Deciding whether to renovate or build on the Costa Blanca is, without a doubt, the first major step to realising your Mediterranean dream. It’s a question we are constantly asked by our clients before starting a project in such special places as Jávea, Moraira, or Altea. Both paths can lead to your dream home, but the journey, timescales, and budget are very different.

In this guide, we will provide a clear and objective analysis of each option to give you the information you need.

Analysing the option to renovate on the Costa Blanca

The pre-owned property market offers some real gems, from historic villas in Dénia to fincas with incredible potential. Renovation is the art of transforming what’s already there into something extraordinary.

Advantages of buying and renovating:

Location and setting: It gives you access to established and often privileged locations where there are no available plots left.
Shorter timescales: Generally, the entire process of buying and completing a full renovation is often faster than that of a new build.
Preserved character: It offers the chance to maintain and enhance the charm of the original architecture, creating spaces with a unique soul.

Key considerations when renovating:

Unexpected issues: Older properties can hide surprises (in the plumbing, electrics, or structure) that can affect the initial budget and timeline.
Design limitations: The final design will always be constrained by the existing structure of the house.

Building on the Costa Blanca: The freedom of a new build

A new build construction represents a blank canvas. It’s the opportunity to create a home that is 100% personalised, efficient, and equipped with the latest technology and trends.

Advantages of building from scratch:

Total customisation: You have absolute freedom to design every space according to your needs and lifestyle, without any constraints.
Maximum energy efficiency: Your new home will meet the highest standards of sustainability, which translates into greater comfort and lower energy costs.
Zero surprises and full guarantees: As everything is new, you avoid hidden defects, and all construction elements are under warranty.

Key considerations when building:

The plot search: Finding the ideal piece of land in high-demand areas like Moraira or Jávea can be the biggest challenge of the process.
Timescales and red tape: Obtaining building licences and the construction process itself require more time and more complex administrative management.

Our opinion: Which path should you choose?

The final decision on whether to renovate or build on the Costa Blanca depends on your personal priorities. If you value location and character above all else and are open to a degree of flexibility, a renovation could be the path for you. If your priority is a completely bespoke design and maximum efficiency, and you’re not in a hurry, then a new build is the answer.

At La Quinta Fachada, we are experts in both worlds. Our team of architects and designers can help you assess the potential of a property for renovation in Altea or design the villa of your dreams from scratch on the Costa Blanca.

Contact us and we will provide the clarity you need to take the next step.