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ACCOMMODATION AND ASSOCIATED SERVICES
There are various options in the Basque Country when it comes to finding housing (renting or buying) or choosing a different type of accommodation (hotels, halls of residence, etc.).
1. Accommodation
Renting
In general, if you are going to stay in the community for less than 1 year it is advisable to rent a property. To do this, you will need to sign a written rental or leasing contract with the owner and fully understand your rights and obligations.
Basque Government- Eusko Jaurlaritza Initiative
Visesa is the public development corporation of the Basque Government which promotes new subsidised, rental and valued housing.
Alokabide is the public corporation of the Basque Government which manages the subsidised rental properties, as well as the subsidised housing sales.
Links to websites where grants aimed at encouraging young people to rent can be requested.
Other
Local newspapers have a property section. There are also many estate agents offering rental properties.
The following is a list of some of the websites offering flats for rent: www.alkila.net, www.enalquiler.com, www.fotocasa.es, www.idealista.com, www.libercasa.com, www.pisos.com and www.tusanuncios.com.
Buying
If you are planning to stay in the Basque Country for an indefinite period of time then buying a property could be of interest. Properties for sale are advertised in the same places as properties for rent (see above section).
Residence for researchers
- Atalaia Claret: Atalaia Claret is a Student Residence and a Hostel located within the complex Askartza Claret, which is a renowned center in Education in the Basque Country. It also includes a set of sports facilities of first level.
- Bilbao BBK Talent: These apartments, located in Bilbao, are for researcher staff who comes from abroad. The 30 apartments are 50 m² (538 Sq Ft). All of them have a double room, a living room area with a kitchenette, 1 Full bathroom.
- Talent House: Talent House, the Residence for researchers in Donostia-San Sebastian, with 80 flats of different sizes (family, double, single), all with a study area.
Residences and Halls of Residence
- University of the Basque Country – Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea: This offers different accommodation options.
- University of Deusto: It offers a very comprehensive range of different accommodation options.
- University of Mondragón: It offers various accommodation options. In addition, you can contact other students who want to share a flat through its website.
Guest houses, hotels and aparthotels
The range of hotels and guest houses on offer is extremely varied, both in terms of quality and price. The official Basque Country tourism website, can help you to find accommodation in any of the 3 regions.
Agricultural tourism and Rural Houses in the Basque Country
Another accommodation option that allows us to enjoy a peaceful stay, away from the crowds, receiving a friendly service and coming into direct contact with the rural and natural world.
Other useful links
- National Institute of Consumer Affairs. This offers legal and practical information about housing and, in particular, about renting flats (contracts, deposits, type of rent, etc.).
- Consumer and user offices in the Basque Country
- Illustrious College of Notaries in the Basque Country. Practical legal information about the processes involved in buying a property.
- Spanish Mortgage Association. Some of the services that you will find on this website include a mortgage guide, practical advice and a mortgage simulator.
- Foundation of civil rights. Website for the Foundation of Civil Rights. In the section “Vivienda Joven”, you can find clearly laid out and detailed information about all aspects relating to the purchase or rental of a property.
- The Association of Registrars of Property and Business in Spain.
2. Utilities
Gas, heating and electricity
The main companies in this sector are:
It is likely that your building will already have these utilities supplied by a company, so your best source of advice in terms of how to obtain these services is probably the owner of the property or your neighbours.
Water
The distribution companies are normally local. If you fail to make a payment within the established dates your supply may be cut-off.
- Álava: Amvisa
- Bilbao – Bizkaia: Bilbao Bizkaia Ur Partzuergoa- Consorcio de Aguas Bilbao Bizkaia
- Gipuzkoa: Gipuzkoako Ur Kontsortzioa. Gipuzkoako Urak
Telephone, ADSL and Television
The following is a list of the main telecommunications companies operating in the Basque Country offering fixed line and mobile telephone services and ADSL.
As in most EU countries, there are two basic types of mobile telephone service: monthly contract or SIM only.
In both cases you will need to sign a contract with the telephone company providing the service.
3. Other useful information
Domestic help
This is normally paid for by the hour. The frequency and hourly rate are negotiated in advance. Some people, in addition to undertaking domestic tasks, can also help to look after children or old people.
Household equipment, furniture and fittings
Furniture and personal belongings from EU countries are exempt from paying duty. For further information about how to import personal belongings into Spain, please contact the Spanish consulate in your country.
