It is no secret that prefabricated houses have become an attractive alternative for obtaining a home; they are undoubtedly becoming the talk of the town and for good reason.
The innovative designs they have, the quick and easy way in which they can be manufactured and, of course, the cost of their structures, have made this a good option for buying a home.
Of course, like everything else, this type of housing also requires a permit for its construction; otherwise, it is possible to run the risk of being fined for ignorance.
If you are about to opt for a prefabricated house, this content is worth reading. We will let you know all the information you need to be aware of what permits are required when building this type of house.
Permits required for prefabricated houses in Spain
In the context of Spain, the construction of prefabricated residences is regulated by a set of rules and regulations, similar to conventional housing. These provisions are stipulated in the Technical Building Code (Código Técnico de la Edificación, CTE) and the Law on Building Management (Ley de Ordenación de Edificios, LOE). These laws contain a set of requirements and obligations that must be fulfilled when building a prefabricated house, which are detailed below:
The first thing is to have a building project that is endorsed by the College of Architects in which compliance with urban, local and technical regulations must be specified.
Obtain the building licences, building permits, anchoring, certificate of developable land and possess the certificate of habitability.
To be framed within the Urban Development Plan of the locality.
When the prefabricated house is assembled, the application for habitability must be made in order to comply with the urban development permits.
All prefabricated houses must be registered in the land registry and must be up to date with the payment of the taxes established in the locality where it is located.
Can I build my prefabricated house on any land?
This is one of the most common questions that people have when thinking about this type of housing. Specifically, to build a prefabricated house you must have urban land, which offers permits and characteristics that allow you to build on it; in addition, you must have access to basic services.
However, this is not a rule, as it is also possible to build on rustic land, although this is not very common, and there are some limitations on the use of the house and its size.
When you choose a plot of land on which to build a prefabricated house, it is essential to be aware of the urban planning specifications for that land, as each locality has its own urban planning and laws governing the way of building, so it is necessary to seek advice from the local town hall.
In this file you will find the specifications of height, metres that can be built and other guidelines that must be considered before starting the construction. Having these permits up to date will prevent you from being considered an illegal dwelling and being penalised.
Do I have to comply with land surveys?
The concrete answer is yes, because before carrying out the construction of any house, whether conventional or prefabricated, it is necessary to have some land studies that will allow you to establish whether it is feasible to build in that space. Some of the studies that must be carried out are:
Geotechnical study: With this type of land study you will be able to determine the characteristics of the land as well as being able to design the foundations needed for the house.
Topographical study: It shows a complete description of the land where the house is going to be built.
Do I need a building permit to build prefabricated houses?
The building permit is not necessary, however, it is compulsory to present the planning permission. This type of permit can cost between 0.5% and 2% of the total cost of the house. At MisterWood, we will advise you on the legal formalities you need to comply with in order to build your prefabricated house.
Do I have to pay taxes to install a prefabricated or modular house?
Yes, it is essential to comply with a series of taxes, starting with the Tax on Construction, Installations and Works (ICIO), which is approximately 4% of the cost of the work.
Another tax you must pay is VAT, bearing in mind that, if you are a private individual who is building your house by your own means, the tax will be 10%, which must be paid month by month until the work is finished.
There is a tax that allows you to declare a new building which means the cost of 1.5% of the final value of the building and is known as the Impuesto de Actos Jurídicos Documentados (stamp duty).
In other cases you can count on the advice of the Technical Control Body (OCT) which determines if the work is being carried out correctly, this is not necessary if it is a self-promotion and the ten-year insurance is not going to be contracted.
Permits that must be processed once the construction of the prefabricated house has been completed
Once the construction of the prefabricated house is finished, some permits must be processed, such as:
Cédula de habitabilidad (certificate of habitability): This procedure allows the certification of all the urban planning permits for the construction site and the project, and also certifies that the house is suitable to be used as a residence. The cost of this permit is minimal and it is not processed in all localities.
First Occupancy Licence: This must be applied for at the local town hall office, and its cost is approximately 1% of the final cost of the work.
Registration of the property: This is a procedure that must be carried out in the same way as any other home. This ensures that the owner can sell or rent the property at a later date, this is a registry that allows anyone to access and know the characteristics of the property or if it has a mortgage.
Supplies: You must register for the different services such as water and electricity, in order to proceed to enjoy them.
Enter to live in a mobile home with Mister Wood
Discover the magic of living in a MisterWood house, where the warmth of wood meets the quality and comfort of a solid and durable construction.
Among all our models you will find the one that best suits your needs and tastes.
In addition, we offer you the services of a professional company so that the only thing you have to worry about is enjoying your new home.
If you have any doubts, contact us and we will be delighted to advise you!
Frequently asked questions about the procedures for installing or building a prefabricated house
What type of prefabricated house can I build in Spain?
There are many types of prefabricated houses that can be built in Spain, from modular houses to wooden houses, as well as self-sufficient or residential. The important thing is to make sure that the prefabricated house meets the necessary requirements for its construction.
What are the necessary permits to build a prefabricated house in Spain?
To build a prefabricated house in Spain, you will need to obtain different permits and licenses. First of all, you will need to obtain the corresponding permits from the town hall, as well as the licence of first occupation and the certificate of habitability. In addition, you will need to register the property and register the water and electricity supplies.
Can anyone build a prefabricated house?
Not just anyone can build a prefabricated house, as it is necessary to comply with certain requirements and formalities in order to install it. It is important to know the necessary permits and procedures before starting the work.
What procedures do I have to follow to install a prefabricated house?
Before installing a prefabricated house, you will have to carry out the corresponding procedures with the corresponding town hall, obtain the necessary licences, register the property and register the water and electricity supplies. It is also important to make sure that the prefabricated house meets habitability and safety requirements.
What type of prefabricated houses can I install on a plot in Spain?
In Spain, you can install different models of prefabricated house as long as they comply with the requirements and regulations established by the corresponding town hall and the safety and habitability standards.
What do I need to build a prefabricated house in Spain?
To build a prefabricated house in Spain, you will need the necessary permits from the local council, the licence of first occupation, the certificate of habitability, property registers and to register the water and electricity supplies. You will also need to ensure that the foundations are installed and ready before the house is delivered.
Can I sell my prefabricated house in Spain?
Yes, you can sell your prefabricated house in Spain. As with any real estate, you will have to follow the procedures and requirements for the sale of movable property.
Can I install a prefabricated house anywhere in Spain?
No, it is necessary to comply with the local regulations and norms established by the corresponding town hall before installing a prefabricated home anywhere in Spain.
Are mobile homes considered movable or immovable property in Spain?
In Spain mobile homes are movable goods, so the same requirements for their installation do not apply as for real estate. Therefore, it is important that you check local and national laws before buying a mobile home. In addition, you should be aware that installing the home does not require the same procedures and requirements as traditional construction, which means that when it comes to building the home you will need to enlist the help of professionals to help you navigate the process.
What do I need to do to install a prefabricated home in Spain?
Before installing a prefabricated home in Spain, you must obtain all the necessary permits and paperwork. These include the corresponding permits from the local council, the first occupancy licence, the certificate of occupancy, the land registry, the installation permits, and registering the water and electricity supplies.