Modern new developments in Spain are not only for holiday buyers. For the right person, they can offer a very practical lifestyle: a compact apartment, communal facilities, good internet, lower maintenance, airport access and a location close to shops, beaches, restaurants and daily services.
This lifestyle is especially relevant for remote workers, career-focused couples, solo buyers, pensioners who want an easy lock-up-and-leave home and investors looking for a manageable property. One example on the Costa del Sol is Laguna One Mijas, a modern off-plan development in Las Lagunas de Mijas, close to Fuengirola, beaches, shopping and Málaga Airport.
Who Is Modern New Development Living Really For?
A one-bedroom apartment in a modern Spanish development is not the right choice for everyone. It is not usually ideal for a large family, and it may feel too small for people with several pets, a large home office setup or frequent long-stay guests.
But for the right buyer profile, it can be extremely practical. A one-bedroom apartment can work well for a solo professional, a couple focused on career and lifestyle, a pensioner who wants something easy to manage, or an investor who wants a simpler property with lower maintenance than a villa.
The key is expectation. A compact apartment is not about maximum space. It is about location, simplicity, comfort, lower maintenance and being close to the things you actually use every day.
Remote Workers: A Practical Base in Spain
Spain has become very attractive for remote workers and digital professionals because of its climate, lifestyle, transport links and cost balance compared with many northern European cities. But remote workers do not always need a large home.
Many prefer a modern apartment close to cafés, gyms, coworking spaces, supermarkets, beaches and an airport. A compact property in a well-connected area can be more useful than a large house in a remote location.
Projects such as modern apartments in Las Lagunas de Mijas can be interesting because they are close to Fuengirola, shopping, services and the wider Costa del Sol road network, while still offering new-build comfort and communal facilities.
Work From Home
A one-bedroom apartment can work for remote work if the layout allows a proper desk area, good natural light and reliable internet.
Close to Everything
Remote workers often value gyms, cafés, supermarkets, restaurants, beaches and airport access more than extra unused rooms.
Low Maintenance
A compact new-build apartment is easier to clean, furnish, lock and manage than a larger property or older villa.
Better Lifestyle Balance
Living close to the coast, sports facilities and social areas can support a better work-life balance in Spain.
Couples Without Children: Location Over Size
For couples without children, a one-bedroom apartment can be enough if the priority is location, lifestyle and simplicity. Instead of paying for unused bedrooms, many buyers prefer a better location, newer building, terrace, parking or communal facilities.
This is especially true for couples who travel often, work remotely, spend time outdoors or use Spain as a flexible base. In that case, the home does not need to be huge. It needs to be practical, comfortable and easy to maintain.
The only caution is lifestyle fit. If both people work from home full time, the layout must be checked carefully. If there is a dog or multiple pets, a one-bedroom apartment may feel restrictive. For one cat or a low-maintenance pet, it may still work depending on the community rules and terrace setup.
Pensioners and Retirees: Easy Living Without Villa Maintenance
Many retirees moving to Spain originally imagine a villa with a garden and pool. In reality, a villa can mean more maintenance, higher costs, more responsibility and more driving.
A modern apartment can be easier: lift access, communal pool, lower maintenance, less garden work, better security and the ability to lock the property when travelling. For retirees who want freedom rather than responsibility, this can be a major advantage.
A compact property close to shops, healthcare, restaurants and transport can sometimes be more comfortable than a larger home in an isolated area.
Investors: Why Smaller Apartments Can Make Sense
Investors often focus on price, rental demand and resale potential. A one-bedroom apartment can be attractive because the entry price is usually lower than larger homes, maintenance is easier and the potential tenant or buyer pool can include singles, couples, remote workers and second-home buyers.
That does not mean every one-bedroom apartment is a good investment. The location, purchase price, community fees, rental rules, furniture cost, taxes and future resale market all matter.
| Buyer Type | Why It Can Work | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Remote worker | Modern base close to services, coast and airport access. | Internet, workspace, noise, light and coworking options. |
| Couple | Easy lifestyle without paying for unused rooms. | Layout, storage, terrace and whether two people can work comfortably. |
| Retiree | Lower maintenance than a villa and easier lock-up-and-leave use. | Lift, healthcare access, walking distance, community fees and comfort. |
| Investor | Lower entry price and easier management than larger homes. | Rental rules, demand, taxes, fees, furniture and resale potential. |
Why Being Close to Everything Matters
In Spain, daily lifestyle often happens outside the home: cafés, restaurants, beaches, gyms, supermarkets, promenades, local markets and social spaces. That is why location can matter more than internal square metres.
A smaller apartment in a practical location can feel more comfortable than a larger property where every errand requires a long drive. For many buyers, the ideal setup is simple: a comfortable apartment, terrace, parking, nearby services and quick access to the coast.
This is where a project like Laguna One in Mijas Costa becomes relevant. It is not trying to be a large family villa or a beachfront mansion. It is a compact, modern living concept in a practical part of the Costa del Sol.
One Bedroom: Smart Choice or Too Small?
A one-bedroom apartment can be a smart choice if the buyer is realistic. It can be enough for one person, a couple, a retiree, a remote worker or an investor. It can also work for a simple second home.
But it is not ideal for everyone. Families will usually need more space. Buyers with large dogs may prefer a ground-floor apartment, townhouse or property with outdoor space. People who often host guests may want a second bedroom.
A one-bedroom apartment is best when the buyer wants simplicity, not maximum flexibility. It works when the lifestyle is active, practical and focused on the surrounding area.
What Features Make a Modern Development More Comfortable?
The comfort of a modern development is not only inside the apartment. Communal facilities can improve daily life and also make the property easier to rent or resell in the future.
- Private terrace or balcony
- Parking space
- Communal swimming pool
- Coworking or shared work area
- Gym or sports facilities nearby
- Good insulation and modern air conditioning
- Lift access and secure entry
- Close access to supermarkets, restaurants and healthcare
Buyers comparing a modern new development in Mijas should look at the whole lifestyle package, not only the number of bedrooms.
Internal Reading Before Moving to Spain
If you are considering this lifestyle, it is worth understanding the broader picture of living in Spain. Read our guide to Spain work-life balance, our article about the cost of living in Spain and the guide to quality of life in Spain.
Retirees may also want to read Retiring in Spain, while newcomers can start with Moving to Spain and Is Spain a Good Place to Live?.
Final Thoughts
Modern new development living in Spain is not about having the biggest home. It is about having the right home in the right place. For solo buyers, couples, remote workers, retirees and investors, a well-located one-bedroom apartment can be more practical than a larger property with higher maintenance.
For buyers who want to be close to beaches, services, Fuengirola, Málaga Airport and the Costa del Sol lifestyle, Laguna One Mijas is one project worth comparing.
Considering Modern Apartment Living in Mijas Costa?
Explore Laguna One Mijas, a modern off-plan development in Las Lagunas de Mijas with one-bedroom apartments, terraces, parking and communal facilities close to Fuengirola, beaches and daily services.
View Laguna One Mijas