Bienvenido a Casa! Your Ultimate Guide to Finding a Home in Spain with Kormi Hervo's Premier Relocation Service

Move to Spain with Confidence: Kormi Hervo’s Complete Housing & Relocation Handbook

Spain—a country that ignites the imagination with images of sun-drenched beaches, vibrant fiestas, architectural marvels, and a lifestyle that prioritizes joy and human connection. From the cosmopolitan energy of Madrid and Barcelona to the historic charm of Andalusia and the lush landscapes of the north, Spain offers a rich tapestry of experiences that attracts millions of expatriates, digital nomads, and retirees each year. However, the dream of a life under the Spanish sun often collides with the complex and daunting reality of its rental market. Navigating the bureaucracy, language barriers, and fierce competition can turn an exciting adventure into a stressful ordeal. This is precisely where Kormi Hervo steps in.

We believe that your journey to a new life in Spain should be as vibrant and joyful as the country itself. Our comprehensive Housing & Relocation Service is meticulously designed to eliminate the stress and uncertainty from your housing search. We act as your personal guide, advocate, and local expert, transforming the challenge of finding a home into a seamless and successful experience. This definitive guide will immerse you in the intricacies of the Spanish housing market, provide a detailed overview of our bespoke services, and showcase a curated selection of 40 available properties, illustrating how we can unlock the door to your perfect Spanish home.

Decoding the Spanish Housing Market: A Labyrinth of Opportunity and Challenge

Understanding the Spanish rental market requires looking beyond the beautiful facades. It's a system characterized by regional diversity, significant bureaucratic hurdles, and intense competition in its most desirable locations.

The Core Challenge: High Demand in Prime Locations

Spain's major cities—Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca—are powerful economic and cultural hubs. They attract a constant stream of international professionals, students on Erasmus programs, and digital nomads seeking a superior work-life balance. This creates intense demand for well-located, modern rental properties. In these hotspots, desirable apartments are often rented within days, sometimes even hours, of being listed on portals like Idealista or Fotocasa. This high-velocity market requires speed, preparedness, and local knowledge to succeed.

The Unique Hurdles for Foreigners

For non-Spaniards, the path to securing a rental is fraught with specific challenges that can be overwhelming without professional guidance.

The NIE Number and Empadronamiento Puzzle

The most critical document for any foreigner in Spain is the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), your official foreigner identification number. It is required for almost everything, including signing a rental contract. Additionally, landlords will require you to register on the local town hall's census, a process known as empadronamiento, which in turn requires a rental contract. This creates a classic bureaucratic loop. Our service is adept at navigating this puzzle, working with landlords and providing the necessary interim documentation to break the cycle.

Financial Vetting and Proof of Solvency

Spanish landlords and their insurance companies are increasingly rigorous in their financial vetting of potential tenants. They will almost always require proof of stable income, typically in the form of a Spanish employment contract (contrato de trabajo). For newcomers without a local job, or for freelancers and retirees, proving solvency can be difficult. Landlords may ask for several months' rent in advance or a substantial additional bank guarantee (aval bancario), which can be difficult and expensive to obtain. We specialize in creating a compelling financial profile for our clients, using alternative documentation like foreign employment contracts, bank statements, and professional references to demonstrate your reliability.

The Language Barrier and Regional Legalities

While English is spoken in tourist areas and some business circles, the vast majority of rental contracts (contrato de arrendamiento) and negotiations are conducted exclusively in Spanish. The national Urban Leases Law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos) provides a framework, but regional regulations can add another layer of complexity. Signing a contract without fully understanding clauses related to the deposit (fianza), duration, and maintenance responsibilities is a significant risk. Our bilingual team provides full translation and legal review of all documents, ensuring your rights are protected.

The Ever-Present Risk of Scams

The high demand in popular areas creates a breeding ground for rental scams. Fraudsters use fake photos of luxury apartments at low prices to lure victims into paying a deposit to "reserve" a property that doesn't exist or that they don't own. Kormi Hervo provides an essential shield against this threat. We conduct a nota simple check on every property to verify its legal ownership and ensure that the person renting it is legally entitled to do so. This guarantees that every property we show you is 100% legitimate.

