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Buying a new-build home or a second-hand home involves important differences.Below, we compare the main pros and cons in each case to help you decide.

New-build homes 

✅ Pros:

1. Modernity: With more open and functional spaces, designs adapted to market trends and current technologies.
2. Greater energy efficiency: They usually incorporate better insulation, more efficient air-conditioning systems and sustainable materials, which means significant savings in energy consumption.
3. Less need for renovations: Everything is new and in perfect condition, so there's no need for immediate renovations or repairs.
4. Easier customization: Buying off-plan often offers the option of customizing the finishes, allowing the home to be tailored to the buyer's needs and tastes.
5. Developer guarantees: With legal protection through guarantees that cover structural defects (ten-year guarantee), which affect the habitability of the property or the finishes of the construction.

❌ Cons:

1. Higher price: They tend to be more expensive than a second-hand home.
2. Peripheral location: They are usually in new or expanding neighbourhoods, further from the center, not always well-connected and with fewer services.
3. Delivery times: If you buy off-plan, there may be delays of several months or even years.
4. Less flexibility to negotiate price: Developers usually have fixed prices.
5. Additional costs: These include VAT (10%), notary fees and other costs that are not always applied in the same way to second-hand properties.

Second-hand homes

✅ Pros:

1. More accesible price: They tend to be cheaper, and there's more opportunity to bargain, especially if the seller is in a hurry to sell.
2. Central or consolidated location: They are usually in well-connected areas, with all the services and social life.
3. Immediate availability: In many cases, you can move in within a few weeks.
4. Possibility of custom renovations: The home can be adapted acoording the buyer's preferences and budget.
5. More variety in the market and unique character: There is usually more choice depending on the area, size and price. Also, sometimes you can find old houses with charm or with special and unique architectural elements.

❌ Cons:

1. Need for renovations: They often require renovation, with which can be costly. This implies an additional cost and extra time to make repairs or renovations.
2. Poor energy efficiency: They tend to have poorer insulation and less efficient air-conditioning systems.
3. Greater hidden risk: There is a greater likelihood of structural problems, dampness or poor installations that are not always visible to the naked eye.
4. Higher maintenance costs: Older buildings require more frequent community fees.
5. Fewer legal guarantees: There is not the same legal protection as in new construction.

In short, the choice between one option or another will depend on the priorities and needs of each buyer. If you prefer a modern, efficient and ready-to-live-in property, a new build may be the best option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a property with a certain charm, located in an established neighbourhood with services and at a more affordable price, a second-hand property may be the ideal choice.