Investing in Sustainable Construction in Spain

Sustainable construction is transforming the real estate sector, becoming a key pillar due to its positive impact on the environment and its economic and social benefits.

This approach seeks to minimize the negative effects of buildings throughout their life cycle, from design to demolition, by leveraging innovative strategies, low-impact materials, and advanced construction systems like CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) and light wood framing, which stand out for their sustainability, efficiency, and versatility.

Although initially perceived as a more expensive option, the reality is that this model provides solid financial returns, significant operational savings, and strong alignment with future environmental and social regulations.

Its popularity is booming, establishing itself as one of the most promising investment opportunities for the coming years.

The concept of sustainable construction is based on three essential pillars.

The first is energy efficiency, which aims to reduce consumption by incorporating advanced thermal insulation, renewable energy generation like solar energy, and bioclimatic design that optimizes local climatic conditions to maximize comfort and minimize energy use.

In this regard, wood construction systems, such as CLT and light wood framing, are particularly efficient because they allow for highly insulated designs, reduce carbon footprints, and offer shorter construction times.

The second pillar is the responsible use of resources, prioritizing recycled, local, and low-impact materials, as well as promoting reuse to minimize waste.

Finally, the third pillar is indoor environmental quality, which ensures healthy spaces for occupants through the use of low-emission materials and ventilation systems that improve air quality.

The demand for sustainable housing is growing rapidly due to a shift in consumer preferences, particularly among new generations, who increasingly value environmentally friendly properties.

These homes are not only attractive for their design and functionality but also because they provide tangible added value, such as significant energy savings, which can reach up to 60% compared to traditional buildings.

One of the most relevant factors for investors in sustainable real estate developments is the return on investment (ROI) derived from the construction and subsequent sale of homes.

In such projects, ROI is calculated from the difference between the project's cost price and the final sale price of the units.

For example, in a development of 10-15 sustainable homes, built using systems like CLT or light wood framing, construction costs are optimized thanks to shorter execution times and material efficiency.

These advantages, combined with the increasing appeal of eco-friendly homes, allow the final sale price to significantly exceed the project's cost, generating net profit margins ranging from 15% to 25%, depending on location, design, and the local market.

The cost of land is a significant factor in any real estate development. For a project of 10 houses, finding the right land with adequate zoning and infrastructure is crucial to the project's viability. Around major urban centers like Barcelona, the average price for urban land varies depending on location, proximity to essential services, and market demand.

In this case, we have estimated the land cost at €300,000 for a plot suitable for 10 houses of 120m² each. This figure reflects market prices within an 80 km radius of Barcelona, encompassing suburban and semi-urban areas.

A particularly interesting format for investors is sustainable real estate developments of 10-15 homes, as this project size offers an ideal balance between cost control, speed of execution, and high profitability.

Moreover, building projects of this scale reduces the risks associated with large developments, allowing developers to quickly adapt to market demand.

With adjusted cost prices due to efficient materials and systems, and competitive sale prices that respond to the high demand for sustainable housing, these projects guarantee attractive economic returns while positively contributing to the environment and society.

On an economic level, sustainable construction offers unique advantages. Operating costs are significantly reduced thanks to energy efficiency and intelligent resource use, such as water.

Additionally, there are numerous financial incentives, including green loans, tax deductions, and subsidies, which ease initial costs and make this type of project accessible to developers and promoters.

These advantages benefit not only property owners but also investors, who see sustainability as a more profitable long-term option.

From a regulatory perspective, sustainable construction aligns perfectly with increasingly strict environmental regulations aimed at mitigating climate change.

Investing in such buildings ensures compliance with future regulations, avoiding penalties and costs related to later adaptations.

Moreover, regulations and policies such as the European Green Deal are creating a favorable framework for this sector, with investment forecasts reaching €300 billion in Spain in the coming years.

The social impact of sustainable projects is equally significant. These constructions promote responsible practices that benefit both local communities and the environment.

From creating healthy spaces to improving occupants' quality of life, sustainable buildings represent a tangible contribution to collective well-being.

For investors, this positive impact translates into improved corporate reputation and greater customer loyalty.

Spain is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona are adopting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria in many new developments, with nearly 90% of offices in Madrid already aligned with these standards.

Furthermore, the country presents unique opportunities, such as rehabilitating historic buildings with sustainable technologies or creating urban developments that incorporate ecological principles from their initial design.

These include traditional loans, green bond issuance, and innovative alternatives like crowdfunding, which allows small investors to participate in eco-friendly projects.

There are also specialized investment funds that provide capital in exchange for profit participation or agreed returns, and European funds like Next Generation EU, which offer additional resources to drive the transition to a more sustainable model.

At EcoHabita, we firmly believe that sustainability is the path to a better future. We collaborate with investors interested in developing sustainable real estate projects of 10-15 homes, designed with advanced construction systems like CLT and light wood framing, ensuring efficiency, speed, and high economic returns.

We offer services to design, manage, and construct these projects from start to finish, guaranteeing quality, regulatory compliance, and a sustainable approach that meets the demands of today's market.

Contact us for more information