FAQ: Owners

Yes, it is possible to rent out your property for a period of one month. You can manage it independently or through a vacation rental company or a real estate professional.

It is important to ensure that this type of rental complies with the local regulations in force. We also recommend signing a clear rental agreement with the tenant, outlining all the conditions of the contract.

For additional security, it is advisable to request a security deposit and have an appropriate insurance policy in place to cover any potential damages or incidents during the stay.

Renting through a portal such as Airbnb or Booking.com can be a good option, but it is important to be aware of both the benefits and the possible drawbacks.

Some of the benefits include:

• Wider reach: by listing a property on a popular platform, you can reach a large number of people looking for accommodation.

• Ease of use: these portals usually provide user-friendly interfaces for both owners and guests.

• Secure payments: platforms typically offer safe payment options, reducing the risk of fraud.

Among the disadvantages are:

• Commissions: platforms charge a fee for each booking, which can reduce the owner’s net profit.

• Restrictions: there may be rules regarding the type of property that can be listed and the conditions that must be followed.

• Competition: on popular platforms there is strong competition to attract guests.

• Dependence on the platform: if the portal experiences technical problems or reputational issues, this can affect the owner’s ability to rent out the property.

Yes, it is possible to sell your property from abroad. Although it may be slightly more complex, here are some steps to make the process easier:

• Power of Attorney
  • Grant it to a trusted lawyer or representative so they can sign and manage the sale on your behalf.
  • It can be arranged at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
• Required documentation – you can find more details in the FAQ section.
  • Title deed and land registry extract (nota simple).
  • Energy performance certificate and property tax receipt (IBI).
  • Etc.
• Tax obligations
  • If you are a non-resident, the buyer retains 3% of the sale price and pays it to the Tax Agency using Form 211.
  • Afterwards, the seller may file Form 210 to regularize their situation and, if applicable, request a refund.
• Professional support
  • An international real estate agent can handle online promotion, photos, videos, viewings, and remote communication.
• Online management
  • Many documents can be signed electronically, avoiding unnecessary travel.
  • Videoconferencing tools can also be used to give virtual tours and answer buyers’ questions.

With good planning, patience, and the right professional support, you can sell your property in Spain from abroad in a safe, transparent, and straightforward way.

When preparing your house for visits, there are several aspects you should focus on:

1. Cleanliness: Make sure your house is clean and tidy. This includes cleaning windows, floors, walls and appliances.
2. Depersonalization: Remove personal items such as photos and mementos so that potential buyers can envision the house as their own.
3. Repairs and improvements: Make necessary repairs, such as fixing cracks in walls, repairing appliances and changing burnt-out light bulbs.
4. Lighting: Ensure your house has good lighting to showcase the best features of the house.
5. Painting and decorating: If necessary, paint the walls of your house in neutral tones so that potential buyers can see the house with a fresh perspective.
6. Space: Make sure your house looks spacious and tidy by removing unnecessary furniture and organizing what's left.
7. Garden: If your house has a garden, make sure it is clean and well-maintained, as this can be an advantage for potential buyers.
8. Let potential buyers see the house: Don't forget to let potential buyers see the house by scheduling visits and being available to answer questions.

To sell your property, in Spain, you'll need to gather certain documentation:

Legal and ownership documentation

• Purchase deed or property title registered in the Land Registry.
• Updated simple registry note, which proves ownership and shows if there are any charges or mortgages.
• ID/NIE and passport of the owner(s).

Urban planning and technical documentation

• Certificate of habitability or first occupancy license.
• Energy efficiency certificate (EEC), mandatory to complete the sale.
• Property floor plans (if available, they help with marketing).

Tax documentation

• Latest paid property tax (IBI) receipt.
• Up-to-date community fees receipts (certificate of being current on payments issued by the administrator).
• Latest utility bills (water, electricity, gas), to prove there are no outstanding debts.

Other recommended documents

• Homeowners association bylaws, if the property is part of a development or building.
• Outstanding mortgage debt certificate, if there's a mortgage (for cancellation purposes).
• Current rental agreement, if the property is rented out, as the buyer must be aware of it.
• Documentation may vary depending on local legislation and your property's specific conditions.

It's always advisable to consult with a lawyer or real estate agent to make sure you meet all necessary requirements.

At Homewatch we have a professional cleaning team that ensures your property is left in perfect condition after each stay, guaranteeing the best possible experience for future guests.

This service is carried out automatically after every check-out, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Yes, as the owner you can use your property whenever you wish. All you need to do is block, with advance, the dates you want to enjoy it in the owners’ portal, so that the property is not available for bookings during that period.

This way, you have complete flexibility to combine your personal use of the property with vacation rentals.

The minimum stay depends on the season.

• For the summer season, we recommend a minimum stay of 7 nights.
• For the winter season, a minimum of 3 nights is advised.
• During the mid-season, a 5-night minimum stay is recommended.

As the current month approaches, we gradually reduce the minimum stay requirement to 3 or 2 nights, depending on the property. This is because short stays during high or mid-season can disrupt the potential for longer bookings, making it difficult to rent out the remaining days of the week.