Question 1

How big are the apartments at Altos del Chaparral?

Accepted Answer

The apartments range from 46 square metres for a one-bedroom unit to 99 square metres for a three-bedroom home. Terrace sizes vary dramatically, from 14 square metres on smaller units to 270 square metres on select apartments, so the usable outdoor space differs far more than the indoor floor area.

Question 2

Can you walk to the beach from Mijas Costa?

Accepted Answer

Playa El Chaparral is 21 minutes on foot, which makes it walkable but not convenient for multiple trips in a day. A car cuts the journey to ten minutes, and most residents drive to explore other beaches along the coast or to reach Fuengirola for a wider choice of restaurants and shops.

Question 3

What facilities does the development have?

Accepted Answer

The communal areas span 31,000 square metres and include two saltwater pools, one built for lap swimming, a gym, a spa with heated pool and sauna, a putting green, and a beach padel court. There are also organic vegetable gardens. The scale of these facilities pushes up the community charges.

Question 4

Is Mijas Costa a good location for families?

Accepted Answer

St Anthony's College is 13 minutes by car, and that has drawn families to this part of Mijas Costa. Hospital Vithas Xanit International is 20 minutes away. The setting is quieter than central Fuengirola, with less to do within walking distance, so families here tend to rely on a car for school runs and weekend activities.

Question 5

How close is the golf course?

Accepted Answer

Cerrado del Aguila Golf is six minutes by car, and the development sits between two courses. This location suits golfers who play several times a week, but the proximity to the AP-7 motorway means you will hear road noise from upper floors, especially when the wind carries sound inland.

Question 6

How does buying off-plan work in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Buying off-plan in Mijas Costa means reserving a property before or during construction. You pay a reservation deposit (typically €6,000 to €12,000), then sign a private purchase contract within 30 days and pay a further 10 to 20% of the purchase price. Staged payments follow the construction milestones. The final 60 to 70% is paid at notary completion when the keys are handed over.

Question 7

Are my deposits protected if the developer goes bust?

Accepted Answer

Under Spanish law (Law 57/1968 and its 2015 successor), all off-plan deposits must be covered by a bank guarantee or insurance policy. Your lawyer must verify this before you pay any money. If the developer fails to deliver, you can claim 100% of your deposit plus 6% annual interest. Never transfer funds without a confirmed guarantee in your name.

Question 8

What building guarantees come with a new-build?

Accepted Answer

Spanish law mandates three tiers: a 10-year structural guarantee (Seguro Decenal) for serious structural defects, a 3-year guarantee for habitability issues (waterproofing, insulation, installations), and a 1-year guarantee on finishes and fixtures. These run from the date the licence of first occupation (licencia de primera ocupación) is issued.

Question 9

What taxes apply to new-build property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

New-build purchases are subject to 10% IVA (VAT) on the purchase price, plus 1.2% AJD (stamp duty) in Andalucía. Parking spaces or storage sold separately may attract 21% IVA. Add notary, land registry and legal fees (1 to 2%), budget 12 to 15% on top of the purchase price in total acquisition costs.

Question 10

Can I customise finishes and layout before completion?

Accepted Answer

Most developers allow personalisation during the early construction phase, choices of floor tiles, kitchen units, bathroom fixtures, paint colours and sometimes layout tweaks. The window for changes is typically 3 to 6 months after signing the contract. Structural changes are rarely possible once work has started. Your sales representative will provide a customisation deadline and specification sheet.

Question 11

How long will construction take?

Accepted Answer

Typical build time in coastal Spain is 18 to 30 months from licence grant to completion. Delays of 3 to 6 months are common due to weather, supply-chain or permit issues. Your contract should specify a longstop completion date and the compensation you are owed for any overrun. Always check whether the building licence has already been granted before reserving.

Question 12

What should I check before signing an off-plan contract?

Accepted Answer

Key due-diligence points: (1) confirm the building licence is granted, not just applied for; (2) verify all deposits are bank-guaranteed in your name; (3) check the developer's track record and financial standing; (4) review the specification sheet and what is included in the price; (5) confirm the estimated completion date and longstop clause; (6) have an independent Spanish lawyer review the contract before you sign anything.

Question 13

Do I need a NIE and Spanish bank account to buy off-plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both are required before the final notary signing. You can reserve with a passport, but your Spanish NIE (foreigner tax number) is needed for the private purchase contract and your Spanish bank account for the staged transfers. Your lawyer can obtain your NIE with a power of attorney in 2 to 4 weeks. Open the bank account on your first trip to Spain or remotely via certain Spanish banks.

Question 14

Can non-residents get a Spanish mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spanish banks lend to non-residents at typical LTVs of 60 to 70% of the lower of purchase price or valuation (vs 80% for residents). Rates are competitive with the rest of the eurozone. You will need 6 months of bank statements, tax returns and proof of income, pre-approval takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Question 15

Should I get pre-approval before viewing?

Accepted Answer

Recommended for serious buyers. A mortgage in principle confirms your budget, signals credibility to sellers and shortens completion. We can introduce you to specialist non-resident mortgage brokers familiar with the local market.

Question 16

What taxes will I pay buying a property in Mijas Costa?

Accepted Answer

Resale property in Andalucía: ITP (transfer tax) at 7%. New-build: 10% IVA + 1.2% AJD (stamp duty). Plus notary, land registry and legal fees of roughly 1 to 2%. Budget 10 to 13% on top of the asking price for total acquisition costs.

Question 17

What ongoing costs should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Annual IBI (council tax) is typically 0.4 to 1.1% of cadastral value. Community fees on apartments and gated villas range €100 to €600/month depending on amenities. Non-resident owners pay an annual income tax based on cadastral value, plus utilities and home insurance.

Question 18

Are agent fees paid by the buyer or seller?

Accepted Answer

In Spain the seller pays the agent commission (typically 3 to 6% + VAT), already baked into the asking price. Buyers do not pay agent fees on resale or new-build.

Altos del Chaparral

Overview

What this home includes

Specifications

Mijas Costa, Mijas

Altos del Chaparral: Frequently Asked Questions

How it sits in the market

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