Guides & Insights

Spanish Renovation Traps Expats Don't See Coming

Five Things Worth Knowing Before You Start

The five most common renovation traps foreign buyers fall into on the Costa del Sol - licences, communities, contractor culture, the network you can't find online and the final bill.

Where to Buy Furniture on the Costa del Sol

A Designer's Shortlist From Budget to High-End

From IKEA and Kave Home to BoConcept and Roche Bobois - a vetted guide to the furniture stores worth knowing on the coast, with honest assessments and no affiliate links.

Do I Need Planning Permission to Renovate My Spanish Property?

Obra Menor, Obra Mayor, declaración responsable - a practical guide to building permits in Andalucía for foreign buyers renovating on the Costa del Sol.

How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Property on the Costa del Sol? An Honest Breakdown

Real numbers, broken down by room. Two example projects, the licencia de obras explained, designer fees compared, and the costs most people forget to budget for.

Costa del Sol Holiday Rental Rules 2026: What Every Foreign Buyer Needs to Know

The Málaga tourist licence moratorium, the 60% community rule, mid-term rentals as an alternative, and how the right interior design changes what your property earns.

Is Microcement Worth It? A Designer's View

Where it works, where it fails, what it actually costs, and which brands to know on the Costa del Sol.