Buying New Builds vs Second-Hand Homes in Spain

What’s actually the better choice? A local estate agent shares what most buyers think — and what they end up choosing.

If you’re planning to buy property in Spain – especially in popular areas like Costa del Sol – you’ll quickly face one big decision: Should you buy a new build or a second-hand property? At first glance, the answer seems obvious. But once you start exploring the market, things become less clear.

To give you a real insider perspective, a local estate agent – Jurgita from Serneholt Estate (Fuengirola), who works daily with international buyers. Her experience reveals what most buyers think they want – and what they actually choose in the end.

What Most Expats Think They Want (At First)

According to Jurgita, most buyers initially lean towards new builds. It’s easy to see why. New developments are:

Modern and stylish
Energy-efficient
Low maintenance
Packed with amenities like pools, gyms, and security

For buyers coming from abroad, they also offer something very important: Simplicity and peace of mind. Everything is new, clean, and feels like a “safe” choice – especially when browsing online.

What Changes When Buyers Arrive in Spain

But something interesting happens once buyers start viewing properties in person.

Many become more open to second-hand homes once they see the locations and value available.

This is where expectations meet reality. Buyers quickly realise that:

The best beachfront and central locations are already built
New developments are often further inland
Older properties can offer more space and better positioning

Suddenly, the decision isn’t so obvious anymore.

The Reality of Buying a New Build

New builds are attractive – but they’re not always as straightforward as they seem. One of the most common surprises is the true cost. The advertised price usually doesn’t include:

VAT (around 10%)
Legal fees
Notary and registry costs
Optional upgrades

So the final price can be significantly higher than expected. There’s also the issue of timelines. Delays in construction are not uncommon, which can be frustrating if you’re planning your move. And then there’s expectation vs reality. What you see in brochures or showrooms doesn’t always match exactly what gets delivered – something many buyers don’t anticipate.

A Hidden Risk Most Buyers Miss (Very Important)

If you’re buying with the idea of renting your property, this is critical. In many new developments:

Tourist licences are not guaranteed
The community of owners must approve them
Regulations are becoming stricter, especially in places like Fuengirola and Málaga

In some cases, it can be almost impossible to get a licence – particularly if the property isn’t specifically designed for tourist rentals. This is one of the biggest risks buyers overlook.

Why Second-Hand Properties Deserve More Attention

While new builds get most of the attention, second-hand homes often offer advantages that buyers don’t initially consider. The biggest one? Location

Many resale properties are:

Closer to the beach
Near town centres
In well-established communities

In fact, most of the prime land on the Costa del Sol is already developed, which means new builds are moving further inland.

Better Value (And Often Better Returns)

There’s also a significant price difference.

New builds can be 20% to 40% more expensive than comparable second-hand properties.

That premium is largely for:

Modern design
Amenities
The “brand new” factor

But from a purely financial perspective, second-hand properties often:

Cost less upfront
Offer better rental yields
Deliver stronger long-term value in prime areas

But Second-Hand Homes Aren’t Perfect Either

Of course, resale properties come with their own risks. These can include:

Unregistered renovations
Outstanding debts
Outdated systems (electricity, plumbing, etc.)

However, with proper legal checks and a good lawyer, these issues can usually be identified and managed.

The Biggest Mistake Expats Make

If there’s one mistake that stands out, it’s this:

👉 Buying too quickly based on emotion

The Costa del Sol is a lifestyle market. It’s easy to fall in love with a property after just a few viewings.

But the smartest buyers take a step back. They:

Analyse the numbers
Think long-term
Budget for all additional costs

At the same time, good deals don’t stay on the market long – so preparation is key.

So… Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no universal answer.

It all comes down to your priorities.

If you want modern living and simplicity, a new build may be the right choice
If you want location, value, and stronger returns, a second-hand property could be better

As Jurgita explains, the decision should always be based on:

👉 your lifestyle
👉 your budget
👉 your long-term goals

Final Thought

The best property isn’t the newest or the cheapest. It’s the one that fits your life and your strategy.

🙏 Special Thanks

A big thank you to Jurgita from Serneholt Estate for sharing her expertise and real-life experience working with international buyers on the Costa del Sol.