The reality of the new construction market in Spain
The new construction market in Spain is full of challenges and opportunities. Every year, thousands of buyers consider purchasing a new home due to its advantages in terms of energy efficiency, customization, and modernity. However, economic barriers and the lack of available supply continue to affect the sector. The annual Fotocasa report reveals key data about the preferences, limitations, and trends shaping the current landscape.
Despite the difficulties, the demand for new construction remains driven by personal and financial reasons. Among buyers, the primary motivation is to improve their current home, along with viewing real estate investment as a safe long-term bet. However, the lack of supply and structural problems, such as land scarcity, bureaucratic delays, and rising material costs, remain significant challenges for the new construction market.
The search for new construction: expectations vs. reality
65% of individual buyers considered purchasing a new home in the past 12 months, but only 45% completed the purchase, while 54% opted for second-hand homes. The main reason for dismissing new construction is the high price, a factor that has gained even more relevance in 2024.
The lack of available supply is the second most mentioned reason for rejecting new construction, accounting for 36% of cases. Additionally, 17% of buyers pointed out that payment conditions and upfront costs present a significant barrier, while 14% noted that the expected savings do not materialize.
María Matos, Head of Research and spokesperson for Fotocasa, highlights that the shortage of new construction supply drives up prices, and the solution is not straightforward. Housing construction faces several obstacles, such as developers’ difficulty obtaining financing and acquiring land, bureaucratic delays, rising material costs, and a lack of qualified labor. This combination of factors has led to low housing production that has persisted for over fifteen years, slowing urban development.
Reasons to choose new construction
Despite the barriers, many people still see new homes as a long-term investment, although this percentage has decreased compared to previous years. This perspective aligns with the belief that real estate can provide stable returns, especially when compared to other financial products. A positive finding is that energy efficiency remains an attractive factor,particularly for young buyers aged 25 to 34. The pursuit of energy-efficient homes reflects both environmental concerns and the need to reduce long-term costs.
In terms of quality, new construction homes offer certain advantages valued by buyers, such as better finishes, updated construction materials, and integrated technology that meets modern demands for sustainability and comfort.
Sector challenges and the future of the new construction market
The new construction market in Spain faces a structural problem of insufficient supply due to a combination of factors,ranging from difficulty obtaining financing to a lack of qualified labor. The construction crisis during the recession years left a deep mark on the sector, which has taken over a decade to begin recovering. Currently, developers are struggling with bureaucratic delays in obtaining permits, rising construction material costs, and challenges in accessing developable land, which have significantly slowed the production of new housing.
On the financial side, rising interest rates have also restricted the purchasing power of many individuals, forcing developers to adjust their strategies. Adding to this is the growing demand for housing in urban areas like Madrid, Barcelona, and other tourist cities, which have concentrated a 50% deficit in new housing over recent years, according to data from the Bank of Spain.
The new construction market in Spain is a complex scenario where various factors converge, from prices and lack of supply to buyers’ expectations and the challenges facing the construction sector. While the data show that the demand for new construction remains considerable, access barriers limit its growth. An integrated approach is needed to reduce production costs, improve energy efficiency, and streamline administrative processes to foster balanced and sustainable development in this sector.
The new construction market should establish itself as a viable option for those seeking to improve their current home or invest for the long term. The key will be to find a balance between buyers’ needs and the sector’s limitations, offering solutions that are accessible and high-quality for everyone.