Everything You Need to Know About Securing a New-Build Home in Spain

When you buy a new-build home in Spain – whether it’s a modern villa on the Costa Blanca or a sleek apartment on the Costa Cálida – your journey often starts with excitement and practical questions. One of the biggest? How do you secure your new home against burglary? New-build homes might seem safe with their fresh locks and modern design, but looks can be deceiving. Burglars know these properties are prime targets, especially in the first weeks after handover. And then there’s the trap of pre-installed alarm systems that often cost more than they’re worth.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about securing your new-build home in Spain. We’ll explain why standard security often falls short, how to make smart choices without getting stuck with pricey subscriptions, and how our Hikvision AX PRO system gives you peace of mind – hassle-free. Whether you’ve just picked up the keys or are still planning, this guide will set you on the right path.

Why a New-Build Home Needs Extra Attention

A new-build home in Spain sounds like a dream: clean lines, fresh materials, and often a prime coastal location. But that newness makes it a magnet for burglars. Spain’s Guardia Civil reports that burglary attempts spike in new-build areas during the first weeks after completion. Why? Your home often sits empty while you arrange furniture or travel back and forth from the UK or elsewhere. And as a second-home owner, you might only be there a few months a year, giving burglars plenty of opportunity.

Plus, developers and security companies play into this. Many new-build homes come with a “free” alarm system – a gift that quickly turns into an expensive commitment. These systems, often from big names like Securitas Direct, tie you to long-term contracts and monthly fees you didn’t expect. Before you know it, you’re paying for years for something you could’ve bought outright. Find out more on our new home page.

The Weak Spots of a New-Build Home

New doesn’t mean secure by default. Here are a few reasons why you need extra protection:

• Open design: Modern homes often feature large windows, sliding doors, and open terraces – beautiful, but an invitation for burglars.
• Standard locks: The locks developers install are usually basic and easy to pick or force for seasoned criminals.
• Remote location: Many new-build projects sit on the outskirts of towns or in quiet coastal areas like Alicante or Murcia, with little neighborhood watch.
• Vacancy: Until you’re fully moved in, your home often sits unoccupied – a perfect window for burglars.

A traditional lock or a basic indoor alarm that only goes off once someone’s inside won’t cut it. You need a system that stops burglars before they can do any damage.

The Pitfall of Pre-Installed Alarm Systems

Many developers team up with commercial security firms to pre-install a basic alarm system in your new-build home. It sounds like a perk: no need to arrange anything yourself, and your home’s “secure” right away. But there’s a catch. These systems are often cheap and low-quality, designed to lure you into a subscription. Without that contract, the system doesn’t work, and suddenly you’re locked into €40 to €60 a month – plus installation fees you didn’t see coming.

Take Securitas Direct as an example. Their systems seem appealing, but the Netherlands’ Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has called them out for misleading claims about police connections. Read more on our misleading claims page. After five years, you’ve shelled out €2,400 to €3,600 for something you could’ve owned for a fraction of that. Stop paying? The system shuts off. That’s not a gift – it’s a sales trick.

How to Spot a Pushy Salesperson

After handover, expect a knock from security reps soon. They’ll arrive with a smile and a warning: “Your new home isn’t safe without our system.” Watch for these red flags:

• Fear tactics: They’ll hint your home’s at immediate risk without their solution.
• Pressure: They’ll push you to sign on the spot, no time to think.
• Hidden details: Hidden fees, long contracts, and vague terms often surface later.

Our advice? Don’t rush. Choosing a good alarm system takes careful thought, not panic buying.

The Power of Outdoor Detection for New-Build Homes

At Best Alarm System, we believe the best security starts outside your home. New-build homes with their big windows and open layouts need a system that scares off burglars before they reach your doorstep. That’s where outdoor detection comes in. Our Hikvision AX PRO systems use advanced Optex sensors to detect motion up to 12 meters away, triggering a loud siren the moment someone steps onto your property.

See how effective this is in real footage of a burglary attempt stopped by our outdoor detection. Check it out on our outdoor detection page – note that this links to our detailed explanation, as the specific video page isn’t yet in English. In the video, a burglar hops a fence, but the second the siren blares, he bolts – before even touching the house. That’s the difference between catching and preventing.

Benefits of outdoor detection:

• Proactive deterrence: Burglars turn tail at the first sound, knowing time’s up.
• No damage: No forced doors or windows since they never get close.
• Instant control: You get a phone alert via the Hik-Connect app and see what’s happening right away.

Why a No-Subscription System Is the Smart Choice

Many security firms like Securitas Direct or Prosegur tie their systems to a control room with monthly fees. But is that really necessary? Private control rooms have limits: they can’t call the police without verification, and in eight out of ten cases, they don’t even contact you. With jamming (signal disruption by burglars), your alert might not even reach them. Learn more about these risks on our control room myths page.

With our Hikvision AX PRO system, you don’t need a control room. You pay once – say €699 for Starter Package C with outdoor detection – and get instant alerts on your smartphone. No subscription fees, no delays, just control in your hands. Explore our options on our packages page.

What to Look for When Choosing Your Alarm System

Securing a new-build home requires a system tailored to your needs. Here are the key points to consider:

1. Isolation: Is your home in a quiet area? Go for outdoor detection to stop intruders early.
2. Internet: No reliable Wi-Fi? Our 4G backup keeps your system online, even during outages.
3. Flexibility: Want to add cameras or sensors later? Our modular systems grow with you.
4. Reliability: Hikvision’s anti-jamming tech and 7-year battery life ensure peace of mind.
5. Budget: A one-time investment saves you long-term. Get an estimate with our cost calculator.

Practical Steps to Secure Your New-Build Home

Ready to make your home safe? Follow this simple plan:

1. Check what you’ve got: Came with a pre-installed system? Ask if it works without a subscription.
2. Assess your needs: How big is your home? Got a garden or terrace needing protection?
3. Pick a package: Start with a basic setup and add outdoor detection for max security.
4. Schedule installation: Our English-speaking team sets it up in one day. Book via our appointment page.

For an overview of options, visit our overview page. Questions? Our FAQ has more answers.

Conclusion: Invest in Real Security

A new-build home in Spain deserves more than standard protection. With a system that keeps burglars out, like our Hikvision AX PRO, you avoid damage and stress without being tied to costly contracts. Don’t fall for “free” systems or pushy salespeople – you deserve a solution that works for you. At Best Alarm System, we blend top tech with reliable service, so you can enjoy your new home worry-free. Just moved in? See our tips for new owners on our home-buying page.