Retiring in Europe can be an exciting adventure, but before committing to a permanent move, finding the right rental home is crucial. Many retirees start with a short-term rental to get a feel for the area before transitioning to a long-term lease. Here’s a breakdown of the best strategies for both short-term (one to three months) and long-term (one year or more) rentals. All the pictures here are from places we have stayed over the years.

Short-Term Rentals: Monthly Stays for Exploration

For retirees who want to explore different locations before committing, short-term rentals provide a flexible and hassle-free solution. The best way to secure a one-to-three-month rental is through established platforms that cater to international travelers.

Where to Look
• Airbnb & Vrbo: Both platforms offer discounts for long-term stays, often 20% or more off the nightly rate for stays of 28 days or longer.
• Booking.com: This site has expanded its options for monthly rentals, particularly in European cities.
• Flatio: A lesser-known but excellent platform for mid-term stays in cities like Prague, Lisbon, and Barcelona, often with utilities included.
• Local Facebook Groups & Expats Forums: Many property owners list short-term rentals in local groups, sometimes at lower prices than on major platforms.

Advantages of Short-Term Rentals
• Fully furnished and move-in ready.
• No need to worry about setting up utilities, internet, or maintenance.
• Allows retirees to test out different cities or neighborhoods before committing to a longer lease.

Tips for Getting the Best Deal
• Book outside peak tourist seasons to secure lower rates (fall and winter are often cheaper).
• Message hosts directly to negotiate discounts for longer stays.
• Check for additional fees, such as cleaning charges or service fees, which can add up over multiple months.

Once you’ve spent a few months in a location and feel ready to settle, transitioning to a long-term rental is the next step.

Long-Term Rentals: Finding an Affordable Home for a Year or More

Long-term rentals (one year or more) require a different approach. The key to finding affordable housing in Europe is avoiding English-language rental sites aimed at expats, as they tend to list properties at premium prices. Instead, the best deals come from local real estate agents and native-language websites.

Where to Look
• Local Real Estate Websites:
-France: Leboncoin.fr, SeLoger.com
-Spain: Idealista.com, Fotocasa.es
-Portugal: Imovirtual.com, CasaSapo.pt
-Italy: Immobiliare.it, Subito.it
-Germany: ImmobilienScout24.de, WG-Gesucht.de (for shared housing)
-Austria: Willhaben.at
-Greece: Spitogatos.gr
-Czech Republic: Bezrealitky.cz
• Local Real Estate Agents (Immobilien, Agence Immobilière, etc.)
Visiting an in-person agency can be beneficial, as they often have listings that never make it online.
• Newspaper Listings & Community Boards
Many landlords, especially older ones, still list their properties in local newspapers or on community bulletin boards in grocery stores or cafés.

Advantages of Long-Term Rentals
• Lower monthly rent compared to short-term furnished rentals.
• More authentic neighborhoods away from tourist-heavy areas.
• Ability to personalize your home, often with options to bring your own furniture. I do NOT recommend bringing furniture across the ocean. The cost will blow you away. You could furnish three homes for the cost of bringing your old furniture across the ocean. If you are moving from Spain to France, however, it’s much cheaper.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them
• Language Barriers: Use Google Translate to navigate local websites or consider hiring a local relocation service.
• Lease Requirements: Some landlords may ask for proof of income, a local bank account, or multiple months' deposit—be prepared.
• Utility Setup: Unlike short-term rentals, long-term leases typically require setting up internet, electricity, and gas yourself. Ask the landlord for assistance if needed.
• Unfurnished can mean something different: If you lease an “unfurnished” apartment in some places like Germany, be prepared. There will be no kitchen appliances or countertops. It’s just a barren room. Be specific when asking questions and assume nothing.

Final Thoughts
For retirees moving to Europe, a two-step rental strategy—starting with a short-term rental via platforms like Airbnb or Flatio, then transitioning to a long-term lease through local websites or agents—ensures flexibility and affordability. While navigating local-language listings can be challenging, it often leads to the best deals and the most authentic living experience.

By taking the time to explore first and then securing a long-term rental through local channels, retirees can find a comfortable and cost-effective home in Europe that fits their lifestyle and budget.