Buying a property in Marbella isn’t just about title and taxes. One of the biggest risks foreign buyers face is urban planning violations — such as illegal construction, zoning problems, or land use breaches.
At Borderless Lawyers, we conduct urban planning and land legality checks before any deposit is paid, ensuring your Marbella property is 100% legal.
🏘️ Why Urban Planning Matters in Marbella
Marbella has a complex urban history, with:
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Multiple planning revisions and legal challenges
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Homes built on non-urbanized land
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Properties with expired or missing licenses
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Construction done outside permitted parameters
💡 You risk buying a property that cannot be renovated, registered, or may be subject to demolition or fines.
🧾 What Urban Planning Checks Include
We verify:
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Urban or rustic land classification
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General and partial planning compliance
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Whether the property is part of a legalized urbanization
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Building and use licenses (Licencia de Obras / Licencia de Primera Ocupación)
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Pending infractions or legal proceedings
📄 We request reports from the Ayuntamiento de Marbella (Town Hall) and relevant planning offices.
⚠️ Common Problems Found
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No habitation license — resale homes without a valid licencia de primera ocupación
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Illegal extensions — rooms, terraces, or pools added without permits
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Rural land construction — properties built on land not zoned for housing
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Pending fines or demolition orders — especially in older properties
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Outdated zoning plan conflict — due to Marbella’s planning inconsistencies
✅ What We Do to Protect You
Our lawyers:
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Request all urban planning certificates
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Confirm license history and compliance
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Analyze legal buildability and land classification
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Negotiate conditions into the arras contract to let you walk away safely if needed
If the property doesn’t meet full legal standards, we advise you before you pay a deposit.
🏡 What About Rural or Coastal Properties?
Marbella’s surroundings include protected zones and coastal easements (Ley de Costas). We:
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Check for protected status
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Confirm compliance with coastline buffer zones
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Review rural zoning rules before you commit
📌 Buying in these areas requires even more detailed legal investigation.
💬 Final Word
Urban planning and land legality checks are essential when buying property in Marbella. Skipping this step could leave you with a property you can’t use, resell, or legalize.
At Borderless Lawyers, we make sure your Marbella home is fully legal — above and below the surface.
📞 Contact us now to start your purchase with proper planning checks from day one.