A second home is lived in a few weeks a year, but it exists all year round. Damp, storms, bills, small breakdowns: without organisation, every return can start with a nasty surprise. With the right people and systems in place, though, everything can be managed very well from France.
Someone on the spot
This is the foundation. A caretaker, a concierge service or a trusted neighbour who has the keys, drops by regularly, airs the place, checks it after a storm and can let a tradesperson in. Agree clearly how often they visit and what they should report to you. Some insurers also set conditions on supervision if the property is empty for long periods.
Automatic payments
Set up direct debits from your Spanish account for the IBI, community fees, water, electricity, internet and insurance. You avoid delays, penalties and cut-offs, and you get a clear view of your spending.
Administrative formalities
- Hand the annual non-resident tax return to a gestoría or an accountant, as explained in our article on annual taxes.
- Consider getting a digital certificate (certificado digital), which lets you do many formalities online.
- Arrange a postal address for official mail, or have it scanned.
Reassuring technology
Connected alarm, leak and damp detectors, remote-controlled thermostat and shutters: these devices cost little compared with what they prevent.
Seasonal maintenance
Pool, garden, air conditioning: annual contracts with local tradespeople make sure everything is ready when you arrive. The costs are covered in our article on annual upkeep.
A well-organised second home is a house waiting for you, not a house waiting for you with a list of problems.