The Kormi Hervo Solution: Your Key to a Seamless Spanish Relocation

We are not just another real estate agency; we are a dedicated relocation partner committed to your success. Our service is built on a foundation of deep local expertise, personalized attention, and unwavering advocacy for our clients.

Our Core Service Pillars: A Commitment to Excellence

Our methodology is designed to deliver results and provide complete peace of mind.

1. Personalized Relocation Profile Assessment

Our journey together begins with a deep, personalized consultation. We take the time to understand your unique story: your career, your family's needs, your lifestyle preferences, and your vision for your life in Spain. Are you a tech professional seeking a vibrant neighborhood in Barcelona's Poblenou? A family looking for a villa with a garden near an international school in Marbella? A retiree dreaming of a quiet seaside apartment on the Costa Blanca? This detailed profile becomes the blueprint for our targeted and highly efficient property search.

2. Unrivaled Access to the Full Market

We operate beyond the confines of public real estate portals. Our strength lies in our extensive, on-the-ground network of collaborating agencies, private landlords, and property managers across Spain. This network gives us access to a vast inventory of properties, including exclusive off-market listings that never see public advertisement. This allows our clients to access the best properties first, avoiding the frantic competition of the open market.

3. Comprehensive End-to-End Support

Our service is truly all-encompassing, covering every critical step of your relocation journey:

Curated Property Selection & Viewings: We pre-screen dozens of properties on your behalf, presenting you with a curated shortlist that perfectly matches your criteria. We then coordinate all viewings, providing live, detailed video tours for clients who are not yet in Spain.
Application and Offer Strategy: We help you prepare a winning rental application and advise on crafting a compelling offer to secure your chosen property.
Legal and Contractual Assurance: Our team meticulously reviews every clause of the rental contract, translating and explaining all legal terms to ensure you are fully protected and aware of your rights and responsibilities.
Utility and Service Concierge: We handle the often-frustrating process of setting up essential utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and high-speed internet, ensuring everything is active from the day you move in.
Post-Move-In Integration Support: Our support continues even after you have the keys. We assist with your empadronamiento registration, provide guidance on opening a Spanish bank account, and offer advice on navigating daily life.

How to Apply: Your Simple Path to Your Spanish Home

We've designed our process to be straightforward and transparent.

Step 1: Submit Your Detailed Relocation Profile

Begin by emailing us a detailed description of your needs. Include your full name, contact information, target city and preferred neighborhoods, desired property type and size, maximum monthly rent budget, move-in date, and any specific requirements (furnished/unfurnished, pets, terrace, etc.).

Step 2: Send Your Request to Our Central Team

Direct your detailed profile to our dedicated relocation team at: hello@letsstay.dk. Your request will be immediately assigned to our Spain-based specialists.

Step 3: Receive Your Personalized Property Portfolio

Our team will immediately begin a comprehensive market search based on your profile. Within a few business days, you will receive a curated portfolio of the best available properties, complete with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and our professional insights.

Featured Properties: An Exclusive Look at 40 Homes Currently Available in Spain

This selection of 40 properties from our current portfolio showcases the quality, variety, and geographical breadth of homes we can secure for our clients. These detailed descriptions illustrate the level of insight we provide.

Madrid: The Royal Capital

MAD001: Chic Studio in Malasaña. This 35 m² furnished studio is the perfect base for exploring Madrid's most bohemian and vibrant neighborhood. Located on a quiet street but just steps from the action, it features a clever layout with a modern kitchenette, a comfortable living/sleeping area, and a stylish bathroom. The building has been recently renovated and has an elevator. Perfect for a young professional or student. Rent: €950/month.

MAD002: Elegant 2-Bedroom Apartment in Salamanca. Live in Madrid's most exclusive district. This 90 m² unfurnished apartment on an upper floor of a classic building offers elegance and prestige. It features a spacious living room, two bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and beautiful hardwood floors. Ideal for an executive or a couple seeking luxury and tranquility. Rent: €2,200/month.

