August, 37, enjoys life as a consultant on Costa del sol coast.
NERJA. August bought his apartment on the sunny Spanish coast after he tired of the Swedish darkness. From here, August is working as an IT consultant for clients from all over the world.
- I fell in love with the culture, the food, the language and finally decided to move down to Torrevieja after attending IT conferences here for several years. After I decided to move down here full time, it took two months of searching until I found an apartment that suited my needs, says August.
The pandemic made it easier for August as no companies or customers required him to be physically in the office.
In Torrevieja, August had everything he needed, a large apartment, a south-facing balcony, an ergonomically designed office and a spare room for visiting friends and making extra money renting it out for short-term stays.
In Torrevieja, August had everything he needed, a large apartment, a south-facing balcony, an ergonomically designed office and a spare room for visiting friends and making extra money renting it out for short-term stays.
When August is away, he rents out his apartment via a well-known booking site making an extra €600-800 a month. He has also recently discovered a service that takes care of handing over the keys to cleaning and changing sheets. This way, he can ensure that his apartment is in safe hands when he is not there.
August's five secrets to becoming a successful host.
1. Make check-ins smooth and secure.
Keys can easily get lost. Invest in an electronic door lock. It makes for an effortless check-in when you are away.
2. Protect your belongings.
Get one or more storage cabinets that you can lock. It allows you to hide your belongings that you don't want to share with your guests.
3. Spend time on your ad.
Highlight your home's most significant advantages to attract potential guests. Mention amenities and nearby attractions, and remember that the first impression is essential. Take photos in daylight.
4. Share your ad on social media.
There is no point in being shy. Usually, someone in your network knows someone looking for holiday accommodation.
5. Clean carefully.
In general, guests complain if the home is not properly cleaned. If you don't want to or can't clean yourself, hire someone to do it for you.
Before August bought his apartment, he prepared himself with a Spanish pre-approval through the financial comparison service, Habeno. They guided him through the buying process so he could focus on his everyday work.
- I don't have the time, and my Spanish is still too bad to understand the entire application process. Therefore, it was convenient to let the professionals at Habeno take care of everything - from start to finish, says August.
- I don't have the time, and my Spanish is still too bad to understand the entire application process. Therefore, it was convenient to let the professionals at Habeno take care of everything - from start to finish, says August.
When August moved to Spain, he feared the internet connection would be a problem and negatively affect his workflow. However, he was pleasantly surprised when it turned out that the apartment complex had installed fiber optics internet and therefore had no problem carrying out his work remotely. He also saved time commuting and consequently gained more free time
August also tried working from an office hotel, but it wasn't for him.
- I had to run around and search for meeting rooms, says August. Therefore, he finds it more convenient to work from home.
He says it also allows him to spend more time preparing for upcoming stays in the guest room.
- I had to run around and search for meeting rooms, says August. Therefore, he finds it more convenient to work from home.
He says it also allows him to spend more time preparing for upcoming stays in the guest room.
The guest room is well-cleaned and ready for the next visitor.
- I have a colleague coming down tomorrow night. He has scheduled an apartment viewing not far from here and is keen to move here full-time. I've already told him about Habeno Plus. I hope it works out.
- I have a colleague coming down tomorrow night. He has scheduled an apartment viewing not far from here and is keen to move here full-time. I've already told him about Habeno Plus. I hope it works out.
Who are Habeno?
We are a comparison service for mortgages in Spain and Portugal. Our mission is to negotiate mortgages with extraordinary terms. In addition, our team of experienced mortgage experts can help you realise your dream home come true.
Start by applying for a pre-approval. It's free and non-binding.
Start by applying for a pre-approval. It's free and non-binding.