If you’re planning to study in Barcelona, finding an apartment can be a complicated task. There’s no shortage of accommodation on offer, but it’s important to consider a number of important factors in order to find an apartment that meets your needs and budget. In this article, we’ll highlight the different criteria to consider when looking for apartments in Barcelona.
Choosing the right neighbourhood
First, you’ll need to consider the location of your future home. Barcelona is a very large city, with many different neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere and history. So it’s a good idea to choose a neighbourhood that’s close to your university or internship site, to limit your commuting time and make your day-to-day life easier. Popular student neighbourhoods include Gràcia, Eixample and Sant Antoni. Last but not least, you’ll need to take into account nearby amenities such as supermarkets, transportation and green spaces, to maximise your daily comfort.
Drawing up a budget
A second important factor to consider in Barcelona is the cost of living. Admittedly, Barcelona is an affordable city compared to other European cities in terms of food and eating out, but accommodation prices can be relatively high depending on the area.
That’s why we advise you to establish a clear budget before embarking on your search, so that you can focus only on flats that match your budget. You should bear in mind that there may be other monthly expenses in addition to your rent, such as electricity, water and internet bills, or the management fees of the estate agent you have chosen.
Determining the size of the property
Another aspect to take into account in your search criteria is the size of your flat. Flats may be relatively small, especially those in the historic centre.
So it’s important to think about how much space you’ll need once you’re living there, so that you feel comfortable. You can also choose to live with a flatmate, but always make sure that your criteria are compatible with those of your flatmates.
Check the rental conditions
Next, it’s important that you consider the rental terms and conditions. Some rentals only require long-term contracts, which can be problematic if you’re only planning to stay for a short period.
Try to look for flexible rental options, such as subletting contracts or flats that are already furnished, which are generally more suitable for students.
Also, when drawing up the rental contract, make sure you read all the clauses and conditions before signing. If the contract is written in Spanish or Catalan, make sure you have a translation of the contract so that you fully understand your rights and obligations as a tenant. We also advise you to check the cancellation and refund policies carefully, and to take photos of the flat when you move in to avoid any disputes when you return the property.
Focus on security
Finally, you should check that your accommodation is equipped with a security system. Even though Barcelona is a safer city than other major metropolises, it’s a good idea to take precautions to ensure your safety and everyday comfort.
Ask other local students for advice and find out about the area in which you plan to live. For example, it is preferable to have accommodation equipped with strong locks, an alarm and possibly a camera.
Find out about local regulations
Familiarising yourself with local rental regulations will help you avoid dubious or unregulated offers and ensure that your rental is safe and legal. Some areas may have specific restrictions on short-term lettings, so make sure that the rental you are thinking of moving into complies with these.
Finally, we recommend that you consult reputable flat rental websites or use the services of a reliable estate agent such as Loca Barcelona to make your search easier and ensure that you find the apartment that meets all your criteria. This way, you can be accompanied throughout the entire search process, right up to the signing of the contract.
In conclusion, if you want to rent a flat in Barcelona for your studies, we advise you to take certain key criteria into account. You’ll need to choose a convenient and safe area, set a budget, make sure you’re familiar with the rental terms and conditions and opt for accommodation options that suit you, in order to find a home that meets your needs and offers you a comfortable environment in which to live.