When it comes to buying a home on the Costa del Sol, viewing properties is one of the most important — and enjoyable — parts of the process. However, many buyers overlook key details that can make all the difference between finding the right home and making a costly mistake.
In this week’s Top Tips video, Keith shares professional advice on how to approach viewings with confidence. Drawing on years of experience helping expats find homes in Mijas Costa, these three expert tips reveal what to look — and listen — for when evaluating a property.
🏡 1. Don’t Be Fooled by Empty Rooms
One of the most common misconceptions is that an empty room appears larger. In reality, it often looks smaller, because without furniture for scale, it’s difficult to visualise how personal belongings would fit.
Keith recommends taking a tape measure or using a measuring app on your phone to check room sizes during viewings. Then, using a furniture placement app such as MagicPlan, Room Planner, or IKEA Place, buyers can digitally place their own furniture within the space.
This practical step helps buyers see how their layout would work in real life, avoiding surprises later. And for homes that feel cluttered with furniture, the tip is simple — look up at the ceiling. It’s the one area that’s never filled and provides a clearer sense of the room’s true proportions.
☀️ 2. Test the Natural Light
Lighting can completely transform how a home feels. If a property’s lights are on during a viewing, Keith suggests politely asking for them to be switched off. This allows buyers to see the property’s true natural light, which can often reveal more about the home’s orientation and atmosphere.
Here in Mijas Costa, orientation plays a major role in comfort throughout the year:
- South and southwest-facing homes enjoy sunshine all day.
- East-facing properties are bright in the mornings and cooler later in the day.
- North-facing homes stay cooler in summer but can feel darker in winter.
Taking the time to assess how the sunlight moves through a property can make a huge difference — not only to how it looks, but to how it feels to live in.
👂 3. Listen, Don’t Just Look
The third tip focuses on something that photos and listings can’t show — sound.
Keith encourages buyers to pause during viewings and simply listen.
Traffic, neighbours, or even subtle background noise can have a big impact on day-to-day comfort, particularly for those planning to live in the property year-round. Stepping out onto the terrace or balcony provides an even better sense of the surrounding environment.
In popular areas such as La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol, or Calahonda, sound levels can change dramatically between seasons — peaceful in winter, but busier in summer. Asking questions about the area’s noise levels can provide valuable insight before making a decision.
As Keith points out, “You can always redecorate a home, but you can’t redecorate the noise outside your window.”
💬 Final Thoughts
These three simple but effective tips can help buyers view properties with the same critical eye as a professional. It’s not just about how a property looks — it’s about how it feels to live there.
For anyone planning to purchase a home in Mijas Costa or along the Costa del Sol, watching this short video is an invaluable starting point.
📋 To receive a free Property Viewing Checklist with key questions to ask on every visit, contact us today.
🎥 Watch the full video above to learn how to view properties like a pro — and follow along every Thursday for more expert advice for expat buyers.