MAD003: Family Apartment with Terrace in Chamberí. A fantastic 120 m² furnished apartment in the sought-after Chamberí district. It offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, and a private terrace perfect for enjoying the Madrid sun. The area is known for its authentic atmosphere, great schools, and traditional markets. Rent: €2,800/month.

MAD004: Modern Loft in Lavapiés. This unique 70 m² furnished duplex loft is in Lavapiés, Madrid's most multicultural and artistic neighborhood. It features a double-height living room, an open-plan kitchen, a bedroom on the mezzanine level, and an industrial-chic design. A creative and inspiring space. Rent: €1,400/month.

MAD005: Penthouse with Views in Retiro. A stunning 100 m² unfurnished penthouse next to the famous Retiro Park. It features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spectacular terrace with panoramic views over the park and the city skyline. A rare find for those who value outdoor space and nature in the city. Rent: €3,500/month.

MAD006: 1-Bedroom Apartment in La Latina. Immerse yourself in historic Madrid in this charming 50 m² furnished apartment. Located in the heart of La Latina, famous for its tapas bars and the El Rastro flea market, this apartment in a historic building has been beautifully renovated to combine modern comfort with traditional charm. Rent: €1,100/month.

Barcelona: The Mediterranean Metropolis

BCN001: Sunny 2-Bedroom Apartment in Gràcia. This 80 m² furnished apartment is in the beloved neighborhood of Gràcia, known for its village-like atmosphere, charming plazas, and independent boutiques. The apartment is bright and sunny, with a balcony overlooking a quiet street. It has two double bedrooms, a comfortable living room, and a modern kitchen. Rent: €1,600/month.

BCN002: Modern Apartment in Poblenou (22@). Perfect for tech professionals, this 75 m² furnished apartment is in the heart of Barcelona's 22@ innovation district. Located in a new building with a communal swimming pool and gym, it offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a terrace with sea views. Walk to the beach and the office. Rent: €2,100/month.

BCN003: Classic Eixample Apartment. Live in a modernist masterpiece in this 110 m² unfurnished apartment in Eixample. It features the classic high ceilings, hydraulic mosaic tile floors, and ornate details typical of the area, combined with a modern kitchen and bathrooms. A spacious and elegant home. Rent: €2,500/month.

BCN004: Penthouse with Terrace in El Born. A beautiful 65 m² furnished penthouse in the trendy El Born neighborhood. It has one bedroom and a stunning private terrace with views of the Santa Maria del Mar church. The perfect romantic getaway in the heart of the old city. Rent: €1,900/month.

BCN005: Family Home in Sarrià. A spacious 140 m² unfurnished apartment in the prestigious uptown neighborhood of Sarrià. Known for its quiet, safe streets and proximity to the best international schools, this is an ideal location for families. The apartment has four bedrooms and a large living area. Rent: €3,200/month.

BCN006: Beachside Loft in Barceloneta. This 60 m² furnished loft offers the ultimate beach lifestyle. Located in the former fishing village of Barceloneta, just steps from the sand, this apartment has been renovated with a cool, modern design. It's perfect for a single person or couple who loves the sea. Rent: €1,500/month.

Valencia: The City of Arts and Sciences

VLC001: Apartment with Views of Turia Gardens. This 100 m² unfurnished apartment in the Pla del Real district offers stunning views over the Turia Gardens, the vast park that runs through the city. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a bright, spacious living room. A perfect family home. Rent: €1,300/month.

VLC002: Modern Apartment near the City of Arts and Sciences. A 90 m² furnished apartment in a new building with a communal pool, gym, and paddle tennis court. Located right next to the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, it offers a modern lifestyle with fantastic amenities. Rent: €1,500/month.

VLC003: Charming Apartment in Ruzafa. Live in Valencia's trendiest neighborhood. This 70 m² furnished apartment in Ruzafa is surrounded by cool cafes, art galleries, and vintage shops. It has been beautifully renovated with a mix of modern and traditional elements. Rent: €1,100/month.

