Are you trying to decide between a new or 2nd hand home in the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Dorada, or somewhere else on the coast of Spain?
The most important consideration is that you find something that suits your unique lifestyle requirements. Here we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both new and classic Spanish homes and apartments.
The advantages of buying a new build home on the Spanish coast
Designed and Built to your lifestyle needs.
With most new build homes, and especially those being built on the Costa Blanca, you can often choose your own finishes, colours, and fixtures, allowing you to personalize the home to your liking.
It’s certainly an advantage to be able to design/create a home to fit your lifestyle needs and personal tastes. A seat in the shower, a slightly larger sink, a kitchen island, or a ramp near the 3 entrance stairs is a breeze to add in the initial construction stages. Chances are, you may even be able to bargain these extras into the price negotiations.
Energy efficient.
Sustainable living is a big factor when it comes to buying a home in Spain nowadays.
Energy charges are constantly on the rise and the advantage that new build homes have over their older counterparts are are they are typically designed to be more energy-efficient.
Features such as double-glazing, better insulation, and improved heating and cooling can save you money on utility bills over time and provide a more comfortable and healthier environment to live in.
Lower maintenance costs.
New build homes should (generally speaking) require less maintenance for the first 10 years, and since most new build homes are built with modern materials and use the latest construction techniques, they will generally require (in the long term) less maintenance than older homes.
It’s important to get an expert to review the materials list to check that the marketing language matches the actual building and material specifications.
For new build homes with gardens, you can also reduce your water usage, maintenance, and time costs by opting for succulents and plants which are indigenous to the area.
These can be planted between geotextile weed prevention fabric (malla anti hierbas) with layers of stone (grava) on top, and utilizing automated irrigation which is simple and cost-effective to install.
Your home is protected.
New build homes in Spain come with warranties that cover defects in workmanship or materials for several years. This can provide peace of mind and help protect your investment.
Practicality and convenience.
A lot of the older homes on the coast of Spain were originally built exclusively for summer living. Not only do they lack the insulation of modern homes, but the bathrooms and kitchens often lack functionality and practicality.
New build homes usually offer a lot more convenience and comfort with open-plan living spaces, larger better designed kitchens and bathrooms, and an overall design that makes more efficient use of the available spaces.
Right now you may be sold on buying a new build home but before you rush to sign the paperwork there are also several important advantages to buying a second-hand home on the coast of Spain …
The advantages of buying a classic or 2nd hand home on the Spanish coast
Established neighbourhoods.
Buying in an established residential area is an often overlooked but important consideration.
Homes in established neighbourhoods with mature trees and landscaping, can offer a sense of community and tranquillity difficult to find in newer housing developments.
They will usually offer a broader range of amenities and services such as parks, shops, restaurants, banks, schools, medical clinics, and transportation hubs that have been established for years.
For your lifestyle and work you may find that it’s a lot more important being close to valuable services.
A Central location.
You may want to consider the convenience of older homes and apartments in central locations.
Purchasing an apartment, townhouse, or even freestanding home in an area that is close to all major amenities and services can be a big lifestyle advantage.
I know many expats that have traded their modern homes in the suburbs in favour of a more social lifestyle in the village where they can walk to the local pubs, restaurants, and shops.
I suggest you speak to as many expats as you can to understand in what ways their location works for them and what they feel they are missing.
Lower purchase price.
Second-hand homes on the Spanish coast are often a lot less expensive than new build homes, particularly if they require some updating or renovations.
You will most likely also get a lot more square metres for your budget plus there is usually room for negotiation in the purchase price, particularly if the home has been on the market for a while.
It should be noted that there is presently a huge demand for second hand homes in the Costa Blanca with coastal views. A large percentage of this demand is from investors looking to completely renovate and modernize older homes and then find tenants.
An important reason for this is the simpler and shorter bureaucratic process to restore a home in Spain versus applying for plan approval and building licenses for a new build home.
Character and charm.
Classic Spanish homes often have unique architectural features and character that can make them more interesting and charming than new build homes.
In addition, many of the historic townhouses in the villages have beautiful heritage architecture and offer large living and sleeping spaces for competitive prices.
Parking is usually scarce, however, if you are looking for convenient car-free living then this is an excellent option.
Established and spacious outdoor areas.
Second-hand homes on the coast of Spain will usually offer larger plots with established landscaping that would be expensive and time-consuming to create in a new build home.
This extra space adds to the home’s overall appeal and provides fantastic opportunities for outdoor relaxing and entertaining.
If it’s to be a new or second-hand home this depends entirely on YOUR specific lifestyle requirements.
Retirees and young couples may find more convenience in central locations, while families are able to find more advantages in new build homes in lesser established areas.
It’s important to chat with people who have similar lifestyle requirements to yours and who have purchased a home recently. See whether their home purchase has lived up to their actual requirements and ask them what they enjoy and don’t enjoy about living where they are. Use local Facebook groups and Forums to ask for advice based on your requirements.
