My electrician has told me a cautionary tale which I thought I'd share with the members of this Forum. A friend of his purchased an apartment off-plan in a large, attractive, beach-side development near us in Estepona. Upon completion he engaged a firm to instal light fittings and a furniture package so that the property would be ready for occupation. This was duly done but immediately afterwards an intruder entered the apartment (using a key) and stripped everything from the place, including the fitted kitchen! This apparently happened four or five times to other purchasers on this particular urbanisation.

It does sound a bit like an urban myth but I am assured that it's a true story. I suppose it's all too easy to focus on the end game and to be keen to get one's place up and running upon completion (especially if it's several months late) but you never know who has had access to the keys to your property before you take possession.

Change the locks before you do anything else!

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It's not an urban myth, Rose.

On other threads on this site you will note that changing the locks when you move in is the number one recommendation from members.  A lot of African and East Europeans work on these sites and know exactly when residents move their goods in and are absent from the homes.  See "Property Crime Common in New Builds".

Sorry that should read "break-ins common in new builds".  Skip a few pages back before the dross crept in and you will see some real stories and very good advice.

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