Step 23 of 48 Phase 3: Find Your Costa del Sol Property
3.6 View Properties Like A Pro
Learn how to effectively evaluate Costa del Sol properties — checking for AFO status, community fees, and rental potential.
Key Things to Check on Every Viewing
- Ask for the community fees (gastos de comunidad) and what they include
- Check the energy certificate rating
- Ask about the AFO status for older properties or those with extensions
- Note the distance to beach, airport, and amenities
- If planning to rent, assess the property's rental appeal
Costa del Sol Viewing Tips
- View properties at different times of day to check sun, noise, and traffic
- In urbanizaciones, check the pool, gardens, and common areas condition
- Ask about security and whether there's a property management company
- For older properties, ask when the roof/pool/air conditioning was last serviced
- Take photos and notes — you may view many properties across different towns
What to Check
| Category | Questions to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Is there a Nota Simple? Is there an AFO if needed? | Avoid illegal construction issues |
| Community | What are monthly fees? Any special assessments planned? | Ongoing costs add up |
| Rental Potential | Is there a VFT licence? What's the rental history? | Important for investors |
| Condition | When was AC/heating/pool last serviced? | Avoid surprise repair costs |
| Location | How far to beach, airport, supermarket? | Daily convenience |
Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance to provide community fee information
- Signs of illegal construction (no energy certificate, unlicensed extensions)
- Very high community fees for the amenities provided
- Properties that have been on the market for a very long time