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  • Home
  • Extending Your Home
  • Services
    • Planning Permission
    • Extension and Loft Plans
    • Building Regulations
    • Permitted Development
    • Online Plans
    • Design Fees Explained
    • Types Of Extensions
    • MyHomePlans Services
  • Project Enquiry
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • What Our Clients Think
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    • Garden Room Extension
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    • Side Return Extension
    • Wraparound Extension
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    • Expat Services
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    • Alicante Costa Blanca
    • Valencia Region
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    • Interior and Workplace
    • Residential and Housing
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    • Sustainable Smart Future
    • Residential and Luxury
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Architectural Drawings for Spanish Expats | Online

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Explore Our Portfolio: A Stunning Photo Gallery of MyHomePlans Projects

Introduction: Online Planning & Construction Plans in Spain

Building, Renovating and Investing in Property in Spain as an Expat

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:

  • How the Spanish planning system really works
  • What architectural drawings you actually need
  • How to avoid the most expensive expat mistakes
  • How to manage your entire project remotely
  • How a fully online service like MyHomePlans simplifies everything

This is not generic architectural theory. This is a real-world, expat-focused guide designed to help you succeed.

EXPAT Guide FOR GETTING PLANNING PERMISSION

This guide is written for:

  • British expats living in Spain
  • EU citizens owning property in Spain
  • Overseas investors managing projects remotely
  • Holiday home owners planning renovations
  • Buyers purchasing off-plan or older properties


If you are asking questions like:

  • Do I need planning permission in Spain?
  • What drawings does the Ayuntamiento require?
  • Can I design my house online?
  • Do I need a Spanish architect?
  • How can I control costs from abroad?

Then this page is for you.

Part 1: Understanding the Spanish Planning System

(Sistema Urbanístico Español)

Spain Is Not the UK – and Not One Systemv

Key Planning Licences Every Expat Must Understand

Key Planning Licences Every Expat Must Understand

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:

  • National legislation
  • Autonomous Communities (regions)
  • Local municipalities (Ayuntamientos)

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.

Key Planning Licences Every Expat Must Understand

Key Planning Licences Every Expat Must Understand

Key Planning Licences Every Expat Must Understand

Licencia de Obra Menor 

(Minor Works Licence)

Typically required for:

  • Internal alterations
  • Non-structural changes
  • Bathroom and kitchen renovations

Even internal works often require drawings.


Licencia de Obra Mayor 

(Major Works Licence)

Required for:

  • Extensions
  • Structural changes
  • New builds
  • Swimming pools
  • Roof alterations

This licence always requires architectural drawings.

Proyecto Básico vs Proyecto de Ejecución

Key Planning Licences Every Expat Must Understand

Proyecto Básico vs Proyecto de Ejecución

These two documents are critical:

  • Proyecto Básico: Planning-stage drawings showing design intent
  • Proyecto de Ejecución: Detailed technical drawings for construction

Many expats wrongly assume the basic project is enough to build. It is not.

Part 2: Do Spanish Expats Need a Spanish Architect?

¿Los expatriados españoles necesitan un arquitecto español?

The Legal Requirement (Clear and Honest)

The Smart Expat Approach (How to Save Money)

The Smart Expat Approach (How to Save Money)

In most regions of Spain:

  • Planning applications must be submitted by a locally registered architect or técnico
  • Structural elements must be signed off locally

This is non-negotiable.

The Smart Expat Approach (How to Save Money)

The Smart Expat Approach (How to Save Money)

The Smart Expat Approach (How to Save Money)

What is negotiable is where the design work is done.

Thousands of expats now:

  • Use MyHomePlans for all architectural design and drawings
  • Appoint a local professional only for submission and certification

This approach:

The Smart Expat Approach (How to Save Money)

This approach:

  • Reduces local architectural fees
  • Eliminates language barriers
  • Gives the client full design control
  • Allows remote project management

Part 3: Why Online Services Are Perfect for Expats

Parte 3: Por qué los servicios de arquitectura en línea son

Traditional Architecture vs Online Services

Traditional Architecture vs Online Services

Traditional Architecture vs Online Services

Traditional local services often involve:

  • In-person meetings
  • Spanish-only communication
  • Percentage-based fees
  • Slow timelines


MyHomePlans offers:

Traditional Architecture vs Online Services

Traditional Architecture vs Online Services

  • 100% online architectural drawings
  • Fixed, transparent pricing
  • Clear English communication
  • Experience with international clients

How the MyHomePlans Process Works

Traditional Architecture vs Online Services

How the MyHomePlans Process Works

  1. Initial consultation (email / WhatsApp / phone)
  2. Review of property information
  3. Creation of architectural drawings
  4. Client revisions
  5. Final issue for planning or construction

No travel. No confusion. No hidden costs.