VLC004: Penthouse in the Historic Center (El Carmen). A unique 80 m² furnished penthouse in the heart of the old town. It features a large private terrace with views of the historic rooftops and the cathedral. A truly special place to experience the soul of Valencia. Rent: €1,400/month.

Andalusia: The Sun-Kissed South

Málaga & Costa del Sol

AGP001: City Center Apartment in Málaga. A modern 85 m² furnished apartment in the historic center of Málaga. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is just a short walk from Calle Larios, the cathedral, and the port. Experience the vibrant culture of this booming city. Rent: €1,400/month.

AGP002: Luxury Villa in Marbella's Golden Mile. A stunning 300 m² unfurnished villa with a private pool and garden. Located on the prestigious Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banús, it offers four bedrooms, luxurious finishes, and the ultimate high-end lifestyle. Rent: €8,000/month.

AGP003: Beachfront Apartment in Estepona. A 110 m² furnished apartment with direct beach access. Located in a modern complex with multiple pools and lush gardens, it has two bedrooms and a large terrace with spectacular sea views. Rent: €2,500/month.

AGP004: Townhouse in a Golf Resort, Mijas. A 150 m² unfurnished townhouse in a gated community on a golf course. It has three bedrooms, a private garden, and access to communal pools and sports facilities. Perfect for golf lovers and families. Rent: €1,800/month.

Seville

SVQ001: Apartment in the Santa Cruz Quarter. A charming 60 m² furnished apartment in the heart of the historic Jewish quarter. Wander through labyrinthine streets and enjoy the magic of Seville from this beautifully renovated traditional home. Rent: €1,200/month.

SVQ002: Modern Apartment in Triana. A 75 m² unfurnished apartment in the iconic Triana neighborhood, famous for its flamenco and ceramics. Located in a modern building, it offers comfort and style in a deeply traditional setting. Rent: €1,000/month.

The Balearic & Canary Islands

Mallorca

PMI001: Apartment with Sea Views in Palma. A 90 m² furnished apartment on the Paseo Marítimo in Palma. It has two bedrooms and a large terrace with stunning views of the cathedral and the marina. Rent: €2,500/month.

PMI002: Country Finca near Deià. A beautiful 200 m² traditional stone house (finca) with a pool and large garden. Located in the stunning Serra de Tramuntana mountains, it offers privacy, tranquility, and breathtaking natural beauty. Rent: €5,000/month.

Ibiza

IBZ001: Modern Villa near Ibiza Town. A stylish 250 m² furnished villa with a private pool and minimalist design. Located in a quiet residential area but just a short drive from Ibiza Town and the famous beaches. Rent: €10,000/month (seasonal variations apply).

Tenerife

TFS001: Apartment in Costa Adeje. A 70 m² furnished apartment in a popular resort complex in the sunny south of Tenerife. It has one bedroom, a large terrace, and access to a communal pool. Enjoy eternal spring in this beautiful location. Rent: €1,200/month.

The North: Green Spain

Basque Country

BIO001: City Apartment in Bilbao. A 95 m² unfurnished apartment near the Guggenheim Museum. Located in the Ensanche district, it offers modern comfort in the heart of this dynamic and architecturally stunning city. Rent: €1,500/month.

EAS001: Apartment with Views of La Concha, San Sebastián. A spectacular 110 m² furnished apartment with panoramic views of the world-famous La Concha beach. A truly premium location in one of the world's great culinary capitals. Rent: €3,000/month.

... and 12 more diverse properties across other key regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Catalonia, showcasing options from rustic country homes to modern city apartments.

Take the First Step Towards Your Spanish Dream

Your dream of a life filled with sunshine, culture, and passion in Spain is closer than you think. The complexities of the housing market should not be a barrier to your adventure. With Kormi Hervo, you gain a trusted partner who will navigate the challenges on your behalf, providing expert guidance, exclusive access, and unwavering support. We handle the stress, so you can focus on the excitement of your new beginning.

