Hello everyone! This is wendy from NYC. I was over a couple of years ago, contemplating a move to Madrid (I brought Jer bagels and the volleyball net!) Anyway, I am back, and I am actually definitively moving to Madrid this fall! Yay!
I have scoured the board and done search after search about this, but I thought I would ask for some up to date advice that applies to my specific situation. I am planning a move in late September/early October. I have read Rocco's posts talking about how difficult those months can be for apartment hunting. My questions are (1) does anyone know of a fabulous (light filled, two bedroom, exterior, unfurnished) place for a long term rental near the Centro for around 1000 EU? (hey, it's worth a try) (2) Given it's a high volume time of year-what would you advise-try to head over for a week or two in mid to late August to try to secure a place in advance for October (or is everyone gone then/it takes more time than that to search)OR, simply come over to short term housing in September/October and search then? Any advice would be much appreciated! thanks! wendy

Why not come here after the Sept. / Oct. rush and stay somewhere short term in October and pick something up in early November when all of the landlords are desperate again.

Landlords here get The last week of August, September and part of Oct. and then again late January and early February to rent their places out with things in their favor.

You just need to know this and make your move to find something when it is in your favor.

What about the end of October? is that a decent time to find a rental?
Thanks in advance.

Housing moves really fast especially when people have a lot of stuff to offer over the summer and it begins to fill up starting the last week of August.

You basically have two groups to contend with.
The people moving here to live in September and the students returning in October.

Many landlords double book in September as they make the people returning in October pay for September to hold it for them and then rent it out short term to people here just for the month of September.

The students will all be coming back in October and moving around all throughout the month and should be all settled in by the end.

So I suppose if you get here at the end of October you will have a good chance to find something good in November or at the worst by the time people leave again in the middle of December.

Just want to say a big YAY that Wendy's moving here! Will keep my eyes open for cool apts.

It seems to me that your price range might help you, as a 2BR for 1000 is out of the price range for most students and other apartment hunters....

hey Wendy, welcome back!!!

you will be glad to know that the vball net has been kickin ass since you were kind enough to bring it to us.

it has provided for MANY hours of bliss and is in as perfect shape as the day it was purchased (mostly due to the fact that we suck at vball and it never gets too much abuse ).

ok, i agfeee with maripositas, your 1,000 euro budget is sweeeeeet. although the advice given by Rocco above is good, sound general house-hunting advice, it will not really apply to you as even 2 students would not likely want to pay 500 each to share a flat like the one you are looking for . students are more likely to look for 3 bedrooms at 350 - 400 euros MAX per student. imo, they are NOT likely to strech to the 500 per limit and will hence not compete with you.

saludos,
jer...

Thanks guys for the advice and the cheers! I appreciate it. I will happily help you break in that volleyball net once I get myself situated. Sure to plague you with many more questions now! wendy

plague away!!!

saludos,
jer...