Why damp is so common
Many Costa del Sol homes are built with masonry and cement-based renders, with little ventilation in winter and properties often left closed for months. Combined with heavy autumn rain, this creates ideal conditions for moisture problems.
The usual suspects
The most frequent causes are water infiltration from terraces, roofs and facades; leaks from plumbing or bathrooms; ground moisture at the base of walls in older or semi-buried properties; and condensation on cold surfaces. Each leaves a characteristic pattern, but they often overlap.
Why repainting rarely works
Anti-damp paint can hide the symptom for a season but rarely addresses the source. If moisture keeps entering, it will reappear, and the trapped moisture can damage plaster further. Investigate first, then repair.
