If you’re thinking about selling a cortijo in or around Órgiva, there’s one thing I’d recommend doing before anything else.
Walk through your property like a buyer.
Not as someone who’s lived there for years and knows how special it is—but as someone seeing it for the first time. What stands out? What feels tired? Are there any corners that feel forgotten or neglected?
In rural homes like cortijos, buyers are often drawn in by the charm—but put off by things like outdated kitchens, cluttered rooms or signs of damp. None of these issues are deal breakers on their own, but they can slow down interest or affect your final sale price.
What I’d do first:
- Declutter: Remove what you’re not using. Empty space allows people to visualise their own lives there.
- Freshen up outdoor areas: A jet wash, trimmed hedges, and a few well-placed potted plants can transform first impressions.
- Fix the small stuff: Creaky doors, cracked tiles, and flaky paint all suggest neglect, even if the bones of the house are solid.
None of this needs a huge investment, but it shows buyers that the home has been well cared for, which can make all the difference.
Don’t overlook the surroundings
Buyers don’t just fall in love with a house—they fall in love with the setting. If your cortijo has views of the valley or the Sierra, make sure they’re showcased. That means cleaning the windows, pruning back trees or shrubs that block the line of sight, and using your terrace or garden to its full potential.
A well-placed table with two chairs under a grapevine tells a story. A story of breakfast outdoors, peaceful afternoons, and golden-hour views. Help people feel the lifestyle—not just the property.
The power of professional photography and video
Before listing your home anywhere, make sure your visual marketing reflects the quality of the home. In today’s market, photos alone aren’t enough. Buyers expect high-quality video tours to get a proper sense of the layout, light, and flow.
Over 50% of potential buyers now watch property videos on large screens or TVs, not just phones. That means the sound, lighting, and stability of your video tour really matter. A shaky phone video or a slideshow of dark, cluttered rooms will put more buyers off than it attracts.
Professional video gives your cortijo a competitive edge. It tells a story. It builds trust before a buyer ever sets foot on the property. And it shows that you care—because if your marketing looks sloppy, buyers will naturally wonder whether the same attitude has been taken with maintenance.
At Hola Properties, we invest in professional photography and video for every listing. We make sure your property is shown at its best, giving buyers the confidence to act.
Get the paperwork sorted early
This part often catches people out. If your cortijo is built on rustic land (suelo rústico), you’ll need to make sure that the paperwork is in order. That includes:
- A full escritura (title deed) that includes the house, not just the land
- Georeferenced coordinates
- Energy certificate
- Up-to-date Nota Simple
- Possibly a DAFO/AFO certificate, depending on the date of construction
The earlier these are ready, the smoother your sale will be. Many deals fall apart—or are severely delayed—because something’s missing at the point of offer.
If you’re not sure what applies to your property, we can check it all for you, free of charge.
Bonus tip: Know who your buyer is
In Órgiva, we often see a mix of buyers:
- Retired couples from Northern Europe looking for peace and sunshine
- Younger families seeking off-grid living and space to grow
- Investors searching for rental income or retreat properties
Each group has different priorities. If you know who your likely buyer is, you can tailor how you present your home.
For example:
- Add solar panel info and internet speed for digital nomads
- Emphasise the size of the plot and outdoor kitchen for lifestyle-focused families
- Highlight guest accommodation or B&B potential for investors
In summary
Selling a cortijo is not like selling a city apartment. Buyers are buying a lifestyle, not just walls and a roof. By investing a little time upfront, preparing your property properly, and working with an agent who knows the area inside out, you can increase your chances of a faster sale—and a better price.
Thinking of selling? At Hola Properties, we offer free advice and honest guidance, without pressure. Even if you’re not ready yet, we’ll help you understand what needs to be done so you can move at your own pace.a flight to view a property and without a proper video tour you are missing out on so many potential buyers
Call us now on 0034 858 215 333 or email hola@holaproeprties.com
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