Buying Off-Plan Property on the Costa del Sol
A practical guide for international buyers comparing new developments in Marbella, Estepona and across the Costa del Sol. From choosing the right project and unit to payment plans, legally protected deposits, mortgages, snagging and completion.
Find off-plan properties that fit your brief.
Choose your property type, bedrooms, preferred area and budget. This search is dedicated to off-plan and new-build opportunities from €500,000 across the Costa del Sol.
Your property matches
We show four current off-plan properties here so the guide stays quick and easy to use.
Start with the question that matters to you.
You do not need to read this page in order. Use it as your reference while researching new-build property on the Costa del Sol.
Your off-plan search starts with a conversation.
NuSun Realty helps buyers search, compare and purchase property across the Costa del Sol. You are dealing with real people throughout the search, rather than being passed from one development sales team to another.
We start by understanding why you are buying, how you want to use the property, your budget, timeframe and what matters to you. We then compare suitable new developments, developers, locations, payment structures and individual units before helping coordinate the purchase through to completion.
A clearer way to buy off-plan.
Our buying process is particularly useful with new developments because the challenge is not finding a brochure — it is narrowing a large market into the projects and units that genuinely fit you.
Discovery
We understand your budget, lifestyle, intended use, timeframe, finance and non-negotiables.
Research
We research suitable new developments, locations, developers, payment structures and availability.
Explore
We compare the strongest projects and individual units, then organise an efficient viewing programme.
Assist
We help coordinate reservation, lawyers, finance, developer communication and the route towards completion.
Move
We remain involved through snagging, handover and the practical steps around receiving your new property.
Work out the real numbers before you reserve.
Start with the cash you have available or the price of the new-build property you are considering. Answer a few quick questions and get a detailed estimate of your buying position, including taxes, costs, mortgage contribution and when your money may be needed.
You don't need it all on day one
Here's a typical example of how payments on an off-plan purchase could be staged.
See exactly how we worked this out
This calculator is an indicative planning tool and not a legal, tax, mortgage or financial quote. Developer payment schedules vary, sometimes significantly. Mortgage availability depends on personal circumstances, lender criteria and valuation. Exact taxes, fees and payment stages should be confirmed for the specific development.
This is an indicative planning tool rather than a legal, tax or mortgage quote. The actual payment schedule and costs should be confirmed for the specific development and property.
Your money matters as much as the property.
When buying before construction is complete, you can be asked to commit meaningful sums before receiving the keys. Protection of qualifying advance payments is therefore one of the first things that should be established.
We only work with developments where the required buyer protection is in place.
NuSun will only introduce and work with off-plan developments where the required bank guarantee or equivalent legally compliant protection for qualifying buyer advance payments is in place and capable of verification through the buyer's independent lawyer.
What should your lawyer verify?
- The correct developer/legal entity.
- The development and unit covered by your contract.
- The protection applying to qualifying advance payments.
- The bank guarantee or equivalent legally compliant insurance/protection arrangements.
- The account into which payments are being made.
- That the documentation corresponds to your actual transaction and payment obligations.
“The development has bank guarantees” should not replace transaction-specific verification by your lawyer.
Understand when your money is actually required.
There is no universal Costa del Sol payment plan. The percentages and dates are set by each development, which means payment structure should be compared alongside price.
Reservation
An initial payment secures the chosen unit for an agreed period while documentation and legal checks progress.
Private Purchase Contract
The PPC sets out the unit, price, specification, payment obligations, timing and contractual rights.
Build-stage payments
One or more further payments may be required during construction according to the project's agreed schedule.
Completion
The remaining purchase price and completion costs are brought together when the purchase completes and title transfers.
Ask for the written payment schedule early. Your total budget can work while the timing of the stage payments does not — particularly if funds depend on a future sale, bonus, investment maturity or mortgage at completion.
Do not choose a project from the render.
Two new developments at similar prices can represent very different purchases. This is where buyer-side comparison becomes more valuable than simply being sent property links.
Location
Real drive times, walkability, surrounding land, roads, amenities and what is planned nearby.
Developer
Track record, delivery history, specification, after-sales process and the contracting entity.
Payment structure
How much is required during construction and whether the schedule fits your funding.
Delivery timing
Whether the expected completion works for your move, investment plan or personal circumstances.
Community economics
Pools, gyms, spas and concierge services are attractive, but future owners fund their operation.
