Choose the land for the home, not just the photograph.

Record what you know and what you need to verify

For each possible site, keep a page with the location, plot reference, asking information, available documents and your observations. Separate the agent’s description from facts confirmed by the professionals you appoint. This simple distinction can keep an attractive setting from overshadowing unresolved issues.

Take photographs of access, boundaries and level changes as well as the view. If practical, visit at more than one time of day to understand the light and activity around the site. Your architect can then connect those observations to a measured assessment.

A checklist for comparing sites

• Planning: request a site-specific review of permitted use and the parameters affecting the proposed home.
• Boundaries: establish what documents and surveys are available, and where clarification is needed.
• Access: consider daily driving, parking, emergency access and delivery routes during construction.
• Levels: ask how the land’s shape could affect the entrance, terraces, drainage and structure.
• Services: identify where connections are located and what further information or work is needed.
• Neighbouring land: ask how surrounding development and boundaries affect privacy and the outlook.
• Use: check whether the site supports the home you actually want to live in.

Explore Calpe areas through useful questions

Maryvilla, Gran Sol and Empedrola provide starting points for the area conversation. An area name is not a guarantee of buildability, views, servicing or a particular budget. The individual parcel and its documents remain the basis of the assessment.

Think about ordinary days

Test the location against routines: shopping, school runs if relevant, visits from friends, receiving deliveries and maintaining the garden. A property that is lovely during a short visit should also be comfortable when you are carrying groceries or coming home late.

Consider how much outdoor space you want to maintain. Large gardens, multiple terrace levels and a pool are part of the long-term use of the house as well as part of the initial construction scope.

Before committing to a purchase

Ask the relevant professionals to review ownership information, site records and the planning position. Identify uncertainties that need to be resolved and understand their consequences for the design and cost plan. Refer to the official planning sources and preparation guide to start that discussion.