Buying real estate in Europe in 2025 isn’t just about choosing the right country or city - it’s also about deciding what kind of property fits your goals. Should you go for a new build apartment in Lisbon with energy efficient features, or choose a resale property in Athens city center for its historic charm and proven rental yield?
This guide compares both options across Europe, with a focus on property prices, rental yield potential, real estate ROI, and the lifestyle implications of each choice. Buy-to-let apartments in Berlin, relocation opportunities, and portfolio diversification are driving interest across the continent. Here’s what you need to know before making a move in 2025.
New Build vs. Resale: Quick Comparison
<table> <tbody> <tr class="blue-row" > <td><strong>Factor</strong></td> <td><strong>New Build</strong></td> <td><strong>Resale Property</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Condition</td> <td>Turnkey or without repair, energy efficient</td> <td>May need renovation</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Rental Appeal</td> <td>High for short-term, modern infrastructure</td> <td>High in central/historic areas</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ROI Potential</td> <td>Stable, lower maintenance</td> <td>Often higher with upgrades</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Customization</td> <td>Limited (developer-finished)</td> <td>High (flexibility in redesign)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>New Build Apartments in Europe: Benefits, Prices & Rental Demand in 2025
Imagine walking into a freshly built apartment in Parque das Nações, Lisbon, where the air still smells like plaster and the smart home systems respond to your voice. No chipped tiles, no outdated plumbing - just clean lines, energy efficiency, and move-in readiness.
Across Europe, especially in fast-developing zones near Berlin, Warsaw, and Valencia, such as new build apartments in Berlin outskirts, smart homes in Wilanów Warsaw, and new developments in Ruzafa Valencia, new developments are attracting buyers who want:
Predictable rental income
Minimal repairs
Energy savings (think EPC A/B ratings)
Long-term value with modern appeal
In 2025, many new build apartments for sale in Warsaw and beyond come with rooftop terraces, EV charging stations, underfloor heating, and smart home technologies - making them ideal for digital nomads and expats.
If you're considering new builds specifically, don't miss our full comparison guide: Where to Buy New Build Property in Europe (2025).
Resale Property in Europe 2025: Charm, ROI & Where to Buy
Now picture a high-ceilinged apartment in Lisbon city center, with 19th-century azulejos and a wrought-iron balcony. These resale flats in Alfama exude European charm.
Though they may need upgrading, resale property is still highly desirable due to:
Prime locations
Authentic architecture
Walkable neighborhoods
Proven rental demand
In places like Athens, Berlin, and Valencia, such as resale apartments in central Athens, Berlin Kreuzberg flats, and Old Town Valencia properties, buying a well-situated resale apartment can offer excellent rental yield - especially if the space is modernized.
You can read more about what drives returns in older properties in our feature: Top 5 Mistakes Foreign Investors Make in European Real Estate.
New Build vs Resale: Property Price and Rental Yield Comparison by City (2025)
The following data is based on Mono Estate’s internal market monitoring as of Q2 2025, reflecting aggregated price listings and rental data from verified real estate platforms across five major European cities. All prices are average estimates per square meter, and rental yields are calculated using typical 1-bedroom apartment rental rates in central or high-demand urban areas.
<table> <tbody> <tr class="blue-row" > <td><strong>City</strong></td> <td><strong>Avg Price New Build €/m²</strong></td> <td><strong>Avg Price Resale €/m²</strong></td> <td><strong>Avg. Rent (1BR)</strong></td> <td><strong>Gross Yield</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Lisbon</td> <td>€7,230</td> <td>€6,300</td> <td>€1,200</td> <td>4.3–4.8%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Berlin</td> <td>€7,300</td> <td>€5,600</td> <td>€1,300</td> <td>3.4–5.0%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Athens</td> <td>€4,100</td> <td>€2,900</td> <td>€700</td> <td>5.5–6.2%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Valencia</td> <td>€4,300</td> <td>€3,600</td> <td>€1,000</td> <td>5.3–6.0%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Warsaw</td> <td>€3,800</td> <td>€3,600</td> <td>€1,100</td> <td>5.2–6.2%</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>1-Bedroom Apartment Price Summary (2025)
Wondering how much a typical 1-bedroom apartment costs in each major city? The table below summarizes average property prices for both new and resale units, helping buyers understand the real budget expectations in 2025. These values reflect real-time market analysis by Mono Estate across key urban centers with strong investor demand.
