How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Property in Spain?
Renovation costs in Spain vary widely depending on location, scope and the condition of the property. On the Costa del Sol, you can expect to pay between 400 and 1,200 euros per square metre for a full renovation. A cosmetic refresh sits at the lower end. A complete gut renovation with structural work pushes toward the top.
Labour Costs
Spanish labour rates are lower than in Northern Europe, but quality varies. A skilled builder charges 25 to 40 euros per hour. Plumbers and electricians charge 30 to 50 euros per hour. Always request a detailed presupuesto (budget) before work begins.
- General builder: 25-40 euros/hour
- Electrician: 30-50 euros/hour
- Plumber: 30-45 euros/hour
- Painter: 20-30 euros/hour
- Tiler: 25-35 euros/hour
Material Costs
Materials in Spain are competitively priced. Ceramic floor tiles start at 10 euros per square metre. Mid-range porcelain tiles cost 20 to 35 euros. Quality kitchen units run from 3,000 to 12,000 euros depending on size and finish. Bathroom suites (toilet, basin, shower or bath) start around 1,500 euros.
Permit and Professional Fees
Minor works (obra menor) require a local licence costing 200 to 800 euros. Major structural changes (obra mayor) need an architect's project. Architect fees typically run 5 to 10 percent of the construction budget. The building licence (licencia de obra) is usually 3 to 5 percent of the declared construction cost.
Hidden Costs to Watch
Budget an extra 15 to 20 percent for surprises. Older properties often hide problems behind walls: outdated wiring, corroded plumbing, asbestos in old ceilings. Waste removal (escombros) is another cost people forget, typically 300 to 600 euros per container.
Example: Full Apartment Renovation
A typical 80 m2 apartment on the Costa del Sol with new kitchen, two bathrooms, full rewiring, new plumbing and flooring costs between 40,000 and 70,000 euros. Add 5,000 to 8,000 euros for permits and professional fees.
Use our free calculator to estimate your total costs before you commit to a renovation project. Knowing your numbers upfront prevents nasty surprises halfway through the build.
Tips to Keep Costs Down
- Get at least three written quotes from different builders
- Buy materials yourself from local suppliers like Leroy Merlin or Porcelanosa
- Phase the renovation if your budget is tight
- Avoid peak season (May to September) when builders are busiest
Typical Renovation Timeline
A cosmetic refresh of a small apartment takes 2 to 4 weeks. A full renovation of an 80-100 m2 property takes 8 to 14 weeks. Factor in 2 to 8 weeks for permits before work can start. Weather delays are rare on the Costa del Sol, but holiday periods (August, Christmas) slow everything down. Always add a 20 percent buffer to any timeline your builder gives you.