CocoHoney

Being newcomers to this forum, we're not sure if this has already been covered before - but the following article in todays Daily Mail may be of interest anyway!

Holiday villa fraud that's hit countless British families | Mail Online

Whilst the article seems to relate to France (in the main) is it to be found in Spain also (and not only to "Owners Direct")?

As we're contemplating renting before buying, should we be concerned?

missile

Yes

amideislas

Owners direct is a *holiday* rental outfit who is really just a paid listing service. Anyone can list their property for short term rent for a fee. Owners direct doesn't handle the money. That's between you and the "owner".

If you want a long term let, owners direct would be the last place to look.

snikpoh

Not true.

Owners direct is part of homeaway - as such there is a secure way that money can be handled, by them. Payment can be made direct to Owners direct (via credit card) and not to the owner.

As the largest holiday rental web site, they have introduced many security features to allay the fears of would be renters.

Suffice to say, I use them all the time!

amideislas

Owners direct is strictly a uk based outfit. When homeaway acquired them, they likely had to change their model to compete with the likes of airbnb (which actually is the worlds largest).

In any case, owners direct isn't where you look for long-term lets...

Anna Collins1

175,000 houses for sale in Spain from 2,500 real estate agents | Kyero.com is a good place to start looking for long term lets. There are hundreds of rental agencies in Spain but rather than checking individual websites kyero will give you a broad search of many rental agencies who list their properties with kyero.

Once you see a property you like the look of, complete the enquiry form and someone from the actual agency the property is listed with will contact you.

Hope this helps...