From Lockdown to Local Success | Gran Alacant Advertiser

How one unexpected moment led to the creation of Somos Rentals

When Spain entered lockdown in March 2020, many businesses faced an uncertain future. For James, the founder of Somos Rentals, however, that moment became the starting point for building a successful property rental company that continues to grow today.

What inspired you to start Somos Rentals?

Somos Rentals was born during one of the most uncertain moments of my career. For many years I managed a branch of one of the leading rental and sales agencies in the area. Toward the end of 2019, an opportunity arose for me to become a partner in another real estate agency, so I decided to take the leap. I started my new role on Monday, 16th March 2020, the very first day of the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain.

Almost overnight the property market came to a complete standstill. Like many people, I suddenly found myself facing a very uncertain future. With a family to support and bills to pay, I had to think quickly about how to adapt. Because the new agency focused exclusively on property sales, I decided to create a separate rental business that would complement rather than compete with it. By June 2020, Somos Rentals was up and running.

Within a few months, my wife Dayse and I had built a strong base of property owners and a steady income. By September I was able to leave the other agency on good terms and focus entirely on growing Somos Rentals. What started as a solution during a difficult time has grown into a thriving business, proof that sometimes unexpected challenges can lead to new opportunities.

Why is this area so popular with visitors and residents?

This part of the Costa Blanca offers an exceptional quality of life. We have beautiful beaches, stunning natural surroundings and a fantastic climate that allows people to enjoy outdoor living for most of the year. It’s also a very safe and welcoming environment, which makes it ideal for families, couples and retirees alike. Add excellent transport links, great restaurants and plenty of local amenities, and it’s easy to see why so many people choose to spend time here.

The lifestyle is another huge attraction. During the summer months the evenings feel endless, with people enjoying long dinners on terraces, walks along the promenade and the many local fiestas that bring communities together. Even everyday routines can feel special. My drive to work takes me past the salt lakes, where you often see flamingos and incredible sunsets. It’s a commute I genuinely enjoy.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

One of the great pleasures of the job is visiting the wide variety of homes we manage. Every property has its own style and character, which keeps things interesting. But the most rewarding part is definitely the people. We work with wonderful clients, both property owners and tenants, from many different countries and backgrounds. Our aim is always to provide a friendly, personal service and make sure guests feel comfortable and happy during their stay.

Over time we’ve built strong relationships with many of our clients, and some have even become good friends. That personal connection is something we truly value.

What advice would you give to property owners thinking about renting their home?

The rental market has changed significantly in recent years, particularly with new regulations surrounding holiday rentals. However, demand for both holiday and long-term rentals remains very strong.

For many owners, renting their property can provide an excellent investment opportunity or additional income to help cover the costs of owning a second home. Holiday rentals are ideal for owners who still want to use their property themselves throughout the year, while long-term rentals usually involve tenants staying for a year or more and offer a more predictable income.
Both options work well depending on the owner’s priorities, so it’s important to explore the different possibilities and find the right approach.

What are your favourite places in the area to recommend to guests?

One of my top recommendations is a boat trip to Tabarca Island, where visitors can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, a unique experience in this region.

Nature lovers often enjoy the Clot de Galvany nature reserve, which is perfect for walking or jogging, while the nearby salt lakes are famous for their wildlife, including flamingos.

For day trips, Elche is well worth visiting for its famous palm groves, while Alicante offers history, shopping and incredible views from the castle. Santa Pola itself is also a favourite, with its marina, promenade and excellent seafood restaurants. Families often enjoy Río Safari or Pola Park, which are both great options for children.

What’s next for Somos Rentals?

As the business continues to grow, our focus is on expanding the team and increasing the number of properties we manage. This year we plan to bring in additional staff to support our growing portfolio and client base.

By growing carefully and sustainably, our aim is to offer a wider choice of properties while maintaining the personal, high-quality service that our clients value.

At the heart of Somos Rentals is a simple goal: creating great experiences for both property owners and guests while continuing to build a strong reputation in the local community.