Our Basic Guide
Buying and renovating a flat in Barcelona and the surrounding area
Barcelona is a city steeped in history, with neighbourhoods full of character and properties offering great potential. However, much of the housing stock is old, so buying a flat requires care and rigorous analysis.
Whether you’re a foreign buyer working remotely in Barcelona, an international buyer settling here permanently, or a local resident who has had bad experiences with previous renovations, this guide will help you make informed and safe decisions.
Technical and legal inspection of the property
Before you decide to buy, it is essential to check:
General physical condition of the flat: structure, fixtures and fittings, damp, ceilings, joinery, floors.
Legal documentation: deeds, prior licences, encumbrances, community minutes and statutes, town planning regulations, the building’s technical inspection report (ITE), amongst others.
Rehabilitation options: Some properties require additional reports to be submitted to the local council or specific permits, depending on their type.
Our approach combines a comprehensive overview of the property, accompanied by a rigorous technical analysis, so that you know for certain what can be renovated and what limitations there are.
Planning and budgeting for a comprehensive refurbishment
Most old flats in Barcelona require a comprehensive (complete) refurbishment, which in many cases includes spatial reorganisation to improve layout, lighting, functionality and energy efficiency.
Indicative budget: from €1,000 per m², depending on finishes and complexity.
Permits and documentation:
- Planning permission depending on the type of renovation.
- Reports on property or town planning in specific cases.
- Coordination with technical staff and management to ensure compliance with the law.
- Permits from the residents’ association.
Average duration of the works: 12 weeks, depending on the complexity.
Total project duration (from design to delivery): 4 to 6 months, including leave and planning.
Comprehensive support throughout the entire process
If you’d like, we can go with you at every stage:
- Choosing a flat: recommendations based on technical analysis and the feasibility of renovation.
- Purchase: review of building and property documentation and advice to help you make informed decisions.
- Renovation design: proposed layout, materials, interior design and optimisation of space.
- Permit and licence management: liaising with the local council and technical staff.
- Project management and supervision: monitoring of deadlines, budget and quality of workmanship.
- Final handover: full inspection and the flat ready to move into.
Our aim is for you won’t have to worry about dealing directly with staff, permits or any issues that may arise during the building work. We take care of everything, ensuring peace of mind, safety and high-quality results.
Buying and renovating a flat in Barcelona can be a complex process, but with professional consultancy, technical and legal review, and comprehensive project management, it is possible to transform an old property into a modern and comfortable home.
If you want to make sound decisions, save time and avoid problems, we can support you every step of the way, from finding a flat right through to the final handover of your refurbished home.
We're here to help you
Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll help you bring it to life, from concept to completion.