beneficial in the long run. However, my Facebook and Skype addiction is already rearing its ugly head.

When you want to look at an apartment you’ve found, call first and make an appointment. If possible, have a native speaker of that country’s language go with you to check them out. They tend to know what to look for, what questions to ask and can get a feel for the roommates personalities that you may miss. This way you know that you’re getting all the correct information and there’s been no language barrier. Also, be careful of how you present yourself especially as an American. It may not be information you want to give out right away over the phone, but it should be mentioned when you first look at the apartment. The first apartment I looked at was run by an older couple. The old man looked at me and asked “Aleman?” (Are you German?) When I replied, “No, Americana,” he humpf-ed and walked away from me. Try not to be offended, it comes with the territory. After seeing the apartment, it is best to tell them that you will think about it because you’re looking at other apartments, and you’ll call with you’re decision soon. This may help you get some extra perks from the landlord but not always. Also, even if you go with another apartment, it is polite and expected to call or at least text someone from the other apartments to say ‘thank you but I choose another one.’

With apartment hunting in Spain, it’s okay to have standards as long as they are realistic. I liked the first apartment I looked at; however it was on the 5th floor and no elevator. Even for Spain, this was a bit extreme. I couldn’t fathom doing those stairs everyday especially with groceries and whatnot. Another apartment I looked at was with 3 male roommates. I walked in and all 3 men looked at me like they haven’t seen a woman in 6 months. The place was dirty (even though you can tell they attempted to tidy up) and it was not suitable for another male let alone a female. So I learned to give and take on some things. If I didn’t find the apartment I ended up choosing, I would have to sacrifice some things like climbing a ridiculous amount of stairs. On the other hand, I wouldn’t sacrifice my well being by choosing a place that would be like living in a zoo during mating season.

front entrance to my complex

the shared courtyard

my living room

The apartment I choose was the last apartment I looked at. It was a block away from Dani and two blocks from Reconquista (the main road for public transportation). It’s a newer complex with a gated entry way that leads to a courtyard that all 4 buildings share. I live on the 3rd floor and it has an elevator. The apartment has a nice sized living room with a balcony that has an amazing view of the Casco (Ancient part of the city). It has a great kitchen with a dishwasher and oven.

my room

My room is by far the best part: the master bedroom with a queen-sized bed, personal bathroom attached and my own balcony. There’s another small bed in the room that I’m suppose to share with someone else, but for the time being, I have it all to myself. So for now, I have 2 closets, a dresser, a desk, and a television. Most amazing part is that I only pay 175 Euro/ month and then electricity is separate. I live with 2 Spanish female students. We get along quite well and they are extremely patient with my lack of language skills. Overall, I feel like I lucked out with this apartment. I don’t have any access to internet but with Dani so close, I just walk over to his place. Immediately, I felt at home here, and it was exactly what I needed to keep me motivated for the journey ahead of me.