Ready to unlock the door to your new home in Spain? Contact our dedicated relocation team today.

Email: hello@letsstay.dk

A Deeper Dive into the Spanish Lifestyle: How It Shapes Your Housing Choice

Choosing a home in Spain is about more than just bricks and mortar; it's about choosing a lifestyle. The country's diverse geography and strong regional identities mean that your daily life can vary dramatically depending on where you settle.

The Bustling Metropolis: Madrid & Barcelona

Life in Madrid and Barcelona is fast-paced, cosmopolitan, and culturally rich. Choosing to live here means embracing a life where world-class museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, and international theater productions are on your doorstep. Your housing choice will reflect this. An apartment in Madrid's Salamanca district (like MAD002) places you in a world of high fashion and elegant architecture, while a home in Barcelona's Gràcia (BCN001) offers a more bohemian, community-focused lifestyle. The trade-off for this vibrancy is smaller living spaces and higher costs. A key consideration is access to public transport; a property near a metro station is highly prized and significantly enhances quality of life.

The Mediterranean Dream: Valencia & the Costas

The Mediterranean lifestyle is defined by the sun, the sea, and a more relaxed pace of life. Cities like Valencia and Málaga offer a perfect balance of urban amenities and beachside living. Here, outdoor space is paramount. A property with a terrace or balcony (like VLC001 with its views of the Turia Gardens) becomes an essential extension of your living area. The concept of the "urbanización" (gated community) with shared pools and gardens, as seen in many properties on the Costa del Sol (e.g., AGP003), is a popular choice for both expatriates and Spaniards, offering security, community, and a resort-like feel.

The Soul of Andalusia: Seville & Granada

Living in the heart of Andalusia is an immersion in history, tradition, and passion. The architecture itself tells a story, with Moorish influences and traditional Andalusian patios. A home in Seville's Santa Cruz quarter (SVQ001) means living within a labyrinth of history, where your daily walk takes you past ancient palaces and flamenco tablaos. These historic homes are often built to withstand the intense summer heat, with thick walls, internal courtyards, and smaller windows, a stark contrast to the glass-fronted apartments of the coast.

The Tranquility of the North: Basque Country & Galicia

"Green Spain" offers a completely different experience. The climate is milder and wetter, the landscapes are lush and mountainous, and the culture is distinct. Life here is often quieter and more connected to nature. A home in San Sebastián (EAS001) is a gateway to both world-renowned gastronomy and rugged coastal hikes. The housing style is more robust, often featuring stone and wood, built to withstand the Atlantic climate. This region appeals to those who seek a more tranquil, nature-oriented lifestyle away from the tourist crowds of the south.

Navigating the Legal Landscape: Your Rights as a Tenant in Spain

Understanding the legal framework is crucial for a secure and stress-free tenancy. The Spanish Urban Leases Law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos or LAU) is strongly pro-tenant, offering significant protections.

The Rental Contract (Contrato de Arrendamiento)

We ensure every contract we facilitate is clear, fair, and fully compliant with the LAU. Key aspects we scrutinize include:

Duration (Duración): As of the latest reforms, standard long-term rental contracts are for a minimum of five years (or seven years if the landlord is a company). This gives tenants significant stability. Even if the contract states one year, the tenant has the legal right to renew it annually up to the five/seven-year mark.
The Deposit (Fianza): The law mandates that the landlord can only ask for a one-month security deposit (fianza legal). This deposit must be lodged with the official regional body. Landlords may, however, ask for additional guarantees (garantías adicionales), such as another month's rent or an insurance policy. We negotiate these additional guarantees to ensure they are reasonable and fair.
Rent Increases (Actualización de la Renta): The rent can only be increased once per year, and the increase is legally capped. It is typically tied to the Consumer Price Index (IPC). We verify that the contract's rent increase clause is legally compliant.
Maintenance and Repairs (Obras y Reparaciones): The law clearly distinguishes between small repairs due to daily wear and tear (tenant's responsibility) and major repairs necessary to keep the property habitable (landlord's responsibility). We ensure this is clearly defined in the contract to avoid future disputes.

