Living in Valencia

opietaylor7 · 2025-03-29T22:12:48+01:00

Explore living in Valencia with insights on apartment quality, lease terms for non-residents, and climate considerations for a smooth relocation.

opietaylor7 Member

Member since 22 March 2025

opietaylor7Member29 March 2025 20:12:48

Hello everyone;

I lived and studied at the University of Valencia "way back" when Franco was dictator and loved Valencia. I returned to marry someone I had met but was not Roman Catholic nor was he, so we were not allowed to marry.聽 (lived in Canary Islands)聽 Now at 74,聽 I am booking a trip back to Valencia - memory lane but also to solidify leaving the US. Preparing for possible move and exploring expectations.

*Would like to know about the living situation in the apartments as I hear the majority are not built well, and neighbors' conversations can be heard .聽 Is this the majority?聽 (I have never lived in an apartment other than the family when I was a foreign exchange student and never remember these issues.)

*Read conflicting data that an "American or non resident"聽 must sign a year lease, and with a large deposit because not a resident. How much is typical deposit? I even read where a year's deposit was required!

*Will an agent show you rentals or do you find one and then ask each agent to show the apartment?

*and if living in an area with colder climates, have read there is no heat and portable heaters will drive up the electric bill dramatically?

I lived in Valencia and don't remember needing any heat nor ac so that would be a plus.

Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria Expert30 March 2025 15:00:37

2527

@opietaylor7

As an older retiree it's very easy to get your Spanish residence with the No Lucrativa Visa. So that's one less thing to worry about.

Valencia is lovely and it's a great choice. We're nearby in Alicante (actually Elche) and it's also a great option. Indeed, that whole coast (Costa Blanca) is pretty nice.

We have a lovely apartment in Elche, but it is in a older building. It's not that they're not built well. Rather, like many hot countries, older properties were built without insulation and double glazing. This is not great in terms of sound or electricity bill, but they're perfectly livable for most folks (especially if they've been renovated). If you prefer (and have the budget) there are plenty of modern apartments with insulation and double-glazing as standard.

The heating/cooling thing depends on how hardy you are. Winters are not cold, but they can be difficult without some heating (especially if they're older and uninsulated). Similarly, very few folks can cope without AC these days, the summers can be brutal (again, especially, in older uninsulated properties).

We have 3 split ACs with heating/cooling and they're pretty efficient. The electric bill can be quite hefty for a few months (maybe 2-3 months of winter heating and 3 months of summer cooling, say). But the overall cost of living (and quality of life) is still very good.

I'd be surprised if you had to pay a year's deposit. Most folks get away with 1 or 2 months (+ month's rent in advance + agent commission). You need a year's rental contract because you need a proof of address for immigration and you'll need to register on the Padron. Even with a year's contract you can still give notice after a few months if you decide to buy a property or move to a different area.

If you're in Valencia, I'm sure you can look in a few windows and find some local agents. They will show you whatever they have available. Alternatively, you can use a big website like Idealista and see what you like. Some are advertised by owner, but most are from agents. Either way, you make contact and go view. While you're searching, you probably need a short-term rental via Booking or Airbnb.