In recent years, Spain has experienced a growing boom in the popularity of prefabricated houses. This phenomenon is due to a combination of factors, such as increased environmental awareness, the focus on quick and efficient solutions, and the flexibility of design that prefabricated homes offer, adapting to the needs and tastes of each individual.
Due to their popularity, many questions have arisen among those who wish to purchase these homes. Today, at MisterWood, we want to clarify a controversy that revolves around this type of housing and that is to define whether prefabricated houses correspond to movable or immovable property. Stay in your reading and discover the answer!
What is a prefabricated house?
Prefabricated houses are a type of housing that are built using a system that differs from the conventional way in which houses are built. This is because they are assembled in factories and then assembled on site.
Nowadays they have become a great option for those people who want a home with personalised designs and who do not have large budgets. Some companies offer the possibility of personalising your home, giving that touch of originality to your new home.
What are immovable and movable assets?
At the outset, it is imperative to define these concepts in order to determine the classification of prefabricated houses. Specifically, immovable goods are all those goods that are anchored to the ground, while movable goods are defined as those that can be transported from one place to another.
How do I know if my prefabricated house is movable?
In order to be classified as movable property, it is essential that this type of house has the capacity to be moved from one place to another without causing changes or modifications to its structure. Furthermore, in terms of services, these homes must have their own systems that allow them to be supplied autonomously.
This versatility and autonomy are key features that make prefabricated homes an attractive option for those seeking flexibility and adaptability in their lifestyle.
These types of homes do not have anchors or foundations fixed to the ground, so they can be considered mobile, which saves them from having to obtain permits or licenses.
Therefore, mobile prefabricated houses are considered movable property as they can be moved from one place to another and still be in perfect condition, as well as having their own water and electricity supply.
In short, because they are mobile, they can be treated as if they were a vehicle, which exempts them from having to obtain building permits, but they do have to notify their location.
How do I know if my prefabricated house is real estate?
Those fixed prefabricated houses that do have anchorages or foundations in the ground where they are located and also require a perennial supply of water and electricity fall under the classification of real estate.
The distinction between a prefabricated house as immovable or movable property has significant implications in terms of the necessary paperwork and permits. If it is considered immovable property, it must comply with the regulations set out in the Ley de Ordenación de Edificios (LOE) and the Código Técnico de Edificación (CTE), which implies obtaining the corresponding building permits. On the other hand, if it is classified as movable property, this red tape can be avoided and the installation process can be speeded up.
These legislations define some obligatory procedures for real estate such as: building permit, construction permit and, once finished, habitation permit. Another point to consider is that where these homes are to be built must be developable land.