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Spain has long been one of the most desirable destinations in the world for expatriates. From British families relocating permanently, to European professionals investing in second homes, to international buyers purchasing holiday villas, Spain offers climate, lifestyle, culture, and long-term property value that few countries can rival.
However, one critical reality applies to every successful property project in Spain:
You cannot build, extend, renovate, or legalise a property without professional architectural drawings.
This is where many Spanish expats encounter confusion, delays, unnecessary costs, and stress. Planning rules differ by region, processes are rarely explained clearly in English, and local advice is often inconsistent. Many expats discover—too late—that work carried out without proper drawings can result in fines, stop notices, or even demolition orders.
This 10,000-word authority guide has been written specifically for Spanish expats and international property owners who want a clear, honest, and practical explanation of:
This is not generic architectural theory. This is a real-world, expat-focused guide designed to help you succeed.

If you are asking questions like:
Then this page is for you.
One of the biggest mistakes expats make is assuming Spain has a single, nationwide planning system. It does not.
Spain operates a highly decentralised planning framework, divided between:
This means that planning rules in Marbella can differ from Estepona, and rules in Mallorca can be completely different from Alicante.
What is acceptable in one municipality may be refused in another.
Licencia de Obra Menor
(Minor Works Licence)
Typically required for:
Even internal works often require drawings.
Licencia de Obra Mayor
(Major Works Licence)
Required for:
This licence always requires architectural drawings.
These two documents are critical:
Many expats wrongly assume the basic project is enough to build. It is not.
In most regions of Spain:
This is non-negotiable.
What is negotiable is where the design work is done.
Thousands of expats now:
Traditional local services often involve:
No travel. No confusion. No hidden costs.
Required by Ayuntamientos and include:
Used for:
Clear drawings prevent disputes with builders.
For expats building from scratch:
Legalisation and Regularisation Drawings
The Costa del Sol has strict controls on:
Professional drawings are essential.
Common issues include:
Often requires detailed technical drawings even for small projects.
One of Spain’s strictest planning environments.
Rural land is heavily protected.
Local architects often charge:
Do I need drawings for internal renovations?
Often yes.
Can MyHomePlans work with my Spanish architect?
Yes – this is very common.
MyHomePlans is a professional online home design service, providing architectural design drawings, planning drawings, permitted development assessments, Lawful Development Certificate drawings, and building regulations packages — delivered 100% remotely.
Website Disclaimer: Information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or planning advice. Planning policy, permitted development rights, and building regulations may vary by location and are subject to change. Clients are encouraged to seek confirmation from relevant authorities where required.
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