Many people consider building a house by the beach to be part of an idyllic dream. Waking up each day to the sound of the sea seems almost too good to be true, doesn't it?
However, the costs associated with this can vary significantly depending on several factors. Before you can think about waking up to a view of the coastline and sunsets over the waves, it’s crucial to understand how much money you will need to bring this dream to life.
In this article, we will explore the key aspects that determine the budget needed to build a beach house, offering a starting point for those interested in embarking on this exciting journey.
The cost of building a house by the beach
There is no set price because each project is unique. No two plots of land are the same, and not all beaches are the same. After all, the price of land in Suances is not the same as in Sotogrande.
"Building a house on the beach can be more expensive than in the city due to various factors such as the cost of the land, the building regulations in coastal areas and the materials needed to withstand the coastal weather conditions," Christian Holley, CEO of CDS Building Group, a luxury construction company in Marbella and the Costa del Sol, tells idealista/news.
Price per m2 to build a house on the coast
"The cost of building a beach house in Marbella varies considerably, as it depends on several factors. In general, prices can range between €1,500 and €3,000/m2. For example, a 200 m2 house could cost between €300,000 and €600,000. It is important to bear in mind that these are approximate values and can vary depending on the project specifics," says Holley.
However, Christian details the difference in price depending on equipment, finishes and installations. "The cost could be between €1,500 and €2,000/m2 for a house built using basic materials and equipment. However, this could rise to €3,000/m2 or more, depending on the level of luxury and technology.
"The 'beach' variable affects the land value more than the cost of construction. People who can afford to buy expensive plots tend to build with higher-quality materials. The price per square metre can be around €2,000 for a standard villa but can be significantly higher. For example, in La Zagaleta (Benahavis), there are houses at €5,000/m2," says Juan Goñi, founder of KLIC Arquitectos.
"Everything influences the end price, from the floors and the distance between pillars to the lighting and home automation. I would say that the construction price ranges from €2,500 to €5,000, although this depends on the beach," he adds.
The price of land in a coastal town
The first thing you need to build a house by the beach is the land. The price of a plot on the coast depends on:
- Its size.
- Its location (the closer it is to the sea, the more expensive it will be).
- Its buildable area.
- Its characteristics.
To clarify this, let’s look at an example: this 1,100 m² urban plot in Marbella, with a buildable area of 340 m², is currently on sale for €245,000. According to listings on idealista, the average price of plots in Marbella is €988 per m². In other parts of Spain, the price can be significantly lower.
The price of the structure of a beach house per m2
"The structure can cost around €500 to €800/m2. The total construction cost, including finishes, equipment, etc., usually ranges between €2,000 and €3,500/m2, depending on the quality of the materials and the level of customisation," explains Christian Holley.
What is cheaper, building one storey or two?
"Building a single storey can be more expensive per square metre than two or more storeys because a larger land area is needed and the costs of foundations and roofing can be higher. However, this can vary depending on the project design and brief," says Holley.
Factors that influence the cost of a home by the sea
The CEO of CDS Building Group explains the key points to idealista/news. The cost of building a beach house is divided into several items:
- Land: land in the coastal area and near the sea
- Projects and licences: architects, engineers, licences and permits
- Local regulations: specific construction requirements
- Structure: foundations, house structure and enclosures
- Finishes: finishing materials such as floors, walls, ceilings, etc.
- Installations: electricity, plumbing, heating and air conditioning
- Fittings: kitchen, bathrooms, and other equipment
- Extras: swimming pool, gardens, home automation, etc.
- Quality of materials: it depends on whether they are basic or high-end.
How much money do I need to build a beach house?
These are the key points to consider that determine how much you need to spend to build a house on the coast:
Structure types
The house structure is a key factor in the final construction cost and varies according to the materials used. According to Cronoshare, the average material costs for the structure of a house are:
- Steel: €90 to 100/m2
- Concrete : €125 to 140/m2
- Wood : €185 to 200/m2
These prices are for the basic structure only. If other works such as foundations and beams are included, the cost will increase. Cronoshare estimates that the cost of building the house structure, including foundations, can be between €300 and €400 per m2.
