A home left shut for months develops problems you will not see on a short visit. Most damage we find in second homes is not the result of a disaster, but of a small issue that went unnoticed for weeks.
Damp is the biggest culprit
In the Axarquia climate, humidity climbs high in summer. A closed property without ventilation develops damp patches on walls and ceilings, mould in cupboards and a musty smell that soaks into fabrics. Airing the property at every visit prevents most of it. In older buildings with thick walls, such as in the centre of Velez-Malaga, this matters even more.
Traps and seals that dry out
The trap under the kitchen sink, the toilet and the washing machine drain hold water that blocks drain smells. If a property stands empty for months, that water evaporates and the smell enters the house. Flushing regularly is a simple action that prevents a lot of nuisance and keeps the drain flowing freely.
Water, power and gas
Consider closing the main tap if you are away for a long period, but do not shut everything down: the boiler and air conditioning need periodic attention and a pool pump must keep running. At every visit we check meter readings, look for visible leaks and confirm no circuit breaker has tripped.
Pests
A silent property attracts pests, especially in rural areas around Almayate and in the Rio Velez valley. Ants, silverfish and sometimes rodents are drawn to standing water and food residue. We look for traces at every inspection and act before it becomes an infestation.
The weather
The Axarquia sees fierce rain in autumn and occasional heavy wind. An extra check after such events is sensible: blown roof tiles, a blocked terrace drain or damaged awnings are best reported immediately, before water finds its way inside.
What you can do yourself
If you visit a few times a year yourself, at least run the air conditioning on dehumidify for a few hours, leave cupboards open and check the traps. If you spend most of the year abroad, a fixed inspection frequency is the cheapest insurance you can take out.
