An essential tool to determine what renovations you can make to your future home

Purchasing a home is undoubtedly one of the most significant and expensive decisions anyone can make in their life. If you’re at that stage and plan to carry out renovations—whether to create extra living space, build a pool, or add a garage—it’s crucial to consult the urban planning certificate of the property before moving forward. This document, issued by the local municipality, provides crucial information about the urban regulations applicable to the area where the property is located, helping you understand whether the renovations you have in mind are feasible according to local laws.

An essential tool to determine what renovations you can make to your future home

What is the Urban Planning Certificate and what information does it provide?

The urban planning certificate is an official document that certifies the legal conditions of a property according to the urban regulations of the area in which it is located. Through this document, you can learn key details such as the allowed land use, construction limitations (for example, if you can expand the property or add new structures), or whether there are any specific restrictions in the area (such as protected zones or areas of special environmental interest).

If you’re thinking about carrying out renovations on the home you wish to buy, this document will tell you whether those projects are feasible under the urban planning regulations of the area. Each municipality has its own set of rules, and these can vary significantly from one zone to another, so obtaining this information beforehand is crucial before making any investment in renovations.

Why the Urban Planning Certificate is relevant for your renovation project

Imagine you purchase a home with the idea of expanding it for more space or adding a garden with a pool. Without the urban planning certificate, you could find that local regulations prevent you from making such an addition. Regulations may impose restrictions on the maximum height of buildings, the percentage of land that can be developed, or proximity to public roads. Without prior knowledge of these restrictions, you could waste time, money, and effort on modifications that won’t be approved.

The certificate will allow you to know, for example, whether the land allows for the construction of pools or whether there are limitations on building in that area. It will also help you understand if there are environmental protection laws that may prevent certain types of construction, or if the property lies within a special urban planning zone, such as a historic or environmentally sensitive area.

Where and how to request the Urban Planning Certificate?

Obtaining the urban planning certificate is a simple process and is available to anyone interested—even if you are not yet the property owner. This certificate should be requested directly from the municipality where the property is located. Since the urban planning certificate is a public document, you can request it at any time, regardless of whether you’re finalizing the purchase or just considering it.

The process typically involves submitting a written request, where you’ll need to provide the property details. Many municipalities now allow online requests, streamlining the process. It’s important to ensure you provide all the necessary information to avoid delays.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

The response time for obtaining the urban planning certificate can vary depending on the municipality and the complexity of the request. Typically, the process takes from a few weeks to several months. This timeframe depends on the local urban planning department’s workload and the type of report needed.

As for the cost, the procedure is generally inexpensive, with fees typically ranging from €20 to €100, although some municipalities charge differently. Given the importance of this document and the impact it can have on your buying and renovation decisions, the cost is relatively low compared to the risks you might face without it.

The importance of requesting it before you buy

It’s recommended to request the urban planning certificate before moving forward with the purchase of the property, although it’s not an obligatory requirement. This step will help you make informed decisions about the property and its renovation potential, as well as give you leverage to negotiate the price. If you decide to buy the property without this information, you might run into unpleasant surprises later, such as being unable to carry out the extensions or modifications you had planned.

Moreover, requesting the certificate in advance not only provides you with security regarding the feasibility of your projects but also ensures that the property complies with local regulations, avoiding future legal complications during the renovation process.

While some sellers might offer the urban planning certificate for the property, this isn’t always the case. Since this document is a public and accessible report, it’s a good idea for you to request it directly from the municipality. This way, you can ensure the information is accurate and that you’re receiving the correct document for your assessment.

Conclusion

The urban planning certificate is an invaluable tool when you’re considering buying a property and planning renovations or extensions. It provides key insights into the urban regulations that affect the property and its surrounding area. Knowing the local regulations will help you make informed decisions about which renovations are possible and which are not, preventing future surprises and ensuring your investment is protected. Requesting it before purchasing is an essential step to ensure that the property and its renovation potential meet your expectations and comply with local laws.

Once you have bought your dream house don’t forget to obtain the corresponding licence of works before your start the new work. For more info you can contact our legal department: jm@abacoadvisers.com

Jessica Martínez