Costa Tropical Blog

Driving up into the old town of Salobreña isn’t as much fun as it used to be especially when you go up one of the streets to find it blocked off. There you are, half way up the hill into the old town, weaving your way round the tight corners, when suddenly in front of you the road has diggers and men laying new pipes. Where was the diversion sign? OK, that in itself is a pretty silly question in this part of the world. Now you are stuck in a one way system with no way out other than to back right the way down. Many of the works now taking place in the old town are for new piping and in eliminating the overhead cabling attached to what seems every building and street corner. The Council admit that while this work is being done it is going to create quite a few ‘annoyances’ for the residents although they are endeavouring to keep this to a minimum. They ask for the understanding and collaboration of the residents and Olga Garcia, Urban Department, has said that throughout the schedule of works they will try to give out precise information which will hopefully help let us know about the changes in direction of the streets and a minibus will be put into operation to help the residents. Unfortunately, as with most information that comes out from the Council, it is often far too late to be of any practical use and we would advise those new to Salobreña or visiting the town to stick to foot patrols around the upper town! (unless you fancy yourself as the next Fernando Alonso reversing down the narrow streets of Salobreña).

We receive many enquiries regarding long term renting here on the Costa Tropical. They fall into two main categories:

1. those looking for a new life here on the coast and who wish to rent before purchasing and,

2. those looking for 1 - 6 month rental periods to avoid the winter climates in their home countries.

The climate here on the Costa Tropical in the winter months is usually very pleasant - although evenings can be chilly at times.

We recently had an enquiry asking for a long term rental at a monthly rent of no more than Euros 300. If you already live on the Costa Tropical there is perhaps a chance that, for this type of money, you may e-v-e-n-t-u-a-l-l-y find yourself a rental property at this price. However, they are few and far between and what you end up living in will probably be either a room without a view, rundown or badly equipped.

If we move up a notch to the Euros 450 - 600 bracket you will find yourself a very pleasant 2/3 bedroom town or village house with terrace, perhaps free to air satellite TV channels, decent bedding and linens and generally maintenance free and well managed.

When looking for a ´villa´ or similar with garden and swimming pool then pricing becomes dependent on length of stay (often better rates for a longer winter period but pricing will go upwards if wanting to rent over the popular June - September periods).

Many people will find that if they are trying to rent for the full temporary rental period (11 months) that owners are just not interested to rent long term between June - September as this is when they can rent weekly at much higher prices.

Monthly long term rental prices do not include charges for electricity, water or gas supplies you use so remember that you will be paying these amounts on top of the rental price.

Renting properties long term also often means that pets are included in the package.  Sadly, not many property owners are happy to have pets in their homes - those ´two quiet and well trained´dogs (usually turn out to be something resembling rotweillers) might be howling into the night keeping the neighbours awake while you are out having a few drinks! However, at rentcostatropical.com we do have several houses that are available for long term rentals and that welcome pets - but not at Euros 300 per month ok!