If you are about to start a 3 to 6 month internship or even a master’s degree in Barcelona, one of the most important steps is to find accommodation. In addition to finding one, it must be suitable to your wishes and means. Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for students.
Therefore, finding an apartment can be a complicated and stressful process for any student who wants to move there for a short time. That is why we are going to give you 10 tips to optimize your search and help you find an apartment in Barcelona adapting to your needs.
1. Start your search as soon as possible
Once you are clear about the dates when you will do your internship or start your master’s degree, it is important that you start looking for your apartment. Ideally, start 2 or 3 months before you arrive in Barcelona. This will make it easier to find accommodation that fits your needs and your budget. If you start too late, you run the risk of not finding available apartments or apartments that do not fit your requirements.
2. Use specialized real estate search websites
Since Barcelona is a very popular city among students, many websites dedicated to housing search have emerged in recent years. Using these sites can save you time and money. On the Loca Barcelona website, you can filter the results by price, neighborhood or apartment size to find the deals that suit you best.
3. Set a budget
Housing prices in Barcelona can be quite high, so it is important to set a clear budget at the beginning of your search. This will allow you to make an initial filter of properties, and you won’t waste time visiting apartments you can’t afford. If you set a clear budget, you will be able to foresee the additional expenses that will be added to the rent, such as water, electricity, gas or wifi.
4. Assess your needs
Before starting the search, it is important to determine the different criteria according to which you will choose your future apartment. It may be interesting to know how many rooms you want, how the kitchen is equipped or if you want the apartment to be close to public transport.
This way you will be able to better target your search. Talking about this with your future flatmates or landlords can also be a good way to define your needs and get advice or recommendations.
5. Search by neighborhood
Living close to your workplace can be a good idea if you want to save commuting time or even money by saving on subway fares. In addition, neighborhoods near business centers are often well served by public transportation. However, you can also choose your neighborhood according to your preferences:
- Barceloneta for the beach.
- Barrio Gótico for its old buildings.
- Eixample for its large and crowded squares.
6. Knowing how to negotiate
It is not unlikely that you will have to negotiate when drawing up the rental contract. Do not hesitate to negotiate a lower price than the one offered and the conditions of the contract. If you find an apartment that perfectly suits your needs, but the budget is a bit high, negotiating with the landlord or real estate agent will be a good way to try to buy it. They may be willing to make concessions if you have a serious and reliable profile.
7. Beware of scams
The Barcelona real estate market is no exception, and scams are also present. Be extremely cautious when looking for your apartment. Never pay in advance if you have not visited the property or have not had real contact with the owner and signed an official rental contract. Beware also of offers that seem too good to be true, such as apartments in very expensive areas with very low rents.
8. Ask a real estate agent for help
Asking an agent for help can be useful if you don’t know how to do it or if you want to save time and energy. An agent can help you find apartments that are not yet available on housing search websites and can also guide you through the lease negotiation process.
9. Consider flat-sharing
If you are on a tight budget, it may be worth sharing an apartment with several other people. This is an option that many students take, as the rent is usually much lower. This saves money on bills and rent, but also allows you to meet new people.
10. Be patient and flexible
Finding your dream apartment will be a long and arduous process. Patience and flexibility will be the key to your success. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find accommodation immediately. Be prepared to visit several apartments and consider options you may not have considered before.
In conclusion, finding an apartment in Barcelona may seem complicated, but with these tips, your search will be simplified. By starting your search early, establishing a clear budget and needs, and being willing to negotiate, you will be able to find an apartment in Barcelona for your internship.
