Success Story as a Real Estate Personal Shopper (PSI)
Justine and Guillhem, a French entrepreneurial couple, decided to move to Madrid with their young daughter Lucie in search of a better future. The Spanish capital offered them everything they were looking for: a pleasant climate, a good school—the Lycée Français—a vibrant cultural scene, and a dynamic environment for their business ventures.
However, finding the ideal high end apartments in Madrid and proving their financial solvency became an unexpected challenge. But Lucie won over the landlords.
Let me tell you how we achieved it and how you can too.
The challenge of the Real Estate market in Madrid
The Real Estate market in Madrid is extremely competitive, even in the high-end segment.
Properties fly off the market, agencies are reluctant to work with clients who are not in the city, and the need to demonstrate financial solvency can be an obstacle for foreign entrepreneurs.
Guide to the Luxury Real Estate Market in Madrid
Some time ago, I wrote an article to help buyers and investors properly orient their search and understand the peculiarities of the real estate sector in Madrid. Here is the link.
My client's needs
Justine and Guillhem were looking to rent a luxury property with a minimum area of about 180 square meters to have enough space to balance their life with work activities, without having to rent separate offices and being able to receive occasional visitors.
The challenge was not easy because they were also looking for a location that would allow them to experience the energy of central Madrid while being easily connected to the Lycée Français.
They had spent several days looking at listings on real estate portals and even contacted some agencies, but from abroad, something as simple as scheduling a viewing proved practically impossible. Why?
A very common difficulty: Demonstrating solvency and reliability to the landlord
This initial stage of the relocation process is not so complicated for those coming to Madrid as expatriates and can count on an employment contract.
However, it becomes much more complicated when it comes to young entrepreneurs who, logically, have a very good economy in the present, a good future projection, but do not have a solid history in Spain.
Despite the difficulties, Justine and Guillhem were not discouraged.
They contacted me, I studied their project and needs, and began selecting properties suitable to their personal requirements.
Now, they had my help and the positive energy of Lucie, their little ambassador. Together, we found the perfect strategy to win over the landlords and assure them that they would be responsible and reliable tenants.
The solution: simple and creative
In addition to having the traditional documents (income from invoicing, quarterly company declarations, bank statements), we came up with an idea: to introduce the family through a letter and a video! We wanted the landlords to meet Justine, Guillhem, and little Lucie, and to perceive their enthusiasm and commitment to their new life in Madrid.
The result was extraordinary. The landlords appreciated the gesture and felt more confident in renting their property to this lovely family.
Of course, Justine and Guillhem showed great empathy towards the landlord. They assured him that they would take care of the apartment as if it were their own, conveying trust and peace of mind.
Despite our optimism, I was realistic with them: August is a challenging month in Madrid’s real estate market. I suggested resuming the search in September when the market picks up again after the summer break.
And that’s exactly what we did.
I contacted several agencies, reviewed dozens of listings, and selected the best options. However, my industry connections were key to finding their home: we gained access to an apartment that wasn’t listed on any real estate portal.
Did you know that...?
We were the first to visit the property and, being transparent with the agents, I explained my clients’ situation. To my surprise, I found them to be very willing to help.
We negotiated with the owner and secured a mutually beneficial agreement: my clients obtained a fair rental contract, and the owner had the peace of mind of leaving their apartment in good hands.
It is important to remember that landlords also have their concerns. They are often stigmatised, but in my experience, most simply want a responsible tenant who will take care of their property.
In this case, the owner was understanding and open to reaching an agreement.
Lucie’s charm
I am convinced that the real success of this story is thanks to Lucie. Her sweetness, good manners, and friendly nature won over both the agents and the owner.
She was the best possible guarantee—far more effective than any bank document! Sometimes, a sincere smile can open more doors than anything else.
I would love to share a picture of this charming family, but as you might have guessed, confidentiality is one of the pillars on which I base my service.
How to find luxury property abroad
The process of relocating to Madrid—which includes searching for a rental apartment, moving, and handling all necessary formalities—may seem like an impossible challenge. However, it is entirely achievable with the help of an expert in the Madrid real estate market.
The key is to establish clear criteria regarding what you are looking for and what your family’s needs are. My clients often request that the property:
- Is well connected to the city centre, the airport, and train stations, and most importantly, to their children’s school.
- Is located in a safe neighbourhood.
- Is in an exclusive, secure area.
- Has specific features such as a swimming pool, children’s play area, paddle tennis court, spa area, etc.
Proving your financial solvency: A key step
When renting a luxury apartment in Madrid, it is crucial to demonstrate to the landlord that you have the financial means to afford the rent. To do so, it is important to present a complete dossier that includes:
- A cover letter introducing yourself to the landlords and explaining your life project.
- Payslips or employment contracts.
- Tax returns.
- Bank statements.
- References from previous landlords.
What if I am a spaniard living abroad?
I have helped many expatriate Spaniards purchase their property in Madrid.
If this is your case, here is a guide on how to buy a home in Spain from abroad as a Spanish citizen.
What sets me apart from other Real Estate Personal Shopper Services?
- Experience and Market Knowledge: I am familiar with the best areas, the most exclusive buildings, and the opportunities that do not appear on real estate portals.
- Personalised Assistance: I guide you through the entire process, from the initial search to signing the contract.
- Document Management: I help you prepare the necessary documentation to prove your financial solvency and streamline the rental process.
- Technical Report: My background as an architect is crucial in assessing the condition of the property and the building, ensuring structural safety, and identifying potential issues such as damp, insulation problems, etc.
Moving to Madrid can be either a nightmare or an exciting, unforgettable experience. Give yourself the opportunity to enjoy this challenge with complete peace of mind.