Part 4: Architectural Drawings Spanish Expats Commonly Need

Portfolio

Parte 4: Dibujos arquitectónicos que los expatriados español

Planning Drawings

Renovation and Extension Drawings

Renovation and Extension Drawings

Required by Ayuntamientos and include:

  • Site location plans
  • Existing and proposed floor plans
  • Elevations
  • Sections
  •  Renovation and Extension Drawings Roof layouts

Renovation and Extension Drawings

Renovation and Extension Drawings

Renovation and Extension Drawings

Used for:

  • Villa extensions
  • Internal reconfiguration
  • Modernisation projects

Clear drawings prevent disputes with builders.

New Build House Designs

Renovation and Extension Drawings

New Build House Designs

For expats building from scratch:

  • Concept design
  • Planning layouts
  • Construction-ready drawings

For works carried out without permission. This is extremely common among expats and must be handled carefully.


Legalisation and Regularisation Drawings

Part 5: Regional Planning Guides for Spanish Expats

Parte 5: Guías de planificación regional para expatriados es

Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga, Estepona)

Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga, Estepona)

Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga, Estepona)

The Costa del Sol has strict controls on:

  • Building heights
  • Plot coverage
  • Coastal protection zones

Professional drawings are essential.

Find out more

Alicante & Costa Blanca

Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga, Estepona)

Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga, Estepona)

Common issues include:

  • Rural land classification
  • Pool permissions
  • Boundary distances

Find out more

Valencia Region

Mallorca & Balearic Islands

Mallorca & Balearic Islands

Often requires detailed technical drawings even for small projects. 

Find out more

Mallorca & Balearic Islands

Mallorca & Balearic Islands

Mallorca & Balearic Islands

One of Spain’s strictest planning environments.

Rural land is heavily protected.

Part 6: Costs, Fees, and Budget Control for Expats

Typical Spanish Architectural Fees

Typical Spanish Architectural Fees

Typical Spanish Architectural Fees

Local architects often charge:

  • 8–15% of build cost
  • Additional fees for revisions

MyHomePlans Fixed-Fee Advantage

Typical Spanish Architectural Fees

Typical Spanish Architectural Fees

  • No percentage fees
  • Clear deliverables
  • Budget certainty

Part 7: The Most Expensive Mistakes Spanish Expats Make

Part 9: Why MyHomePlans Is the #1 Choice for Spanish Expats

Part 7: The Most Expensive Mistakes Spanish Expats Make

  • Starting work without permission
  • Trusting verbal advice
  • Using builders without drawings
  • Ignoring regional planning rules

Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Part 9: Why MyHomePlans Is the #1 Choice for Spanish Expats

Part 7: The Most Expensive Mistakes Spanish Expats Make

Do I need drawings for internal renovations?

Often yes.


Can MyHomePlans work with my Spanish architect?

Yes – this is very common.

Part 9: Why MyHomePlans Is the #1 Choice for Spanish Expats

Part 9: Why MyHomePlans Is the #1 Choice for Spanish Expats

Part 9: Why MyHomePlans Is the #1 Choice for Spanish Expats

  • Worldwide online service
  • Expat-focused expertise
  • Fixed pricing
  • Clear communication

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.

© MyHomePlans. All rights reserved.

  • Extending Your Home
  • Planning Permission
  • Extension and Loft Plans
  • Building Regulations
  • Permitted Development
  • Online Plans
  • Types Of Extensions
  • Project Enquiry
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Professional and Legal
  • Expat Services
  • Costa del Sol
  • Alicante Costa Blanca
  • Valencia Region
  • Global Service
  • General Architectural
  • Residential Architecture
  • Commercial Architecture
  • Urban and Landscape
  • Interior and Workplace
  • Residential and Housing
  • Commercial and Mixed-Use
  • Urban Planning
  • Sustainable Smart Future
  • Residential and Luxury
  • MyHomePlans

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