We are going to move to Santander, or some small town near by.
I observe that rents are a good portion cheaper than where we currently reside (Marbella).
I work remotely/digitally, so don't care for transport connections, beyond getting my kids to school.

We've looked on fotocasa and idealist; and observe there are almost no houses to rent; yet the entire of Cantabria is full of gorgeous houses.

How does one get a house to rent up there? We're desperate, as we need to get our kids into school.

Any advice most welcome. Trying to be proactive- will hit up bienes raices, etc tomorrow; maybe even bother some ayudamientos; but perhaps somebody here has some bright ideas, or hints for us?

We're primarily looking for nice houses not near motorways and out of the city - small town/village kind of feel. If anyone can recommend any places to go, or not go that'd be most welcome, aso.

Thanks

Looking on idealista you have 659 properties in the region and 28 are houses. I suppose one of the reasons is that Spain has one of the lowest rentership rates among Europe. Most people buy their houses for personal use and you rarely find houses for rent as a lot of Spanish see an apartment as the easier rental option. And then houses usually generate more income through Airbnb, so naturally you have more choice buying. I know it doesn't help, but all you can do is contact estate agents directly and maybe put yourself on top of the list by saying that you also want to purchase a property when the rental goes well.

I correct myself, taking out Eastern Europe of course. Just another thought, I have seen more rent to buy options in Spain recently and that might give you more options when it comes to houses.

I would be tempted to visit the area and ask around the locals - they will know what is available. But typically there are always fewer houses to rent and of course, they are expensive.

I knew a couple who redeveloped a house to rent out to tourists (they live in a village near Comillas). They didn't get too many bookings, so in the end rented out more cheaply on a yearly basis. My guess is there will be cheaper places to rent if you intend to be long term, so ask around as per spainrico's advice. Of course if the economy is doing far better than we've been told, then it gets more difficult. Also, don't rule out searching on Idealista type websites.