Buy to Rent or Live Later? How to Decide

If you're planning to move to Valencia eventually — but you're not ready yet — buying a flat now and renting it out in the meantime can be a smart move.

But not every property fits both goals. Some flats are great rentals but won’t suit your personal lifestyle later, while others make beautiful homes but don’t perform well as investments.

So how do you choose the right flat for now and later?

Here’s how to think it through.

Define your timeline

Before you start looking at properties, ask yourself:

• Will I want to move in 1, 3, or 5 years from now?

• Will I live in the flat full-time, or just seasonally?

• Will I still want to keep renting it part-time when I arrive?

Your answers will shape what kind of flat makes sense — and what rental strategy to follow in the meantime.

Choose a layout that serves both

Flats that are easy to rent and enjoyable to live in often have:

• Natural light and good airflow

• A livable living room (not just a big kitchen with tiny bedrooms)

• A decent-sized bathroom

• A balcony or outdoor space, even if small

• A quiet street or good soundproofing

Avoid flats that only work for roommates or have awkward layouts. You’ll thank yourself later.

Focus on neighborhoods with long-term lifestyle value

While some areas are great for short-term rentals, they may not feel like home when you’re ready to move.

If you're planning to relocate later, consider:

• Proximity to parks, markets, and daily conveniences

• How walkable the area is

• Noise levels (especially in nightlife zones)

• General building quality and neighbors

Neighborhoods like Benimaclet, Extramurs, or Monteolivete offer a great balance between rental demand and livability — and are often overlooked.

Furnish with flexibility in mind

If you plan to live in the flat later, don’t fill it with generic rental furniture. Instead, keep it clean and neutral, and invest in a few quality pieces you might want to keep.

This way, you won’t need to redo everything later — and tenants still get a stylish, functional space.

Work with a long-term plan

A flat that works now and later is one that:

• Covers its own costs while rented

• Increases in value over time

• Doesn’t need major changes when you move in

• Feels like somewhere you could imagine building your life

Final thought

Buying a flat you can rent out now and live in later gives you the best of both worlds — financial return and future peace of mind.

We help buyers choose properties that align with both goals — no guessing, no regrets.

Let’s find the right flat for your present and your future in Valencia.