<table> <tbody> <tr class="blue-row" > <td><strong>Country</strong></td> <td><strong>City</strong></td> <td><strong>Avg. Price Resale</strong></td> <td><strong>Avg. Price New</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Portugal</td> <td>Lisbon</td> <td>€511,671</td> <td>€540,273</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Spain</td> <td>Valencia</td> <td>€282,814</td> <td>€321,250</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Poland</td> <td>Warsaw</td> <td>€191,599</td> <td>€205,040</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Germany</td> <td>Berlin</td> <td>€243,030</td> <td>€266,051</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Greece</td> <td>Athens</td> <td>€188,223</td> <td>€249,920</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>New build prices vs resale prices in Berlin and other cities show a typical 10–20% premium for new developments. But these often deliver better energy performance and reduced maintenance.
Resale apartments in Mokotów Warsaw or Kreuzberg Berlin may offer higher ROI over time, especially after renovations.
Looking for yield-focused strategies? Check out: 5 European Cities with Rental Yields Over 6% in 2025.
What €150,000 Buys You in Athens, Valencia, Warsaw - 2025 Examples
Estimates below are based on real listings and market data collected by Mono Estate during Q2 2025, across verified platforms in each city.
In Athens, resale apartments in the city center can cost ~€2,900/m² — ideal for those searching for cheap property in Athens 2025 → ~50m² apartment. In Valencia, resale homes in the Old Town can be found at ~€3,600/m², offering affordable homes in Valencia Spain → ~40 m². In Warsaw, 1990s resale flats ~€3,200/m² — a common target for property investors in Warsaw 2025 → up to 40-45 m².
These are ideal for budget-conscious buyers aiming for strong rental demand and long-term appreciation.
Pros of Resale Property in Europe
Lower purchase price → more room to add value
Central locations like Athens city center or Lisbon Alfama
Established rental demand
More flexibility in layout and design
Which Is Better for Your Goals?
<table> <tbody> <tr class="blue-row" > <td><strong>Goal</strong></td> <td><strong>Better Option</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Passive income</td> <td>New build in tourist hubs</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Long-term capital growth/td> <td>Resale in city centers</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Minimal effort</td> <td>New build with warranty</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Creative control</td> <td>Resale ready for renovation</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Short-term rental</td> <td>Depends on location and amenities</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>There’s no one-size-fits-all. The best strategy? Mix both - e.g., new build apartments in Lisbon and resale flats in Berlin.
Key Takeaways
New build apartments are ideal for buyers seeking energy efficiency, modern features, and minimal upkeep - especially in cities like Lisbon, Warsaw, and Berlin.
Resale properties offer character, better locations, and often higher ROI potential when upgraded - particularly in Athens, Valencia, and historic districts.
Rental yields vary by location and property type, but smart resale choices can outperform new builds in returns.
With budgets like €150,000, opportunities still exist in central areas of Athens, Valencia, and Warsaw.
Mixing both strategies - buying new builds for passive income and resale for capital growth - is often the best long-term plan.
Explore More
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Spain vs Poland: Where to Buy Property in 2025?
Compare real estate prices, yields, and opportunities across Spain and Poland.
New Build Apartments in Europe Under €150K: Athens 2025 Investment Guide
Discover what you can buy in Athens with a modest budget - including yield and renovation insights.
Coastal vs. Capital: Where to Buy Property in Portugal in 2025
Lisbon or the coast? A data-driven look at prices, rental potential, and lifestyle factors.
Visit our Countries section and News & Articles - for detailed breakdowns by city and region, including property prices, rental yields, and legal requirements.