Long term rental advance payments advice....

We are a couple from London relocating to Costa del Sol (probably Estepona or surrounding) We are looking to long term rent from late May/Early June for minimum 6 months initially (though happy to consider a longer rent initially for the right property)

We are on a trip in early April for 2 weeks to view potential apartments , with the intention of concluding a deal there and then if we see the right one.

We have the money ready to spend.

We are happy to negotiate on deposits/advance rentals etc., but some agents we have emailed with appropriate properties are saying that most people would be unhappy to let during  the summer period on a 6 month initial rent , AND would require 3 months upfront AND 2 months security deposit.

Is this normal?  I appreciate summer can bring holiday rentals to some , but surely better to have 6 months (or more) with SOME paid up front by a tenant , rather than risk it being empty.

I suppose what I am asking is, should we be prepared to pay these kind of big upfront payments to secure a property in late April for late May/early June moving in?

Many thanks for any thoughts in advance

Bill P

Personally i wouldn't unless your getting discount per month

I am away to rent very soon myself & have only been asked for 300e deposit on a 400e a month place starting in june

Hold out & prepare to haggle there are hundreds of places out there!

 Thanks Steve..that was really my  gut feeling about it - I would have thought it was no time for an agent to be getting greedy with someone standing in their office with cash and a solid commitment ,for the sake of MAYBE getting a few weeks holiday rental! 

As you say , at the very least , I would be looking to get a monthly discount !

Though I have never rented in that area before, i will be renting my flat in London so am trying to compare how things work with here

lets see what happens...any other thoughts much appreciated