The Inventory and Property Handover

This is a critical step that is often overlooked. Before you move in, we conduct a detailed inventory check of the property, documenting the condition of every room, fixture, and appliance with high-resolution photos and written notes. This document (inventario) is signed by both you and the landlord and attached to the contract. It is your primary protection against unfair claims on your deposit when you move out.

A Deeper Look at the Properties: Lifestyle and Neighborhood Insights

Let's revisit some of the featured properties with a focus on the lifestyle they offer.

Revisiting MAD003 (Chamberí Family Apartment): Chamberí is often called the "real" Madrid. It's a neighborhood where families have lived for generations. Living here means your local butcher knows your name, you buy your bread from the corner panadería, and you spend your Sunday mornings at the Plaza de Olavide. The apartment's terrace is a social hub, a place for evening meals with family and friends, a rare and precious commodity in the dense urban fabric of Madrid.

Revisiting BCN002 (Poblenou Tech Apartment): Poblenou offers a unique work-life balance that is the envy of Europe. You can start your day with a run on the Bogatell beach, walk to your office in a futuristic tech hub, and end your day with tapas on the Rambla del Poblenou. The communal pool in this building is not just an amenity; it's a social center where you'll meet your neighbors—other tech professionals, designers, and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Revisiting AGP002 (Marbella Villa): Life on the Golden Mile is a world of glamour, luxury, and leisure. Your neighbors are international business leaders, celebrities, and old European aristocracy. Your days are spent between your private pool, the exclusive beach clubs, and the world-class golf courses. This villa is not just a home; it's a statement and a gateway to a life of unparalleled luxury and networking opportunities.

Revisiting EAS001 (San Sebastián Apartment): Waking up to the view of La Concha is a privilege few can claim. Life in San Sebastián revolves around food and nature. You are minutes away from having some of the best pintxos (Basque tapas) in the world. The city is eminently walkable, and your weekends will be spent hiking the coastal paths of Ulia or Igeldo, surfing at Zurriola beach, or simply strolling along the elegant promenade of La Concha. This apartment offers a lifestyle of sophisticated, nature-infused culinary delight.

The Financials of Renting in Spain: A Complete Overview

Budgeting accurately is key to a smooth transition. Here are the costs you need to consider:

Agency Fees: If you work with a traditional real estate agent, they typically charge a fee, which can be up to one month's rent plus VAT (IVA). Kormi Hervo operates on a clear, pre-agreed service fee structure, providing far more value than a simple agent.
Security Deposit (Fianza): One month's rent, legally mandated.
Additional Guarantees (Garantías Adicionales): This is increasingly common and can range from one additional month's rent to a formal bank guarantee (aval bancario) covering 6-12 months. We work to minimize these for our clients.
First Month's Rent: Paid in advance upon signing the contract.
Utilities (Suministros): Electricity, water, and gas are typically not included in the rent. You will need to set up accounts in your name. Budget around €100-€200 per month for a standard apartment.
Internet: Contracts with providers like Movistar, Vodafone, or Orange typically cost €30-€50 per month for high-speed fiber.
Community Fees (Gastos de Comunidad): In apartment buildings, these fees cover the maintenance of common areas. The law states the landlord should pay these unless otherwise agreed. We ensure this is the case in your contract.
Property Tax (IBI): This is always the landlord's responsibility. We verify it is not illegally passed on to the tenant.

Your Spanish Chapter Awaits

Spain is more than a destination; it's an experience. It's a country that invites you to live more passionately, to savor every moment, and to find joy in the everyday. The journey to making it your home should be just as inspiring. By choosing Kormi Hervo, you are choosing a partner who will meticulously handle every detail, navigate every challenge, and clear the path for your smooth and successful relocation. We transform a process fraught with stress into a journey of discovery, culminating in the moment we hand you the keys to your new Spanish home.

The sun, the culture, the lifestyle—it's all waiting for you. Let's begin your story.

Ready to start your new life in Spain? Contact our expert relocation team today.