List of certificates and permits required to refurbish a house in Fuerteventura in order to achieve a higher selling price.
In Fuerteventura, as in the rest of Spain, home renovations are subject to a series of local regulations to ensure safety, habitability and respect for the environment. Carrying out works without the proper authorization can lead to penalties, forced demolitions and, of course, problems when selling or renting the property.
Types of reforms
Before starting any reform, it is important to know what type of work you are going to do, as the permits required to reform a house in Fuerteventura vary depending on the size of the project:
- Minor alterations: Changes that do not affect the structure or essential elements of the house, such as painting, changing floors or installing kitchen furniture. For this type of work, you generally do not need permits, although it is always advisable to check with your town hall to make sure.
- Major alterations: These include modifications that affect the structure, distribution or common elements of the building, such as changing exterior windows, redistributing partitions, installing solar panels, etc. In these cases, it is essential to obtain permits.
Permits required for refurbishment in Fuerteventura
If you are going to make a major reform, here are the main certificates and permits you may need to make a reform in Fuerteventura.
If you want to know what your home is worth before any renovation, you can use our Online Home Valuator.
Building permit
As we have explained above, the type of license you will need will depend on the size of the project. Thus, there are two different types of licenses:
- Minor construction permit: For small alterations that do not involve structural changes. It is obtained by submitting a simple form and, in some cases, a sketch or estimate of the work.
- Major Construction Permit: For renovations that affect the structure of the property, such as extensions or major modifications. A technical project prepared by an architect and a builder’s report are required.
Energy efficiency certificate
If the renovation you are going to carry out affects elements that influence energy consumption (windows, insulation, heating installations, etc.), you will need a certificate that certifies the energy efficiency of the property after the works.
Certificate of occupancy
When the renovation of your property involves a change of use of the property (for example, transforming a local into a dwelling) or an integral rehabilitation, you may have to renew the certificate of occupancy.
- Recommended article: Cédula de habitabilidad, what it is for and how to apply for it in Fuerteventura.
Permit for installation of exterior elements
If at the time of reforming your house in Fuerteventura you are going to modify the facade, install solar panels, pergolas or air conditioners, you will need an authorization from the Town Hall, especially if your property is located in a protected area.
Most common reforms before selling
If you are thinking of selling a house in Fuerteventura, making some strategic reforms can make a big difference in both the market value you can achieve and the speed with which you close the transaction. Here are the renovations that usually work best before selling a property and the type of license or permit you will need to carry them out.
Bathroom and kitchen renovation
Kitchens and bathrooms are often some of the rooms most valued by buyers. That’s why renovating them often offers a great return on investment, as a home with a functional kitchen and bathrooms can be a deciding factor when deciding on a home.
What can you do?
- Kitchen: Change the countertop, install new appliances, renew the cabinets or improve the lighting.
- Bathrooms: Replace the faucets, renew the tiles, change the bathtub for a shower tray, improve ventilation or add details such as backlit mirrors or efficient storage furniture.
What type of license do you need?
Normally, a minor construction permit will suffice, although if you are going to modify structural elements or make significant changes to the installations, you may require a major construction permit.
Soil update
A floor in poor condition can create a bad first impression. Changing the floor or polishing it can significantly improve the aesthetics of the space.
What can you do?
Install ceramic, vinyl or laminate flooring. These elements are popular in Fuerteventura due to their resistance to moisture and wear.
What type of license do you need?
The replacement or renovation of the interior flooring of the dwelling is considered a minor work, provided that it does not affect structural elements.
Painting and wall repair
A coat of paint in neutral tones can offer a refreshed look to the entire house, something that will attract a larger number of buyers as it will make it easier for them to imagine themselves living in it.
What can you do?
Repair cracks and humidities, paint both the interior and the exterior (especially if the house has a terrace or balcony exposed to the sun and saltpeter).
What type of license do you need?
Painting the interior of the house and repairing small cracks does not usually require a license. However, it is advisable to notify the municipality by means of a prior communication.
- Recommended article: 5 interior design trends in the Canary Islands
Energy efficiency improvements
More and more buyers value the energy efficiency of a property, both for economic and environmental reasons . In addition, a favorable energy certificate can make your property more attractive on the market.
What can you do?
Install double-glazed windows, improve thermal insulation, install solar panels or change the heating and hot water system to more efficient options such as heat pumps.
What type of license do you need?
The installation of double-glazed windows or improvements to interior thermal insulation generally require a minor building permit. However, the installation of solar panels or changes to heating systems may require a major building permit, especially if they affect the facade or common elements. Once the improvement is completed, you will need to apply for an energy efficiency certificate showing the new (lower) consumption of the house.
Renovation of outdoor spaces
In Fuerteventura, where the climate is warm for much of the year, having a well-kept outdoor space is a great attraction for buyers.
What can you do?
Improve landscaping, install pergolas or awnings to generate shade, renovate the terrace floor and add details such as outdoor lighting.
What type of license do you need?
A minor building permit is usually sufficient for aesthetic or landscaping improvements. However, if you install pergolas, fixed awnings or make structural modifications, a major construction permit may be required. You may also need to contact your local town hall to request permission for the installation of exterior elements.
Expansion of open spaces
Open spaces with good natural light are highly valued, especially on an island like Fuerteventura, where sunlight is a great attraction.
What can you do?
Knock down partitions to create an open-plan concept, integrate the kitchen with the living room, or add large windows to let in natural light.
What type of license do you need?
Knocking down partitions to create open spaces affects the layout and, potentially, the structure of the home, requiring a building permit.
*Remember that if you do not have enough budget to carry out a reform but you need to sell urgently, you can always hire a real estate agency in Fuerteventura that offersHome Staging services, an economical way to improve the appearance of homes for sale without investing large amounts of money.
Tips before starting a renovation
By investing in these renovations, you not only improve the attractiveness of your property, but you can also increase its market value and attract a greater number of interested buyers. In Fuerteventura, where the demand for housing is high, optimizing your property can be the key to closing a quick and successful sale.
On the other hand, you must take into account that the regulations to be applied may vary depending on the municipality in which your property is located.
How to refurbish safely?
To make a reform in Fuerteventura safely, with all the necessary permits to comply with current legislation, avoid penalties and ensure an adequate return on investment, contact Destiny Home.
In addition to analyzing the renovations with the greatest potential for revaluation for your property and contacting the best suppliers in the area to carry them out, we will take care of making a sales plan to achieve the success of your transaction.
So that you can see first hand how we work in our real estate agency, we leave you with the success story of a house sold in Costa Calma. Learn how we helped a retired couple who no longer lived on the island to sell their property.
