Hello everyone! I’ve been a long-time lurker and finally finished renovating an old apartment I bought here in Barcelona. The process has been a real rollercoaster with its ups and downs. I’ve seen many people discussing this topic, so today, as someone who’s been through it, I want to share how much it really costs to undertake a major renovation in Spain, hoping to help others who are about to start.
My apartment is about 80 square meters, with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Because it’s quite old, the electrical wiring and plumbing were in terrible shape, so this was a complete gut renovation, which adds to the overall cost of maintaining a property in Spain. I was completely clueless at first and got quotes from several companies, with prices ranging from €30,000 to €60,000—a huge difference. So, never get a quote from just one company
! It’s crucial to compare a few, looking at their proposals and the detailed breakdown of materials.
A Detailed Cost Breakdown[Property transfer costs in Spain]
Honestly, the cost structure is quite complex. It’s not as simple as just buying materials and hiring a worker. I’ve broken down my main expenses to give you a clear idea:
1. Preliminary Costs
- Architect/Technician: If your renovation involves structural changes or requires a major building permit (licencia de obra mayor), this step is unavoidable. They are responsible for creating the blueprints, submitting the application, and supervising the construction. This cost me around €3,000.
- Building Permit (Licencia de Obra): The fee for this depends on your local city council (ayuntamiento) and the scale of the project. It’s typically around 4% of the total budget. I paid about €1,800.
2. Structural & Finishing Work
This part is definitely the biggest expense. The price can vary widely, depending mainly on the quality of the materials you choose. I opted for mid-to-high-range materials, so here’s my breakdown for reference.
| Item | My Cost |
|---|
| Demolition and debris removal | €2,500 |
| Full electrical and plumbing overhaul | €7,000 |
| Masonry and plastering | €5,500 |
| Tiling/flooring throughout the house | €6,000 |
| Carpentry | €4,500 |
| Aluminum windows | €5,000 |
| Painting | €2,000 |
| Kitchen | €8,000 |
| Bathroom | €4,000 |
All in all, not including furniture and appliances, the structural and finishing work for my 80-square-meter apartment cost me around €45,000. This is a pretty standard market price in Barcelona. Of course, the cost can definitely be lower if you are in a smaller city or choose more basic materials, which is something to consider along with the overall [cost of buying property in Spain]. I hope my experience is helpful to you all, and I welcome others with experience to add to the discussion below and help each other avoid pitfalls!
