New Build Process

Complete guide to buying off-plan and new construction properties in Spain. Learn about legal protections, payment structures, and the step-by-step process.

Why Choose a New Build?

10-Year Guarantee
A/B Energy Rating
Staged Payments
Choose Your View

New construction properties offer advantages you simply cannot get with resale homes. Beyond the obvious appeal of modern design and brand-new everything, there are practical benefits that make a real difference to your daily life and long-term investment.

Everything Exactly How You Want It

When buying off-plan, you get first pick of everything. Choose your preferred orientation (south-facing for maximum sun), your floor level (ground floor with garden or top floor with panoramic views), and customise finishes like flooring, kitchen design, and bathroom fittings. You furnish it with your own furniture—no previous owner's worn mattresses or outdated appliances. Everything is new, clean, and exactly as you want it.

Modern Building Standards

Spanish building regulations have improved dramatically. New builds must meet strict standards for thermal insulation, double or triple glazing, and modern ventilation systems. The difference is remarkable: comfortable temperatures year-round without excessive air conditioning, significantly lower energy bills, and A or B energy ratings. Older Spanish properties often have poor insulation, single-glazed windows, and inadequate ventilation—unbearably hot in summer and surprisingly cold in winter. New builds simply perform better.

Understanding Off-Plan Purchases

Buying off-plan means purchasing a property before construction is completed—sometimes before the first brick is laid. In Spain, this approach is common and safe when done through reputable developers with full bank guarantees.

Advantages of Off-Plan Buying
Lower entry prices compared to completed units
First choice of the best plots, orientations, and floor levels
Price appreciation during construction = instant equity
Customise finishes, layouts, and extras
Staged payments spread over 18-24 months

Essential Due Diligence

Before committing to any new build, your lawyer and agent should verify several critical factors. These checks protect your investment and ensure you're buying from a reliable developer.

The Buying Process

Spanish law provides strong protections for off-plan buyers, making new construction one of the safest ways to buy property in Spain.

Your Legal Protections
Bank guarantees: Full refund if project not completed
10-year structural warranty (Seguro Decenal)
3-year warranty for installations (plumbing, electrical)
1-year warranty for minor defects and finishes

Costs Overview

New builds have slightly different costs than resale properties. You pay 10% VAT (IVA) plus 1-1.5% stamp duty, totalling around 12-14% on top of the purchase price. For full details on all buying costs, taxes, and fees, see our dedicated guide.


The Smart Choice for Modern Living

New builds offer the complete package: modern comfort, superior energy efficiency, strong legal protections, and the freedom to choose exactly what you want. With staged payments spreading the cost over the construction period and bank guarantees protecting every payment, buying off-plan is both flexible and secure. Add in the 10-year structural warranty and dramatically better building standards, and it's clear why new construction has become the preferred choice for buyers who want quality, comfort, and peace of mind.