Owning a second home in sought-after destinations such as Estepona or along the Costa del Sol is a true privilege. However, every holiday eventually comes to an end. As you return to everyday life, questions often arise about how to keep your holiday home in excellent condition while you’re away.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly care for and secure your property after the holiday season, so that when you return, it’s ready for you to enjoy once again. You’ll find recommended practices to protect your home, from safeguarding your furniture and ensuring security, to preventing structural issues and costly repairs.
👉 Find out what rent-to-own is in Estepona and how it relates to the aid for young people in the 2026-2030 Housing Plan.
What It Means to Own a Second Home
A second home is a property that serves as an alternative residence to your primary home. It’s typically used for leisure and relaxation during the holiday season. For this reason, such properties are especially popular in destinations like Estepona and other cities along the Costa del Sol.
Many families use their second homes as summer getaways or for weekend escapes. However, some owners view them as real estate investment opportunities, either renting them out during the tourist season or keeping them as part of their long-term portfolio.
In these cases, it’s common for homeowners to rely on a local real estate agency to ensure their investment remains in top condition and continues to generate returns. These agencies usually handle property management and oversight year-round, overseeing maintenance, security, and compliance with local regulations.
You might also like: Tourist Use Housing in Estepona, A Complete Guide
What’s the Difference Between a Primary Residence and a Second Home?
From a legal and tax perspective, there are significant differences between a primary residence and a second home. The primary residence refers to the owner’s main home, the place where they live most of the year and are officially registered. A second home, on the other hand, is a property purchased as a holiday retreat or investment, used only occasionally.
This distinction carries important tax implications on the Costa del Sol. For example:
- Property Tax (IBI): Although calculated similarly for both types of homes, the cadastral value and applicable discounts vary depending on the property’s use.
- Rental Income: Any income generated from letting your holiday home is subject to taxation as real estate capital gains.
- Capital Gains on Sale: When selling a second property, a municipal capital gains tax applies, which typically makes the sale tax higher than that of a primary residence.
- Tax Benefits: Deductions and fiscal benefits are generally available for your main residence but not for holiday homes.
Thinking about buying a home in Estepona? Get complete advice from Cabanillas Real Estate.
Preparations Before Closing Your Holiday Home
Leaving your holiday home to return to everyday life can feel just as uncertain as locking up your main residence before a long trip. Still, there are a few simple practices you can follow before you leave to ensure your property remains in good condition throughout the year.
Check Water, Electricity, and Gas Installations
Making sure all installations are working properly is the first step in preventing structural damage and unexpected expenses. Before leaving, inspect for any leaks or malfunctions.
Also, turn off the main water supply and disconnect any gas or electrical systems that won’t be in use. This helps avoid issues such as leaks, power surges, or infrastructure failures.
Clean and Air the Property Before Leaving
Clean your home thoroughly to prevent bad odours and pests. Make sure there’s no leftover food in the fridge, no rubbish, and no damp cloths, and clean all appliances. Before closing up, air out the house for a few minutes to renew the atmosphere, and then ensure all windows and doors are securely closed to prevent dust, sand, or water from entering.
Protect Furniture and Appliances
If you only use your second home occasionally, protecting your furniture is key to avoiding damage from sunlight or accumulated dust. Use plastic covers or, alternatively, sheets to cover furnishings. Store outdoor tables and chairs indoors whenever possible.
Unplug all electronic devices and protect them from humidity to prevent electrical surges or damage. For small or delicate items, store them in cabinets or, ideally, in their original boxes. Coil cables neatly so plugs remain protected and out of sight.
Security When Closing Your Holiday Home
Beyond maintenance and cleanliness, one of the main concerns for second homeowners is security. Before returning to your primary residence, there are several simple precautions you can take to reduce the risk of theft, incidents, or damage.
Check Locks and Alarm Systems
During your stay, make sure that all doors and windows close properly and that every lock is working as it should. Inspect for loose hinges or screws and tighten them. If you notice any issues with the frames, fix them in advance.
Before leaving, double-check that every room is locked and secure — making a checklist helps ensure nothing is overlooked. If your property is equipped with an alarm, security cameras, or motion sensors, verify that all systems are activated and connected.
Avoid Leaving Visible Signs of Absence
Regularly visiting your holiday home is one of the best ways to deter intrusions. However, since this isn’t always possible, there are ways to make your property look occupied. Leaving blinds partially open can help, as can asking a trusted neighbour or caretaker to stop by occasionally to check that everything is in order.
Ideally, use light timers that switch lamps on and off at different hours, creating the impression that someone is home.
Support from a Real Estate Agency in Estepona
Another smart measure is to hire a professional service that can monitor your property and handle any incidents promptly. without you having to travel all the way to Estepona.
Ideally, this should be one of the best local real estate agencies, such as Cabanillas Real Estate, offering comprehensive property management, personalised service, and the trust of both homeowners and the local community throughout the year.
Common Mistakes When Closing a Second Home
In the rush to return to your main residence, it’s easy to make mistakes when closing up your holiday home. These oversights can lead to significant inconveniences, so it’s important to know how to prevent them. Some of the most common include:
- Forgetting important documents. It’s advisable to digitise or store all documents related to your second home at your primary residence. Forgetting them during your holidays can cause administrative issues or, in some cases, even security problems.
- Not emptying water tanks. Water left standing in air conditioning systems, tanks, or cisterns can cause leaks or damp over time. Before leaving, make sure these installations are properly emptied and sealed.
- Leaving damp clothes. Beyond unpleasant odours, damp fabrics can lead to mould growth. Air out wardrobes and ensure that all bedding and towels are completely dry before closing up.
- Not checking electrical outlets. Leaving appliances plugged in increases the risk of short circuits, overloads, or accidents. Unplug everything before leaving and, if possible, store electrical items safely.
Your Trusted Partners on the Costa del Sol
Few things are as enjoyable as spending your holidays in a second home, though the benefits of investing in one come very close. In both cases, keeping your property in excellent condition is essential to make the most of it.
Knowing how to properly close your home and prevent security issues helps you avoid unexpected problems, preserve the property’s value, and ensure a smooth return. Still, incidents can happen, and when they do, having the support of a local real estate agency is key to managing your property efficiently.
At Cabanillas Real Estate, we are a leading real estate agency based in Estepona with over 60 years of experience along the Costa del Sol. You can visit our offices or reach us via WhatsApp to receive expert advice on managing your second homes.
Contact us to discover how we can help you worry less and enjoy more.
Si tienes consultas puedes contactar en sales@cabanillasrealestate.com
- Rent to Own in Estepona and the New Government Grant for Young Buyers - December 2, 2025
- How to Care for and Close Your Second Home After the Holidays - November 11, 2025
- How much does it cost to register the deed of a house in Spain? - September 25, 2025
