Accommodation in Gibraltar

You can choose to buy or rent a property in Gibraltar, but many opt to rent because of the short-term nature of their assignments. Due to limited space, there is a high demand for housing in Gibraltar; prices are high, and the few new developments are mostly highly sought-after luxury units.

Many people decide to live on the Spanish side of the border, in particular in Sotogrande, an upmarket resort town 17 miles (27km) up the coast from Gibraltar.

Types of accommodation in Gibraltar

The undersupplied market means that it can take a while to find somewhere to live. But given time and determination, you will be able to find a home that suits your lifestyle and needs.

Properties range from studio flats and townhouses to large standalone houses and villas. Many apartment blocks have shared facilities such as swimming pools and laundry rooms.

Furnished vs unfurnished

You can find both furnished and unfurnished rentals in Gibraltar. Those who are in the British territory for the short term usually opt for furnished rentals for convenience. Furnished rentals typically include everything from furniture and appliances to utensils and decorative pieces, while unfurnished rentals will only include appliances such as a refrigerator and stove, as well as kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

Furnished properties usually have higher rental prices than unfurnished homes. If you prefer to bring a personal touch to your new rental, don’t worry, as both Gibraltar and neighbouring Spain have a plethora of affordable furniture shops.

Short lets and temporary housing

Temporary housing is one of the best ways for you to get to know your new home before signing a long-term lease. Short-term rental websites such as Airbnb and MagicStay host a wide range of short-term rentals at reasonable price points for new arrivals to explore.

Moving to Gibraltar

Finding accommodation in Gibraltar

If you’re looking to rent or buy a property in Gibraltar, you have several options when it comes to finding the perfect home. Online property portals are a good place to start, as are the classified sections of local publications for those who are already in Gibraltar. Social media neighbourhood groups are also an invaluable resource, as landlords typically share their rentals there to avoid incurring the costs of placing a listing on property portals.

You can also approach a local real estate agent to help with the sometimes difficult process of finding and securing housing. Real estate agents often boast strong connections and extensive knowledge of the local property market.

Useful links

• www.propertygibraltar.com
• www.savills.gi
• www.rightmove.co.uk

Renting accommodation in Gibraltar

The process of renting accommodation in Gibraltar is fairly easy. Once you have found the right property, you will need to make an application, which may require providing references and proof of income to the prospective landlord or real estate agent.

Signing a lease

You will need to sign a lease agreement to secure a rental property in Gibraltar. Most landlords require tenants to sign a 12-month lease, but you can easily negotiate a six-month agreement with the option to renew the contract. For long-term rentals, you will need to give your landlord at least six months' notice should you wish to terminate the lease.

You will also need to pay a deposit (usually equivalent to one or two months of rent) as well as the first month’s rent in advance. At the end of the lease, the deposit is returned in full as long as the property is returned in good condition. You should ensure that you take a detailed inventory of the property when you move in and share it with your landlord to ensure you do not incur unfair costs at the termination of the lease.

If you’re renting a property in a new development, ensure your landlord has the legal right to rent it out, as most of these developments were bought in conjunction with the government. This means that there are restrictive covenants on sub-letting flats in these developments.

Pets

Pets are generally not allowed when renting a home in Gibraltar, but you can negotiate with your landlord. Should the property owner agree to let you keep a pet on their property, you must ensure your pet is microchipped and registered at the Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic.

Termination of the lease

You will need to have the property professionally cleaned at the end of your lease to avoid losing out on your deposit, as this is a stipulation in most lease agreements in Gibraltar. You should also thoroughly go through the initial inventory you made upon moving into a property to ensure you leave the home in the same condition.

Landlords will generally not charge tenants for normal wear and tear, while damage beyond this is likely to lead to deductions from the deposit. That said, you should expect to receive your deposit back in full within 15 days of vacating the property, should everything remain in order.

Utilities in Gibraltar

Utilities, which include water, electricity, and internet, are generally for the tenant’s account in Gibraltar. You are responsible for changing the contracts to your name and cancelling your agreements with the respective companies at the end of your lease. Aquagib, Gibraltar’s water supplier, is responsible for sending residents dual water and electricity bills. The company takes electricity readings and collects the funds on behalf of the Gibraltar Electricity Authority.

The Department of the Environment is responsible for collecting refuse and recyclable materials in Gibraltar. The department provides residents with yellow, green, blue and pink recycling bins for plastic, glass, paper and electronic waste. These items are then sent to recycling plants in Spain. You also have the option to deliver bulky household waste, such as mattresses and hazardous waste, to the Civic Amenities Site.