You have a beautiful property in Costa Cálida. You enjoy it during the summer, perhaps at Easter, and the occasional long weekend. But for most of the year it sits empty, hundreds or thousands of kilometres from where you live.

What happens to it while you are away? Who makes sure everything stays in order?

This is the question thousands of European and non-resident Spanish owners ask themselves every time they lock the door and board the plane. In this guide we explain what you should do — and what you should not leave to chance — so that your property is always in perfect condition when you return.

The biggest mistake: leaving the property completely alone

A property left closed for months is not a property "on pause". It is an exposed property.

Damp does not give warning. A small leak can become a structural problem within weeks. Electrical and plumbing systems deteriorate without use. And if there is a storm, a supply cut or a problem with the neighbours... you will find out when it is already too late.

The solution is not complicated, but it does require organisation.

What you should sort out before you leave

1. Utilities: neither everything on nor everything off

The most common mistake is cutting off electricity, water and gas completely "to save money". The problem is that some systems — such as the boiler or the anti-damp system — need to remain operational to protect the property.

The ideal approach is to leave utilities in a "minimum" mode: water on but with the stopcock accessible, electricity connected with non-essential circuits switched off at the fuse box, and gas off unless you have programmed heating.

2. Security: beyond locking the door

A quality lock is the first step, but not the only one. Make sure that:

• Windows and shutters are properly closed and secured
• There are no valuables visible from outside
• You have home insurance with second-home cover (many standard policies do not include it)
• Someone you trust has an emergency key

3. Documents up to date

Before you leave, check that the following are current:

• IBI (property tax) and local rates
• Community of owners fees (and any special levies)
• Home insurance
• Utility contracts (make sure they do not expire or get cut off for non-payment)

Leave a folder — physical or digital — with all these documents accessible to whoever manages the property in your absence.

Periodic supervision: essential, not optional

No preventive measure replaces someone physically entering the property on a regular basis.

A monthly visit allows early detection of:

• Damp and leaks: especially in winter, when rainfall in Costa Cálida can be heavy
• Pests: cockroaches, mice or wasps can move in within weeks in a closed property
• Electrical or plumbing problems: a dripping tap, a tripped circuit breaker, a seeping pipe
• Wind or storm damage: broken shutters, displaced roof tiles, affected windows

Supervision is not just "having a look". It should include a systematic check of all rooms, the property's systems and the exterior, with a photographic report sent directly to you.

What a good supervision service should include

If you are going to hire someone to look after your property, make sure the service includes:

• Regular in-person visits (monthly as a minimum)
• Photographic report after each visit
• Incident management: the ability to coordinate minor repairs without you having to fly back
• Contractor attendance: plumbers, electricians, air-conditioning technicians
• Direct communication with you: via WhatsApp, email or video call if the situation requires it

Costa Cálida has its own particularities

If your property is in San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcázares, Torre-Pacheco, Cartagena or any other municipality in Costa Cálida, there are specific factors to bear in mind:

The climate: Summers are very dry and hot, which can affect woodwork, seals and air-conditioning systems. Winters are mild but with episodes of heavy rain (DANA) that can cause leaks.

Mar Menor humidity: Properties close to the lagoon are exposed to high ambient humidity that accelerates the deterioration of certain materials.

The community of owners: In developments with many non-resident owners, it is common for shared issues (pool, gardens, lifts) to be managed poorly. Having someone who attends meetings or keeps track of communications can save you unpleasant surprises.

When to act: warning signs

Even with everything organised, there are situations that require immediate attention:

• New damp stains on ceilings or walls
• A smell of damp or strong mustiness when you enter
• Presence of insects or signs of rodents
• Any visible damage to the structure or installations
• Abnormally high utility bills (which may indicate a leak)

If you receive these signals — whether in person or through your supervision service — act quickly. Property problems do not improve on their own.

Conclusion: peace of mind at a reasonable price

Leaving your Costa Cálida property does not have to be a source of worry. With the right measures and a trusted supervision service, you can be in Germany, France, the United Kingdom or wherever, knowing that your home is in good hands.

The cost of a professional monthly supervision is minimal compared with the financial and emotional cost of finding a serious problem when you return.

If you would like to know how our monthly supervision service in Costa Cálida works, feel free to contact us with no obligation. We are here to make sure your property is always ready to welcome you back.