Buying a Finca in Spain

Buying a Finca in Spain

A finca is essentially nothing more than a plot of land, with or without buildings. In Spain, there are several types of fincas. For each finca, the Plan General de Ordenación Urbana (Urban Zoning Plan) specifies the permitted use.

In general, there are two types of plots on which one is allowed to build a house:

1. The most common type, called "URBANO," is comparable to building land in a residential area. Here, a certain percentage of the land is always permitted for development, depending on the zoning plan, but usually between 20 and 40% of the total area. The minimum plot size also depends on the zoning plan, but is usually between 200m² and 1000m².
2. The type that is more openly situated, and therefore not in a residential area, is called "RUSTICO," which in the Netherlands is comparable to agricultural land. Costa Blanca law stipulates a minimum of 10,000m² for the construction of a single house, and in this case, construction is usually only permitted on 2% of the plot (200m²). Construction is always required on a single building, but it is possible to have a main house and an adjoining guest apartment (with separate access).

Of course there are many more rules to take into account, but these are the two main types.

Please note: there are quite a few fincas for sale online that still need renovation, but the plot isn't always legally owned. The rules and regulations regarding plots, building, and renovation are very different in Spain than in your home country, and we're happy to help you with that.

It's also a good idea to check which banks can provide financing for a finca. For example, most of the banks affiliated with Spaanse Hypotheek do not finance rustic fincas, but they do finance urban fincas.