The average structure price for a 90 m2 home is:
| Structure type | Price for a 90 m2 house |
| Waffle slab concrete structure | €18,000 |
| Solid slab concrete structure | €22,000 |
| Metal structure | €25,000 |
| Wooden structure | €35,300 |
| Masonry wall structure | €20,000 |
Architect fees
The cost of hiring an architect can vary considerably depending on their reputation and the complexity of the project. Fees typically range between 4% and 6% of the total project estimate, though this can fluctuate. According to VIP Reformas, it is challenging to find an architect for a single-family home for less than €6,000, with the average cost being around €12,000.
Building engineer fees
Building engineers are in charge of the construction's technical aspects. They cost, on average, between €3,000 and €6,000 per project.
Safety coordinator
The safety coordinator's salary depends on the project's duration, with an average cost of around €4,000.
Land surveys
Before building, site surveys are required to assess the project's feasibility:
- Topographic study: defines the plot's geometry and costs between €250 and €400
- Geotechnical study: determines the terrain's characteristics and helps in designing the foundations. It costs about €725
Builders' expenses and profit
The construction company prepares the estimate based on the plans, which is generally 19% higher than the overall estimate, including overheads (13%) and profit (6%).
Interior designer
Hiring an interior designer is optional, but it can be useful when decorating the house. The average cost is between €50 and €100 per hour.
Construction insurance
Insurance required for the work is taken out by the building engineer, the architect and the construction company. The owner must pay for Waste Management and Sidewalk Occupancy, which usually represent around 1% of the budget and vary from town to town.
What documents do you need to build a beach house?
On top of the aforementioned costs, it is worth noting that before starting the construction work, the Construction, Installations and Works Tax (ICIO) and the local council fees must be paid. It is estimated to cost between 3% and 5% of the estimate.
Once the work is completed, you have to pay the following costs:
- First occupancy license fee: between 0.5% and 1% of the budget
- Deed and registration: notary and registrar fees, which are around 0.5% of the house value
- Stamp duty: 1.5% on the cost of new construction
- Registration of utilities (water, electricity) and certificate of occupancy: around €500 to €700
What should you consider before building a house by the beach?
Before building a house on the beach or close to the sea, there are several important factors to take into account:
- Planning and environmental regulations: Coastal legislation is particularly strict. Spain's Coastal Law establishes a protected strip of land extending 100 metres inland from the shoreline where construction is generally prohibited, except in certain cases. It is advisable to consult the relevant local council about planning regulations and ensure the plot is suitable for development, complies with the law and is not subject to easements or other special restrictions.
- Site survey: Sand, salt exposure and a high water table can all affect a property's foundations. For this reason, it is essential to carry out a geotechnical survey to determine the type of soil, its load-bearing capacity and any risk of erosion.
- Design and materials suited to the environment: A beachside home should be adapted to both the climate and the surrounding landscape. It is advisable to use materials that resist salt corrosion, such as treated aluminium, PVC or stainless steel, and incorporate features that encourage natural ventilation and provide solar protection, including overhanging roofs, lattice screens or traditional Mallorcan shutters. Measures to prevent damp and flooding should also be considered.
- Protection against extreme weather events: Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of storms, storm surges and torrential rainfall. It is therefore advisable to raise the property slightly above ground level, install effective rainwater drainage systems and use watertight doors and windows.
- Environmental impact and sustainability: Sustainable coastal construction should minimise its environmental footprint. Given the potential savings on energy bills, it is worth considering the installation of renewable energy systems.
- Access, utilities and services: Some plots in beach areas may not have easy access to water, electricity or mains drainage networks. Before purchasing land or starting construction, it is important to ensure that all utilities can be connected or to assess alternatives such as wells, storage tanks or self-sufficient systems.
- Long-term costs and maintenance: Living by the sea is a privilege, but it also involves more demanding maintenance. Constant exposure to salt and humidity accelerates the deterioration of materials and building systems. It is advisable to budget for annual maintenance costs and choose construction solutions that require as little upkeep as possible without compromising on quality.
