Top 5 advantages of buying a new build property in Spain vs resale

It comes as no secret that the real estate market in divided into two segments - new buildings and resales. While each have their own pros and cons, there are a number of considerable reasons that new builds have now become the favourite.

For many buyers, avoiding the hassle of decorating or fully renovating a resale property is game changing. Simply being able to move straight in and continue life without a pause is seen as such an advantage over resales, especially when moving to Spain! After all, you want to experience the Spanish culture as soon as possible, right? But that’s not the only reason. Read on as we explore the top 5 advantages of buying a new build property over a resale in Spain.

1. Reduced utility bills

Did you know that all new homes developed in Spain have an A or B energy certificate? Thanks to the use of modern materials and appliances, modern buildings insulate heat far better than those built in the past.

As a result, newly developed buildings require less energy to heat. Let’s break it down.

A new build property with an A energy efficiency certificate has an average loss of 25 kWh/1 sq.m. per year. If you multiply this by the nominal area (100 m²) and the Spanish tariff (around €0.28 per kWh of electricity), it turns out that in a house like this you’ll pay roughly €700 for electricity per year (but will obviously vary based on several different factors).

Although this is an estimate, we can compare the situation using the same figures, but this time substituting the loss of energy per year for a D-rated energy certified building.

A property with a D energy certificate (which is common in older buildings) has almost four times the energy loss of an A-rated equivalent – 92 kWh/1 sq.m. per year. So, in this case, the annual heating bill will equate to around €2600.

2. Virtual property viewings

When looking to buy a home in Spain as an expat, it can be difficult to find time to arrange viewings. It means taking time off to fly out, and you may not even find the property you’re looking for. There may also be complications with COVID-19 depending on where you’re visiting from.

Of course, you’ll want to arrange a viewing trip and see the property in the flesh before buying, but there’s a way to make the whole process of shortlisting your favourite properties a lot easier.

By viewing a range of properties virtually beforehand, you can then head over to Spain for your viewing trip knowing what to expect – and this is another advantage for new build properties. Spanish developers frequently offer remote viewing options for new builds, which is harder to come by for older properties.

For more information on this topic, head over to our recent blog on virtual property viewings in Spain where we discuss the benefits and how you can arrange one.

3.Complete with a modern finish

Most new build villas and apartments in Spain are ready for moving in and feature a modern finish. This means you get a great looking home right from moving in, without the need to renovate.

Secondary housing on the other hand may require redesigning for your needs. Perhaps it was built using outdated technologies, and could need a significant renovation soon. These are just a few things to think about.

4. Convenient layouts

Older homes in Span are known to feature a particular layout, which you may not be accustomed to. For example, traditional Spanish bedrooms are made as small as possible because it was believed that other activities, such as watching TV, should be performed in the “salon” – this is what the Spanish call a living room combined with a dining area.

But thanks to the growing popularity of Spanish property around the world, local developers are now catering for foreign buyers with much more impressive bedrooms.

All in all, buying a home in a new development will give you a familiar and convenient layout that will suit your preferences.

5. Location, facilities, and surrounding infrastructure

Developers pick locations with low crime rates, great schools, roads, and just overall great places to be. If you buy into the development, you’re buying into an area that has essentially been scouted for you, saving you a step in evaluating a new investment.

With a new build, you’ll also benefit from a range of well-located facilities. You’ll likely benefit from a swimming pool, gym and SPA, secure parking and so much more, right from the comfort of the complex you reside in.

Find your dream new development in Spain with Purple Property Consultants

At Purple Property Consultants, we specialise in the Spanish property market and have hundreds of new developments in Spain ready for buyers. With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, combined with our passion to deliver full guidance throughout your entire buying process, we’d love to make purchasing your dream home in Spain a reality.

For more information on how we can help, or if you’d just like to say hi, our team of experts would love to hear from you. Contact us at Purple Property Consultants today – we’re always happy to speak.

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