5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Rental Flat

Buying a rental flat in Valencia can be a smart investment — but only if you choose the right property for your goals.

Whether you're a first-time investor or buying your second flat, it’s easy to get distracted by a pretty listing or a “good deal” without really checking if the property makes sense.

Before you buy, here are five essential questions to ask yourself to avoid costly surprises and buy with confidence.

1. Who do I want to rent to?

Not every property works for every type of tenant.

Ask:

• Am I targeting students, expats, remote workers, or families?

• Do I want short-term, medium-term, or long-term tenants?

• Will the layout and location appeal to that audience?

Knowing this helps you narrow down neighborhoods, size, layout, and furnishings — and market your flat effectively later.

2. What condition is the flat really in?

Look beyond what’s visible:

• Does the plumbing and electricity meet current standards?

• Is the building in good shape, or will there be costly community repairs soon?

• Is there natural light, airflow, and enough storage?

Cosmetic changes are easy — structural or systemic issues are expensive and time-consuming.

3. What will it cost me — beyond the purchase price?

Remember to factor in:

• Transfer tax (10% in most of Valencia)

• Notary, registry, legal fees

• Potential renovations or furnishing

• Annual property taxes and monthly community fees

• Vacancy periods or tenant turnover

A flat that’s “cheap” to buy isn’t always cheap to own.

4. Will this flat grow in value — or limit me later?

Ask:

• Is this area improving or declining?

• Is the layout flexible for future use or resale?

• Would I live in this flat one day, or is it strictly an investment?

If you're not confident in the long-term outlook, keep looking. Good investments don’t just generate income — they hold (or grow) their value.

5. Do I have the right support?

You don’t need to know everything — but you do need a team that does.

Make sure you have:

• A local agent who knows the rental market

• A lawyer or gestor to guide the paperwork

• A clear plan for managing the rental (especially if you’re abroad)

A flat is a physical space — but what you’re really buying is a system that needs to work.

Final thought

Smart investors ask better questions — and those questions lead to better results.

If you want help evaluating potential properties, running numbers, or even just getting clarity before you start the process, we’re here to help.

Let’s make sure your next move is your best one yet.