Cement consumption in Spain fell 8.1% in September 2026, to 1,367,833 tonnes, the third consecutive monthly decline according to Oficemen. The figure is national, but it's worth understanding what it could mean for anyone buying or selling new-build property in Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
September's numbers, monthly and year-to-date
The Cement Statistics report tracks consumption as a leading indicator of construction activity: the more cement used, the more building work underway. The latest figures show a clear slowdown compared with previous months.
| Period | Consumption | Change |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | 1,367,833 t | -8.1% |
| Jan-Sep 2026 (cumulative) | 12,364,731 t | +3.0% |
| Rolling year (Oct 2025-Sep 2026) | 17,010,838 t | +6.5% |
Elena Guede, Oficemen's director general, notes that "cement consumption has posted three consecutive months of declines" and that September's drop "is sharper than our forecasts for the month".
Exports are falling too
Cement exports dropped 20% in September and 15.2% year-to-date, falling below three million tonnes. Over the rolling year the decline reaches 16.1%, to 3,964,062 tonnes. It's another sign that demand, both in Spain and abroad, is cooling.
What it means for new-build homes in Málaga and the Costa del Sol
The figure is national and doesn't separate residential from civil-engineering work, so it can't be applied to the Costa del Sol without caveats. But it does set a backdrop: if construction activity is cooling nationwide, delivery times for off-plan developments are more likely to stretch, and material costs will keep squeezing developers' margins. In high-demand areas like Marbella or Málaga city, slower new construction tends to support prices on what's already built, rather than bring them down.
Should Costa del Sol new-build buyers worry?
Not necessarily. Demand on the Costa del Sol remains underpinned by international buyers and by the scarcity of build-ready land near the coast, two factors that outweigh the national cement figure. The sensible approach is to watch two things when signing an off-plan purchase: the developer's committed delivery date and the guarantees in case of delay.
Conclusion
The cement slowdown is, above all, a thermometer of Spain's overall construction pace, not a specific diagnosis for the Costa del Sol. Still, it's worth watching closely: if new-build timelines stretch and costs don't come down, already-built homes in Málaga and its province remain the most predictable option for anyone looking to buy or invest now. If you'd like to understand how your area or your property compares against this backdrop, EVS Property can help with an up-to-date valuation.
Frequently asked questions
Why is cement consumption falling in Spain?
According to Oficemen, demand has cooled since the summer of 2026, with three consecutive months of falling monthly consumption, although the year-to-date figure is still positive (+3%).
Does this mean house prices on the Costa del Sol will fall?
Not necessarily. It's a national indicator of construction activity, not of local prices. In high-demand areas like Marbella or Málaga city, slower new building tends to support the price of existing homes rather than push it down.
Is it a good time to buy new-build property in Málaga or the Costa del Sol?
It depends on the project and the developer. With construction activity slower nationwide, it's worth carefully checking the committed delivery date and the contract guarantees before buying off-plan.
What is Oficemen?
Oficemen is Spain's cement manufacturers' association, which publishes the monthly Cement Statistics report with sector consumption and export data.
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