At Livin’Valencia Real Estate Advisors, we value understanding your preferences above all else. Whether we connect through email, WhatsApp, video calls, or traditional phone conversations, there is one thing we always ask our clients: “Tell us your wish list.”
A wish list may seem simple, consisting of just three questions, but we encourage you to give them some thought. Here are the three questions we ask:
- What are your “Must Haves”?
- What are your “Would Likes”?
- What are your definite “Dealbreakers”?
Let’s explore each question in detail and provide some typical answers we receive before we invite you to fill out your own wish list.
The “Must Haves”
Your choice of desired property may come with certain non-negotiable aspects, which we refer to as the “Must Haves.”
For apartments, these non-negotiable aspects often include having a lift/elevator if the property is above the second floor, a balcony or terrace, a minimum number of bedrooms or square meters, a second bathroom or the possibility of installing one, and most importantly, fast and efficient internet connectivity. Let’s delve into each aspect:
The need for a lift is often driven by concerns about future sale value, mobility issues, or the convenience of carrying shopping. While we understand these concerns, it’s important to note that you can always order groceries for delivery, and the absence of a lift could be offset by a lower purchase price. Additionally, it’s possible that a lift may be installed between the time of purchase and sale, increasing the value of your property.
Some people argue that rental properties must have a lift, but that’s not entirely accurate. Given the scarcity of rental supply in Valencia, not having a lift will only slightly limit your pool of potential tenants.
When it comes to balconies or terraces, it’s important to recognize the limitations this requirement imposes. If you insist on having a spacious terrace with room for outdoor furniture and entertaining, your options will be limited to first-floor apartments or penthouses due to the architectural style prevalent in Valencia City. Penthouses with terraces are highly sought after, meaning competition may be fierce. However, first-floor terraces are often larger and more practical. Although the views might not be as impressive, it’s the outdoor space that most people desire. Moreover, penthouse terraces tend to become excessively hot during the summer unless you install a wooden pergola (if permitted). Additionally, penthouse apartments are often smaller and may lack insulation unless they have undergone extensive renovations.
The minimum number of bedrooms is self-explanatory, as many individuals expect frequent visits from friends and family. However, in today’s world, having a dedicated space to work from home or unwind away from children or other family members has become important. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that bedrooms in apartments are often smaller and may be situated in the interior of the building, lacking inspiring views. However, the square footage of Spanish apartments is more crucial than the number of bedrooms. Interior walls can usually be easily modified, allowing for reconfiguration, such as converting four bedrooms into three or adding a second bathroom by repurposing the smallest bedroom. The number of square meters remains constant.
When considering houses, some non-negotiables often include views (sea or countryside), single-story layouts, flat plots of land, off-road parking or a garage, a covered terrace, and an easily maintained garden.
Reconciling some of these features can be challenging. For instance, seeking panoramic views may require a higher elevation, which, in turn, may exclude the possibility of a flat plot or a single-story property. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize the most important non-negotiable aspect on your list. Would you prioritize views or a flat plot, for example?
Keep in mind that Valencia is predominantly flat, particularly in the city. However, there are raised areas outside the city that offer countryside views, such as Olocau, Naquera, Villamarchante, and Lliria. In La Eliana, parts of Ribarroja, Torres de Portacoeli, and La Pobla, the views are primarily of the well-maintained gardens rather than distant countryside landscapes.
Sea views can be quite challenging to find. Some expensive locations, like Monasterios and Alfinach in Puzol, or certain beachfront properties in Valencia City, Port Saplaya Marina, and the outskirts of Naquera, provide distant sea views. However, due to Valencia’s flat topography, securing sea views limits your options significantly. Therefore, it’s important to consider the trade-off if sea views are a “must-have” requirement.
Most villas come with off-road parking, so the question shifts to whether you prefer a garage, carport, or simply a designated parking spot. If a garage is essential to you, that’s perfectly understandable. However, bear in mind that many garages have been converted into living spaces.
Covered terraces are also commonly desired, so when clients mention this, we inquire about the desired size. Most people prefer a combination of covered and uncovered terrace spaces in a house, allowing them to enjoy or seek shelter from the sun based on the time of year and sunlight intensity.
The “Would Likes”
While some clients have a clear list of “must-haves,” others provide us with an extensive list of “would likes.” Ideally, we prefer a few “must-haves” since they help us narrow down the options when planning property visits. However, a longer list of “would likes” expands the selection and increases the likelihood of finding a property that matches your preferences. As a general rule, if you provide ten “would likes,” and we manage to find properties that fulfill at least seven of those aspects, the property has a good chance of being included in your viewing itinerary. If a property only satisfies four or five aspects, its chances are lower, unless it fulfills all the “must-haves.”
For city apartments, some typical “would likes” include an extra bedroom (if the minimum requirement has been stated in the “must-haves”), a parking space in the building, proximity to supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and other amenities.
In the case of houses, “would likes” might include being within walking distance of a town, having a paved road leading to the property, good mobile phone coverage, a ground-level pool instead of a raised one, ample shaded areas and well-maintained gardens, rather than concrete surroundings. Additional preferences could include separate guest accommodations or a building that can be converted for this purpose.
The “Deal Breakers”
Ah, the deal breakers! Cables, main roads, and darkness often top the list.
For apartments, darkness is a common deal breaker. People come to Valencia seeking light and warmth, not a living space reminiscent of a cave (unless, of course, they desire a cave house). Interior apartments on lower floors are typically less popular. Lack of local facilities is another deal breaker, although it’s difficult to find such locations in Valencia since nearly everywhere offers a range of amenities. Lastly, being too far from the desired area is also a deal breaker, despite Valencia’s relatively compact size, ensuring that you’re never far from the city center.
With houses, the most common deal breaker is the presence of cables, or worse, cables combined with a property located on a main road. High-tension cables often go unnoticed or are cleverly edited out of online photos, giving the false impression of an idyllic property. However, upon arrival, these cables become an immediate deterrent, leading to frustration with the agent for not disclosing their presence.
Other deal breakers may include lack of privacy due to being overlooked, proximity to neighbors’ houses, excessive noise from barking dogs, being too far away from other houses (as gauging distances can be challenging at times), low ceilings (especially relevant when garages have been converted), the need for extensive modernization, potential future costs associated with urbanization by the local council, or being too close or too far from the city or the airport.
We understand that buying a property is a significant decision, and we are here to guide you through the process. The first step we always take with our clients is to ask for their wish list. By answering three key questions about your “must haves,” “would likes,” and “deal breakers,” we can gain valuable insights into your preferences and priorities.
For apartment seekers, non-negotiable aspects often include a lift/elevator, balcony or terrace, specific bedroom or square meter requirements, a second bathroom, and reliable internet access. Balancing these factors can be a challenge, but our team is experienced in finding solutions that meet your needs.
When it comes to houses, views, a flat plot, off-road parking or a garage, a covered terrace, and a well-maintained garden are often important considerations. We understand the trade-offs involved and can help you make informed decisions.
While “must haves” and “would likes” help us narrow down the options, it’s equally crucial to identify the deal breakers. These can range from the presence of cables or being on a main road to issues of darkness, lack of privacy, or being too far from essential amenities. By understanding your deal breakers, we can eliminate unsuitable properties and save you time and frustration.
We are committed to finding your dream property in Valencia. By listening to your wishes and understanding your priorities, we can tailor our search to match your unique requirements. So, take the first step with us by filling out the form. We are confident that together we can find the perfect property that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Trust us to make your Valencia property dreams a reality.
