The Spanish coast in the 1980s was almost unrecognisable compared to today's bustling coastline. Following the death of Spain's dictator Franco in 1975 and the adoption of the Spanish constitution at the end of 1979, Spain emerged as a brand new democracy. During Franco's regime, the population had been encouraged to migrate from rural areas, leaving little beyond small fishing villages and farming communities along the coast, with much of the land being arid and of little agricultural value.

The advent of democracy heralded new freedoms for banks, and as Spain transitioned into an outward-facing, open country with ambitions of integrating with Europe, the initial wave of selling coastal holiday homes to both overseas buyers and the newly affluent urbanites began.

Building practices during this era were rudimentary. Although the central reinforced concrete floors and pillar structure, which remains a staple in today's construction, was already common, many smaller developments and individual homes were constructed with block builds spray-rendered or from prefabricated concrete slabs.

Buildings from this time lacked thermal or acoustic insulation; it was typical to encounter electrical cabling of a single color, regardless of it being positive or neutral, and ferrous pipework susceptible to rust upon contact with water. Basic, ill-fitting windows and doors were standard, and nearly every property featured identical flooring, finishes, and the quintessential white and terracotta aesthetic, complete with balustrades and archways, so emblematic of Spanish villas.

Despite the sparse coastal infrastructure, there was no shortage of building land, resulting in properties from this era often boasting sizable plots. Apartments frequently featured expansive communal areas, and, having arrived early on the scene, this generation of properties secured some of the most coveted locations.

It was during this time that the concept of the 'Urbanisation' emerged. Large, purpose-built communities, often gated and designed to be self-sufficient with commercial zones and communal facilities, began to materialise close to established towns and villages, catering specifically to international buyers.

The booming construction industry also introduced a novel property sales method. Large developers established sales agencies dedicated to marketing properties through subsidised inspection trips. Targeting overseas markets, these agencies would entice prospective buyers to visit Spain, offering accommodation (some developers even constructed their own hotels) and transporting groups of keen property hunters from one development to another in minibuses. Sales representatives, whose earnings were commission-based, faced intense pressure to secure sales.