Buying property on the Costa Blanca almost always starts with the same question. A new, gleaming residential complex with a pool and aerothermal system – or a “home with history” just a few steps from the sea, but with its own quirks?
This choice is not about what is “better”, but about what suits you personally: your lifestyle, budget, plans and tolerance for details. There are no one-size-fits-all recipes here, but there is a clear logic. Let’s calmly go through everything.
New builds: comfort, technology and predictability
Over the past few years, Spain’s construction sector has changed dramatically. Modern projects on the Costa Blanca are no longer just about square meters, but about a thoughtfully designed living environment where many things “work by default”.
What really matters to buyers in new-build properties:
Energy efficiency. New homes are built with high‑quality thermal and acoustic insulation, aerothermal systems and modern windows. The result is a comfortable indoor climate and electricity bills that are often 2–3 times lower than in older buildings.
Legal guarantees. Spanish legislation obliges the developer to provide a ten‑year structural guarantee (Seguro Decenal). For the buyer, this is an unusually high level of protection.
Contemporary layouts. Open‑plan living spaces, large terraces, panoramic windows, bedrooms with en‑suite bathrooms – all the things often missing in apartments from the 1980s and later.
Complex infrastructure. Heated pools, sports areas, co‑working spaces, underground parking, and sometimes concierge services. For rentals and comfortable living, this is a major advantage.
What you should pay attention to:
The price per square meter is usually higher than on the resale market. In addition, 10% VAT (IVA) and a stamp duty on legal acts (AJD) apply – on average around 1.5%. These figures must be factored in from the outset to avoid surprises.
Resale market: location, character and potential
Resale properties on the Costa Blanca often win not by numbers, but by atmosphere. The best plots by the sea, in city centers or pine forests were built on decades ago – and that is exactly where today’s most interesting properties are found.
Why buyers choose the resale market:
Location without compromise. First line, unobstructed sea views, just a few steps to the promenade or historic center – all this is more often found on the secondary market.
Entry price and taxes. The price per square meter is often lower. Instead of VAT, you pay the ITP transfer tax (10% in Alicante province), with no additional AJD.
Possibility to move in immediately. Sign at the notary – and the keys are in your hands. No waiting for construction to be completed.
Room for individuality. Older villas and apartments often come with plots of land, mature trees and non‑standard layouts. A smart renovation can significantly increase the property’s value.
But there is another side to the coin:
Hidden defects, outdated utilities, poor thermal insulation, no heating. Renovation may turn out to be not cosmetic, but strategic – and this must be included in the budget from the very beginning.
Finances: you need to calculate more than just the purchase price
A new‑build property is more expensive at the start, but usually does not require major investment for the next 8–10 years.
The resale market offers a more affordable “entry” price, but can bring unexpected expenses: from replacing pipes to roof repairs – plus higher utility bills.
For investors focused on rentals, new complexes are often more practical: tourists tend to prefer modern accommodation, and such properties usually achieve higher and more stable rental prices.
So, what should you choose?
A new‑build property is right for you if:
- you value modern technologies and minimalist design;
- you do not want to deal with renovations;
- you plan to rent through a management company;
- predictable expenses are important to you.
The resale market is your choice if:
- location plays the decisive role;
- you are looking for a home with a garden, character and history;
- you are ready to invest in renovation;
- you want to create a truly individual space.
EspanaTour specialists work daily with both new developments and carefully selected resale properties. We know the real advantages and hidden nuances of every area of the Costa Blanca – not from brochures, but from practice. That is why we help clients make not only a successful purchase, but also a well‑considered choice they will not regret over time.
280
Built area, m2 : 142
Bedrooms : 3
Bathrooms : 2
