Hi everyone, I’ve been a lurker here for a while and recently finally bought a small apartment in Valencia. The process was quite an ordeal, but I’m thrilled to have my own little place. However, the post-purchase excitement quickly faded as I was overwhelmed by all the bills and account setup issues: water, electricity, gas, internet, phone… it feels even more complicated than the home-buying process itself! So, I wanted to start this thread to share the tips I’ve figured out and also see if anyone has better suggestions regarding buying a home in Spain.
The previous owner had already disconnected the water and electricity, so I needed to set up new services from scratch. After visiting several companies, I discovered a huge variety of providers here. Unlike in some countries where you might have one main state-owned provider for electricity or water, here the choices are abundant and the plans can be bewildering. It feels like choosing a mobile phone plan, with various flat rates, time-of-day pricing, and bundle deals. I ended up choosing Iberdrola for electricity and Aqualia for water, mainly because their online customer service and apps are quite good, which is a big help for someone like me whose Spanish isn’t fluent yet.
Core Utility Setup Process
The required documents are pretty much the same for all these services. I’ve put together a list for reference while also checking out some bank-owned properties. The most important documents are your NIE number, a Spanish bank account, proof of property ownership (escritura) or a rental contract, and an installation certificate from a certified technician. If you’re just transferring the services from the previous owner, the process is much simpler, but for a new connection, this certificate (known as a ‘Boletín’) is mandatory.
Provider Options
| Service Type | My Chosen Company | Alternatives/Popular Companies |
|---|
| Electricity | Iberdrola | Endesa, Naturgy, Repsol |
| Water | Aqualia | Canal de Isabel II |
| Natural Gas | Naturgy | Endesa, Repsol |
| Internet/Phone | Movistar | Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo |
The most difficult decision for me was internet and phone service. There are many bundled packages here that combine fiber optic internet, mobile phone plans, and even TV. Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange are the ‘big three’ with the best signal and coverage, but they are also the most expensive. After comparing for a long time, I chose a Movistar package. It’s a bit pricier, but I’ve heard their network is the most reliable, and since I might be working from home, stability is key. However, I’ve also seen friends recommend smaller brands like Pepephone or MásMóvil, which are significantly cheaper. I’m curious about the user experience with them.
The whole process involved a lot of phone calls, visits to physical stores, and filling out online forms. My main takeaway is to compare different offers thoroughly and not be afraid of the hassle. Companies’ promotions and plans change constantly; a deal that looks good today might be surpassed by a better one next month. And just like understanding all [the costs of buying a house in Spain], it’s crucial to read the contract details carefully, especially the terms regarding permanency clauses (‘permanencia’), to avoid penalties if you want to switch providers later. I hope this experience helps, and I welcome any veterans here to share their tips and advice!
