Buying a house in Spain is popular. Many people dream of having their own place under the Spanish sun. A place where you can enjoy a freshly brewed café con leche on your own terrace while the morning sun welcomes the day.

The huge interest in Spain focuses mainly on new-build projects on the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa del Sol. But what exactly should you look out for as a future Dutch owner of a new-build property in Spain?

The advantages of buying a new holiday home in Spain

What could be more fun than getting the keys to a brand new house? With a newly built home, you are the very first occupant who gets to enjoy all the conveniences. Modern architecture, energy efficiency, and tax benefits are just some of the treats that come with your new Spanish home.

With new construction, you obviously have the convenience of not having to do any odd jobs first like with existing homes. You generally get the key to a house that is completely finished and furnished with your chosen furniture. You generally have the chance to make your own mark.

The challenges of a new-build house in Spain

Besides the many benefits of buying a new home in Spain, there are of course some challenges. Your Spanish home probably still needs to be built at the time you sign for it. The construction of your property may take longer than expected. Be prepared for this and keep a buffer for possible delays.

Often there are still things to be completed after delivery, such as landscaping a garden or furnishing the interior. Also think about things like white goods, window coverings, air conditioners and garden furniture. These may involve additional costs that you may not have directly factored in.

What specifically should you look out for?

The estate agent where you bought the property will generally guide and keep you well informed about the status of your newly built home. He will let you know what things to expect in the process of purchase and completion. Below, however, we highlight a few things

Buying a new-build property in Spain:Legal issues

The legal system in Spain can be significantly different from what you are used to in the Netherlands. Therefore, always engage an independent lawyer to look after your interests and check whether the project has a building permit. There are also Spanish lawyers who can assist you in English or in your own language. This makes buying a new-build property a little easier. Of course, a Dutch estate agent can also help with this.

Payment plan

Be fully aware of the payment plan. In Spain, it is common to pay in instalments during construction. Also check if there are bank guarantees protecting your payments. Ask your estate agent for a clear overview of the instalments. If you are financing the property with a Spanish bank, also have your financial advisor inform you well about this process.

Location, Location, Location

Important when buying a new-build property in Spain is the location. Make sure you have a good idea of the area. Is there good infrastructure? What about local amenities? Are there development plans for the location? Is the location interesting for potential tenants?

Visit Second Home Expo

If you are going to buy a holiday home in Spain, pay a visit to Second Home Expo in your buying process. Besides the presence of various vendors with Spanish new homes, there is also a lot of information to be found. For example, there are various lectures on buying, financing and renting a property in Spain. So you yourself also have the opportunity to talk directly to experts and experts by experience.