So, I originally posted this in the Spanish section, but was advised that no one would notice it there..
Anyway, I'm going to be arriving in Madrid on the 5th of Septembe; I'm going to be doing the whole TESL thing.
Anyway, Im looking for suggestions on what I should do for accomodation.
I've read that it's very hard to get a shared flat on the beginning of September, due to all of the students, and people in general, returning to the area.
I've considered staying in a hostal for the 1st few nights(/weeks?) til I can find a place, if finding a place around that time wont be near impossible. If it is near impossible, Ive considered getting a place through one of the many "room finding" services, and then moving into a different shared flat after things calm down (which would be in October, or November?)

So, yeah, lots of options but Im not sure which makes the most sense.

Any advice/suggestions/positive comments are welcome.

I think you're fine for finding a place in early September since a lot of people don't get to Madrid til later in September. I would personally just stay in a hostel when I got here til I found a place. Classes dont really start up here til October, so there shouldn't be an overwhelming amount of competition that early in September. That's just my two cents.Good luck. Jamie
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www.jandjbooksandcoffee.com

hey Candice, Jamie is right.

also, some people think they will have an advantage is they come august but what they do not realize is that it is VERY hard to find places to live in august in madrid since everyone is on vacation.

the earlier in sept. you arrive the better.

saludos,
jer...

Thanks Jamie and Jer.
Could anyone recommend a hostel in which I can stay during the 1st few days. I want one that is relatively cheap, 10 - 20 euros a night.

Thanks again

hey Candice, no probs.

for that budget, you will have to stay at a backpackers type hostel.

the best one in madrid (they have 2 locations) is "los amigos"...

www.losamigoshostel.com

book early, the place is very popular.

saludos
jer...

Thanks for the info.
Ive been looking around at other hostals, too, so I think Ill just pick one to stay in for a few days til I find an apartment.
Could you guesstimate how long it will take for me to find a place/how long I should plan to stay in the hostal?
I prefer a shared apartment in Malasaña, Chueca, Argüelles or Moncloa, but I wont be too picky about that.

Also, what's the routine/process of finding a shared apartment and signing the contract. (I am already aware of fianzas, but what else).

hey Candice.

even a guesstimate is impossible here. there is really no telling.

saludos,
jer...

Lol, I thought so.

What about the 2nd question.

Sorry if you feel overwhelmed/bombarded with questions.

hey Candice, sorry, missed that question.

if you will be sharing an apt., you will most likely not have to sign a contract.

as far as i know, spanish law does not provide for contracts for sharing apts. this way so at most (and unlikely), those offering the room in the flat would have you sign an informal agreement that you will stay a minimum amt. of months, how many is up to negotiation between you and them.

often times the roomies already living in the apt. that has a room up for rent will "interview" candidates interested in renting so it may be frustrating for you when they say "we will keep you in mind and let you know" but stick with it.

this is due to the fact that there is a lot more demand for rooms than rooms being offered HOWEVER i have not looked for a room in a loooong time so i may be out of the know.

perhaps with the crash of the real estate market here in spain there are now a lot more rooms than people looking. only time (and your search) will tell.

the only way you would have to sign a rental contract would be if you found an apt. for yourself only or an apt. for yourself that you want to offer rooms in and share with others. if you will be here for at least a year and have the cash to put down, this could be a more attractive option as it would give you the control of the place you live instead of others. in other words, you rent the apt. and then offer the rooms, hence getting the best room and being able to lay down the ground-rules.

hope you come back here and update us on your housing hunt when you arrive.

saludos,
jer...

Thanks again, Jer.
I will definately update you all on what happens.

Hi Candice,
I've been through the process you are describing, however at the start of june instead of september, which probably changes the game a lot.
For me it was Hostel 'Posada de huertas' which was a good place to stay. Shared rooms and meeting lots of travellers (like all hostels), location is nice in the city centre and quite near to Anton Martin Metro. I don't know the one jer recommends, but since he's been around for a while he prolly knows what he's talking about a little better .
I was househunting two times, first I found one in Torrejon (outside of Madrid). The rooms I found in Madrid near to trainstations were mostly crappy, or if the rooms were good the neighbourhood or public transport access wasn't up to par. It might have to with the budget I was aiming for (<€400,-). The room in Torrejon was ok, very cheap and well... in Torrejon.
The second time on searching I went looking for a place in Madrid, near the centre. I ended up choosing between three rooms (prices including gastos):
1. large salon, balcony, good people, double bed. South of Principe Pio (€390)
2. small room, great apartment, nice people. Manuel Becerra (€440)
3. Large salon, balcony, double bed, large room, Erasmus people. Tirso de Molina (€480)

I ended up choosing 3 because I didn't care about the extra money because I'll be here for just two months. The location, room and metrostation in front of the door did it for me. The room is from an agency by the way, which can be seen in the price, however I think it still compares quite favorably with the other prices I've seen for apartments right in the center.
This will give you an idea of the market at the end of june. What kind of budget are you looking for?
I'll be leaving at the 15th of septembre, so if you'd be interested in the room, lemme know (prices will go up since I got a summer deal, it should be €500,- without gastos officially).

Thanks for the reply, Coen.
Since I last posted, Ive met a cool Spaniard who is going to let me crash on the couch of his piso compartido. The plan is to stay there for only the 1st few days after my arrival, during which I will be making lots of visits and calls.
Also, I have been talking to another Spaniard with whom I might share an apartment since she is looking to move out of her studio.
I also joined a Yahoo group for doing intercambios in Madrid, so when the time comes I will make a post to the group asking for help looking for a piso compartido.
My limit is €450, con gastos ya includídos, so your apartment wouldnt work for me. Plus, I would rather not live in the center of the city.
Thanks for the offer, though.

I hope that you enjoy your stay! Ill be there September 5th, so maybe we can catch up with each other before you leave pa ir tapeando.

Saludos

quote:

Originally posted by Candice:
Thanks Jamie and Jer.
Could anyone recommend a hostel in which I can stay during the 1st few days. I want one that is relatively cheap, 10 - 20 euros a night.

Thanks again

If you haven't decided on a hostal, I recommend Hostal Perez, it's on Juan Alvarez Mendizabal Street (Arguelles and very close to a yellow line metro stop but I don't recall which now) and they have a website. I paid 15 euros a night for an individual room (you share bathroom facilities which are decent) and they have wifi.

Thanks pconsmadrid, but since couchsurfing is much cheaper than any hostal, I've decided to go that route.

If I'm not mistaken, a certain two multimadriders actually hooked up couchsurfing... even more potential fringe benefits...