Context: first-occupation licence issues in Estepona
The problem of first-occupation licence issues in new build property in Estepona is one of the most common queries reaching the firm from Andalucía. The combination of intensive promotion, domestic and foreign buyers, and the application of Spanish Building Act 38/1999 (LOE) with Andalucía's LISTA 7/2021 and Estepona's municipal ordinance creates a scenario where knowing deadlines and procedures well makes the difference between resolving the case and losing it by limitation.
This article gathers the essentials for a buyer with a first-occupation licence issues problem in Estepona to understand the legal framework, steps to take and local specifics. It's a general view; each case requires individual analysis.
Applicable legal framework
Five normative layers overlap in these cases:
- Spanish Building Act 38/1999 (LOE): arts. 17-19. The backbone. Sets warranty periods (1 year finishing, 3 years habitability, 10 years decennial) and mandatory insurance (decennial and payments on account).
- Civil Code: arts. 1101 (contractual liability), 1124 (termination for breach), 1454 (deposit), 1469-1471 (surface), 1902 (tort), 1905 (quasi-objective liability for damage).
- Consumer Protection Act (RDLeg 1/2007): nullity of unfair clauses, consumer rights vs. trader. Nullity action is imprescriptible.
- Act 38/1999 AD 1 (Act 20/2015 wording): mandatory guarantee of payments on account by bank guarantee or surety insurance.
- Regional and local rules in Andalucía: LISTA 7/2021 and Estepona's municipal ordinance.
Typical procedure
- Documentation: contract, specification, plans, handover deed, communications, photos, video.
- Technical survey where required (partner architect or surveyor in Estepona).
- Pre-litigation letter (burofax) to developer (and where applicable builder + project manager) with legal basis, description and cure period.
- If unattended, civil claim before the Court of First Instance with jurisdiction.
- Insurance trigger (decennial or payments on account) where applicable.
- Enforcement of judgment.
Specifics in Estepona
Estepona has its own municipal building ordinance and a set of active developers with different practices. From the firm's experience, first-occupation licence issues cases in Estepona show certain recognisable patterns that help focus strategy from the start: identification of the developer, contract review, viability assessment and timeline planning.
Online attention from Málaga lets us manage cases in Estepona without the client travelling. When in-person presence is needed (hearing, service of process, on-site survey), we coordinate with partner procuradores and architects in Estepona.
Critical deadlines
- Finishing warranty: 1 year from delivery.
- Habitability warranty: 3 years from delivery.
- Decennial warranty: 10 years from works acceptance (not from individual delivery).
- Claim limitation: 2 years from damage manifestation.
- Nullity of unfair clause: imprescriptible.
How we start
If your first-occupation licence issues case in Estepona matches the above, write to us on WhatsApp (+34 629 80 70 97) or email (abogado@sjfranco.com) with: (1) city (Estepona), (2) developer, (3) description, (4) approximate handover or signing date. Within 24 hours you get a free preliminary diagnosis and, if appropriate, a fixed quote.
