Renovating property in Spain: expert insights for international buyers
How the renovation market looks in Spain today
The demand for renovations in Spain has grown significantly in recent years. International buyers from across Europe — particularly Eastern Europe — are increasingly purchasing second homes or investment properties. Add to that natural disasters, floods, and the ongoing housing demand, and you get a renovation market that’s both busy and competitive.
Most renovation firms in Spain are small businesses of two to three people, sometimes up to ten. This makes personal recommendations, online reviews, and word-of-mouth the most reliable way to find good professionals. Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities are also common channels for referrals, as international buyers often rely on shared experiences before making a decision.
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Permits and bureaucracy: what you need to know
Not every renovation requires a permit. Cosmetic changes such as painting, replacing tiles, or updating a bathroom usually don’t. But if you plan to make structural changes — for example, knocking down a wall — you will need approval from the local town hall. This comes with costs, as Spanish municipalities typically charge 3–4% of the project’s budget in fees.
For larger works, an architect must prepare technical plans, and if your property is located near the coast, things can get even more complex. In these cases, permits are not handled by the city hall but by authorities in Madrid, which can delay approval for up to six months. Understanding this difference is crucial when buying a home close to the sea.
Typical renovation costs in Spain
Every project is different, but Tomasz provides some useful benchmarks. A full renovation of an 80m² flat, including windows, doors, walls, electrics, and plumbing, usually costs between €30,000 and €60,000 depending on materials and finishes. In contrast, a lighter “refresh” project, such as repainting, minor repairs, and flooring updates, can be achieved with a budget of €5,000 to €10,000.
The cost drivers are often windows, doors, and bathrooms, while the choice of materials — whether budget-friendly or premium — can significantly raise the final price.
Choosing and buying materials
Spain now offers a wide range of construction and design materials, making it unnecessary in most cases to import. While in the past it was common to bring windows from Poland for both cost and quality reasons, today the Spanish market has become more competitive. Tiles, doors, and fixtures are widely available, with many factories operating locally.
It is essential, however, to select materials that suit the Spanish climate. Wooden floors, for example, may warp due to humidity, so composites are usually a better option. For terraces and balconies, UV resistance is crucial to prevent fading under strong sunlight. And if your property is close to the sea, metals are best avoided, as they corrode quickly due to salt exposure.
Timelines: how long does it really take?
Despite Spain’s reputation for endless delays, Tomasz explains that a well-managed renovation typically takes two to three months. More complex projects, or those requiring special materials, may stretch to four months, especially if items like Italian tiles are ordered with long delivery times.
On the other hand, a refresh project can be completed in as little as one week, showing that timelines vary greatly depending on the scope of work and level of planning.
Contracts, payments, and trust
One of the most common mistakes Tomasz sees is buyers agreeing verbally with contractors, only to face projects that drag on for six to eight months. His strongest recommendation is clear: always sign a contract.
A proper contract should specify entry and completion dates, detail the budget, outline payment phases, and include guarantees in case of delays. Payments are usually structured as an advance to cover materials, followed by instalments linked to project milestones. Progress is tracked against the budget, with each task marked as started, in progress, or completed.
This structure provides clarity for both sides and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
Managing renovations from abroad
For international buyers, the question often arises: can renovations be managed from abroad? According to Tomasz, the answer is yes. He has completed entire projects where owners handed him the keys at the beginning and only returned once the work was finished. Communication was managed through WhatsApp, video calls, photos, and PDFs, allowing clients to stay informed and make decisions remotely.
In these cases, trust is essential. A first contract with detailed terms helps establish confidence, and after a successful project, many clients feel comfortable giving more freedom for future renovations.
3 tips for international buyers planning renovations in Spain
Tomasz highlights three key lessons he has learned from working with international clients.
First, always secure a signed contract, no matter how highly recommended the professional may be.
Second, adjust your expectations on quality: Spanish finishes, even in new builds, often differ from what buyers from countries like Poland or Germany are used to.
Third, work with a renovation manager who can coordinate all trades. Trying to organise multiple small contractors on your own can lead to chaos, missed deadlines, and higher costs.
Final thoughts
Renovating in Spain can feel overwhelming, especially if you are navigating the process from abroad. But with the right professionals, clear contracts, and realistic expectations, it can also be a smooth and rewarding experience.
At Homely Valencia, we partner with trusted renovation experts like Tomasz from Multiservicios Tomasz to guide our clients safely through the process — whether you’re refreshing an apartment for rental or transforming a villa into your dream home.
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