Individual unit
The strongest project can still contain compromised units. Compare position as carefully as the development.
You can browse new developments online yourself. Our role is to help you assess which projects, developers, payment structures, locations and units are actually the strongest match for what you are trying to achieve.
The development is only half the decision.
Floor, orientation, privacy and position can make two apartments in the same block feel like completely different properties.
Orientation & sunlight
Consider winter sun, summer heat, terrace use and potential shading from neighbouring blocks.
Floor level
Higher floors can improve views and privacy. Ground floors may offer gardens or larger outdoor areas but more exposure.
Future phases
An empty plot today may not stay empty. Understand planned phases and surrounding development before paying a premium for a view.
Pool proximity
A pool view can be attractive while also increasing summer noise and reducing terrace privacy.
Access & parking
Check the route from parking and lifts to the actual unit, particularly where a development is built over several levels.
Terrace usability
Size alone is not enough. Shape, depth, privacy, orientation and connection to the living space all matter.
Know who is building what you are buying.
Your independent lawyer carries out the legal due diligence, while your buying team should help you assess the development commercially and practically.
Track record
Previous developments, delivery history, build quality and how completed communities have matured.
Legal entity
Confirm the contracting developer and that the legal documentation relates to the entity receiving your purchase commitments.
Building licence
Your lawyer should establish the relevant planning and licensing position before you commit substantial funds.
Specification
Understand what is contractually included rather than relying on furniture packs, renders or showroom presentation.
Contract
Completion timing, payment obligations, permitted extensions and buyer remedies need transaction-specific legal review.
After-sales
Consider how the developer handles snagging, defects and communication after completion as well as the initial sales process.
Finance is usually a completion issue — but it should be planned much earlier.
Off-plan buyers often make stage payments from their own funds and use mortgage finance for part of the balance at completion. The lender will still assess the borrower and the completed property before final approval.
Plan affordability early
Speak with a suitable mortgage adviser before committing to a payment schedule if finance will be required. An early indication is useful, but it is not the same as a guaranteed mortgage offer years in advance.
Keep a completion buffer
Exchange rates, valuations, lending criteria and your own circumstances can change during construction. Avoid structuring the purchase so tightly that completion depends on everything landing at the optimistic end of the range.
Your finance should be reviewed again as the development approaches handover.
Completion is a process, not just a date.
As the development approaches handover, legal, financial and practical work comes together before the property becomes yours.
Documentation
Your lawyer reviews the completion documentation and confirms the legal position for signing.
Funding
Mortgage arrangements, currency transfers and the remaining purchase funds are prepared.
Snagging
The property is inspected for defects, finish issues and items that need rectification.
Deed & keys
Completion funds are arranged, the deed is signed and the handover process takes place.
At snagging, look at doors, glazing, finishes, bathrooms, kitchen, electrical points, air-conditioning, terraces and obvious damage. A professional snagging inspection can be worthwhile.
The right development starts with the right area.
Supply changes constantly, but the lifestyle and location decision should come before choosing a particular brochure.
Marbella
Premium international demand, established lifestyle infrastructure and limited prime land can make new-build supply comparatively selective.
Estepona
One of the coast's most active new-development markets, spanning town, beachside, golf and elevated residential areas.
Benahavís
Strong fit for buyers prioritising golf, gated communities, views, space and higher-end residential settings.
Mijas & La Cala
A broad market combining coastal access, golf, hillside views and new communities between Marbella and Málaga.
Fuengirola & Benalmádena
Useful for buyers prioritising Málaga airport access, established services and coastal living.
Casares & Sotogrande
Western Costa del Sol options ranging from value-led new build to premium golf, marina and resort environments.
A development can look exceptional in isolation. Spend time understanding the surrounding area, access, services and how you will actually live there before deciding.
Questions buyers commonly ask about new developments.
Is buying off-plan property in Spain safe?
Are my off-plan stage payments protected?
What taxes apply to a new-build property in Andalucía?
Can an off-plan completion date be delayed?
Can I get a mortgage on an off-plan property?
Should I choose the cheapest unit in a development?
Prefer us to compare the market for you?
Tell us what you are looking for and we will help compare suitable developments, developers, payment plans, locations and individual units across the Costa del Sol.
Our role is not simply to send you listings. It is to help you understand which options genuinely fit your plans and where the compromises are.
Start Your Property Search
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