Question 1

How far is Málaga airport from Mijas?

Accepted Answer

Málaga airport is half an hour from Suite Mijas I by car, thanks to direct access to the A7 motorway. That makes this development practical for lock-up-and-leave use, and manageable for year-round living if you travel frequently for work. The motorway also puts Marbella within half an hour in the other direction.

Question 2

What is the beach distance in Mijas?

Accepted Answer

The beach requires a car from this development. Suite Mijas I sits closer to the A7 motorway than to the coast, so while the nearest beaches around La Cala de Mijas are not far in distance, you cannot walk there. The location trades seafront access for highway convenience and slightly lower density inland.

Question 3

Do the apartments have private outdoor space?

Accepted Answer

Each apartment has a private terrace, which gives you outdoor space you do not share. The terrace is yours to furnish and use as you like, and because all 312 apartments have one, there is no queue for communal areas when you simply want to sit outside. You are responsible for keeping your own terrace clean, but there is no garden to water or maintain.

Question 4

What facilities are shared at Suite Mijas I?

Accepted Answer

The development has separate adult and children's pools, a multi-sports court, an outdoor gym circuit, a climbing wall for children, and tropical gardens. All of these are shared between 312 homes, so the scale means good equipment but also means you are in a large community rather than a quiet complex with only a handful of neighbours.

Question 5

Does this location suit families?

Accepted Answer

The three-bedroom layout suits young families, and shops, schools and supermarkets are nearby. However, both the beach and the traditional village centre of Mijas require a car, so daily life depends on driving rather than walking. The shared climbing wall and children's pool show the development was designed with families in mind, but the suburban setting means less happens on your doorstep than in a resort or town-centre location.

Question 6

How does buying off-plan work in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Buying off-plan in Mijas 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?

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.

Suite Mijas I

Overview

Specifications

Mijas

Suite Mijas I: Frequently Asked Questions

How it sits in the market

More developments in Mijas

Suite Mijas II

RESIDENCIAL COTO HOMES

Balance Nova FASE II

Hacienda el Sueño

Suite Mijas III

Valley Views - FASE 1

Track the Costa del Sol market without the noise.