Real estate is universally recognised as a savvy investment and a long-term asset, this is particularly pertinent when talking about luxury property in Marbella, including custom homes, such as m2Casas’ bespoke villas.
Yet, if you are considering making such an important and potentially life changing financial decision, the question is whether now (2024) is the right time to purchase a new build villa in Marbella (or indeed the wider Costa del Sol). In our opinion the answer is a resounding yes, for a number of reasons; cheaper lending rates, buoyancy of the luxury property market and expected property price increases.
Euribor rate drop
If you, like many other investors or families, are interested in building your dream home, you may be pleased to learn that lending rates in Spain are about to become much cheaper. In September, the Euribor (Euro Interbank Offered Rate) average was 3%, as compared to 4.149% in September 2023. The daily rate indicator predicts further drops, as the rate has been below 2.8% on five consecutive occasions and on the last day of September it had dropped again to 2.747%.
The Euribor rate is directly influenced by the European Central Bank interest rates. Throughout the last 12 months, there have been six consecutive drops. In June, the price of money in the Eurozone was cut by 25 points, the first cut in eight years. A further cut was announced in September, and at least five more are forecast throughout 2024 and 2025.
You may be wondering what this has to do with bespoke new build homes. In simple terms, the Euribor rate dictates the amount of interest payable (on top of the principal) on a mortgage, which can add up to thousands of Euros per annum.
12-month forecast
A panel of Spanish banks (including BankInter and Caixabank), research centres and financial concerns have all submitted favourable Euribor forecasts over the last two weeks. According to their data, the Euribor is expected to drop as low as 2.6% to 2.8% by the end of 2024. Furthermore, 2025 forecasts suggests that the rate could reach a low of 2.1%, after which a small increase to around 2.75% is expected to happen in 2026.
Better mortgage offers
The lower Euribor rate has also resulted in some very favourable mortgages being offered by many Spanish banks. At the time of writing (October 2024), Idealista.com lists nine major financial institutions offering fixed-rate mortgages with low interest rates of between 2.6% and 2.99% and mixed option rates below 2%.
Buoyant market for new build villas in Marbella
The recent cost-of-living crisis has hardly affected the luxury property market on the Costa del Sol, as the majority of buyers don’t require finance. This means that there is a constant imbalance between supply and demand. In Q3 2024, the supply of properties for sale in Marbella dropped by 9.03% (Idealista.com) and by 18% in Marbella East, when compared to year-on-year figures for the same period in 2023.
Limited stock and high demand results in high sales and rental prices, with properties in Marbella and the neighbouring towns of Estepona and Benahavís (often referred to as the Golden Triangle), saw property prices increase by 4.3% in 2024, compared to prices in the previous year. The Appraisal Society and Tinsa, both predict that property prices are set to increase in Q4 2024 and beyond.
Research undertaken by Idealista.com reported a 9.03 percent decrease in the supply of properties for sale in Marbella and 18 percent in Marbella East in Q2 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. With constant demand and fewer properties, it is not surprising that during the same period Marbella property prices increased by 4.3 percent. Property prices in Marbella (and the Golden Triangle) are expected to see an annual increase of 5 percent for at least two years, which is great news for investors looking to see high return on Marbella property.
Why not build a house?
Having answered the earlier question, that now is definitely the time to buy if you want to secure favourable interest rates. For those who do not require a mortgage and intend to self-finance the purchase, the forecast further price increases suggest it would be a savvy investment to purchase now.
Assuming financing are in order, the question concerns the best way to secure the property of your dreams (in the area you want), in such a strong market, with a dwindling supply of new build villas and high demand. The obvious answer is to consider building your own bespoke villa. This is made possible by working with custom home builders like m2Casas.
Bespoke villas designed by in-house architects
The process of building custom homes may initially seem a daunting prospect, but with the right team, it can be a fast and efficient option. On average the property can be completed within only eight months of the foundations.
Every aspect of the home construction is taken care of, from the professional procurement of plots with planning permission, architectural designs are delivered as an ‘execution project’ created by experienced in-house architects, all legal and administrative works is carried out, and your home will be built by an international construction team (included qualified Danish builders), to deliver a unique personalised bespoke villa. Additional peace of mind is provided by a 10-year structure guarantee and a two-year snagging list, double the industry standard.
More information about m2Casas design and build projects and turnkey villas can be found on the website, together with examples of floor layouts and details about the company’s execution projects.
If you are considering the possibility of undertaking a new home construction project in Marbella or the wider Costa del Sol, the best place to start is to talk to the experts. Get in touch with m2Casas for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project on email info@m2casas.com or call +34 951 668 795.
FAQs
Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage to build custom homes in Marbella. There are specific types of ‘Self Build Mortgages’ specifically for this type of project, which can possibly finance up to 100% of the construction budget. Each bank has different products, with maximum repayment terms and lending conditions. You will need to contact your bank to discuss your requirements.
No, this is not necessary. m2Casas’ home construction projects have a dedicated project manager, who will make sure all elements are pulled together, to facilitate a fast and efficient process. All aspects of the Design and Build Project, from the procurement of the land plot (if required), to planning, design, legal, administration and construction, will be taken care of by our Danish project management team
Yes, whether you already own a land plot, or need professional help procuring the right plot of land for sale on the Costa del Sol, we’ll handle the necessary due diligence which includes applying and obtaining all licences and carrying out land searches.
