If you are wanting to purchase a plot of land in Spain to build your dream Spanish home, then there are some key points that you need to acknowledge and understand. In all cases we strongly advise you to employ a good lawyer. They will know what questions to ask to make the purchase of Spanish land legal and problem free.
When looking at potential building plots in Spain, you must first establish how the land has been categorised. This will help you establish what building and planning regulations may apply.
There are two classifications that are applied to Spanish land:
· URBANO – This is zoned for development. You will still need to apply for planning permission as the land may have sub categories or regional laws to adhere to.
· RUSTICO – This generally cannot be built on.
Urbano or Urban land as it is sometimes referred to, can be found in the countryside. The word urban relates to the category of the land, rather than its location.
There are in some cases plots of rustic land that can be built on, this is why each individual plot needs to be researched and dealt with on its own merit.
· Ask for town hall for the planning certificate for your chosen plot (Cedula urbanistica or Certificado urbanistico) This will inform you as to what size and type of building you will be allowed to build on the land.
· Build percentage – Different areas of Spain, have different rules as to how much percentage of the plot you can build on.
· Height Restrictions – Are there any height restrictions to new build properties in this area?
· Style restrictions – are there any style restrictions that the local authorities have put in place?
Updated 24th Feb 2023