Long Term winter lets

[Please Sir]

Hopefully, we will be retiring soon and I want to get away from the UK winter. I hear people saying that you can get really good deals but I can't find any on the internet. Do you think there are owners who would welcome having a mature couple looking after and heating their property say between Nov-Feb, for a modest rent? Especially if they were willing and able to vacate for the odd week such as Xmas/New Year?

[Globetrotter]

What is your idea of a modest rent?
Any animals?

[AVO]

Short answer - yes there are a few owners, but to echo globetrotter - what is your idea of a modest rent?

[laserblazer]

I'd buy if I were you.

[Please Sir]

This isn't an immediate requirement. We are both still working, so long winter breaks are still a couple of years away at least. There's only the two of us, so we would only need a 1-bed place. Anything bigger would just require more heating. I guess that we wouldn't want to be spending much more than £1000 for 3 months including heating.

[AVO]

If I am being honest I think you will struggle to find a villa for that sort of money to include heating. You may be able to find an apartment though.

[shanagarry]

The going rate for a mid-range 3 bedroomed property is €1,200 per month + Electric Heating, Maid and Gardener(if required),Gas and Logs(if appropriate). I have turned down several offers for ours following interviews and references/credit checks.

A friend of mine recently agreed a deal for his 3 bed-roomed apartment for 12 months at €1,050 + all of the above.

Impeccable references and a 3 month rental deposit are a pre-requisite.

[laserblazer]

There's only the two of us, so we would only need a 1-bed place

I don't think the OP is looking for a 3-Bed place.

[shanagarry]

I don't think the OP is looking for a 3-Bed place.

I realise that and I wasn't offering - but s/he need's to have an understanding of the market price and work back from there

[Cooler King]

Hi Please Sir,
Have sent you PM.

Ciao , ciao Cooler King.

[Please Sir]

Thanks Cooler King, that's exactly what I was trying to find out.

[EMM]

A 2 bd 2 bth for 10/12 winter lets from £400/month incl heating but not laundry /maid service seems to be the going rate in the bigger resorts.

[fmm]

To be honest - having a 2 bedroom apartment (yes, I KNOW he said a 1 bedroom but the difference is not vast in terms of size and all they need to do is shut one of the doors!) £1000 would not cover 3 months running costs and make it worthwhile in terms of rental. THe wear and tear of someone in the apartment for 3 months and the problem of heating it would not make it financially viable (for me at least) at the proposed cost of approx £76 a week all inclusive.

[laserblazer]

But isn't there a benefit in having the place heated over the winter months to keep the damp out? I can see that including heating costs could be a problem as some people would just leave it on full blast. Can you get coin meters?

[shanagarry]

Can you get coin meters?

That degree of sophistication is available at a significant cost - given that most properties are 20+ years old - the installation is not without its difficulties. Moreover, the Portuguese take the view that the meter is the answer.

As for keeping it warm throughout the winter months - that can be done by either the management company (if one is employed) and/or a maid who can check at regular intervals that heating is coming on and going off as required. There is no way I would include the cost of heating (as indicated) in a monthly fee of that level. If somebody is looking for a 'cheap' deal - be concerned as they will probably treat the place 'cheaply'.

Long lets are a considerable risk - especially for absent landlords. Regular inspections are a must to protect your property. When we were house-hunting we were shown quality properties that were long-lets that were in a dreadful state (broken electric shutters, overgrown gardens, cars parts in the drive etc) - be very careful if you are considering taking a tenant on.

The final stumbling block is the length of the contract - 12 months and more gives the tenant a lot of rights that will cost a small fortune in legal fees to remedy should things go wrong. A 12 month contract (to the day) with a break clause is the recommended length - you can always enter into a new contract for another 12 month period - but always take legal advice before proceeding.