Before buying a home in Málaga, it’s essential to understand the property’s urban planning status and land classification. This step is often skipped by foreign buyers — leading to serious consequences like illegal builds, frozen renovations, or even demolition orders.
At Borderless Lawyers, we conduct urban planning checks as part of your due diligence — so your purchase is legally safe and future-proof.
🧱 Why Urban Planning Checks Matter
Málaga has a mix of:
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Urban land (suelo urbano)
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Rural land (suelo rústico)
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Protected land (suelo no urbanizable or protegido)
Even within the same town, rules vary depending on:
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Municipal zoning plans
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Conservation areas
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Agricultural or forest classification
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Coastal development restrictions
💡 A beautiful countryside villa might be legally uninhabitable — or impossible to renovate.
🏡 What We Check in Málaga Properties
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Land classification (urban, rustic, protected)
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Licencia de primera ocupación (first occupancy license)
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Building permits for all constructed areas
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Renovation or extension legality
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Compliance with the local PGOU (Plan General de Ordenación Urbana)
✅ These checks ensure the property is legally built and can be lived in or rented.
🚫 Common Urban Planning Risks in Málaga
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Illegal extensions or swimming pools
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Rural homes built without proper licenses
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Garages or guesthouses registered as “agricultural” use
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Homes on land where no construction is allowed
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Missing or outdated occupancy certificates
Such issues can prevent:
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Getting a mortgage
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Renting the property legally
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Registering it in your name
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Selling it later
🛠️ Can These Problems Be Fixed?
Sometimes — but not always.
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Minor issues can be legalized with new permits
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Serious violations may require demolition or fines
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Protected zones often cannot be modified at all
✅ We assess the risk and tell you what’s fixable and what isn’t before you buy.
💼 Our Legal Service for Urban Planning Checks
At Borderless Lawyers, we:
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Request zoning reports from Málaga’s local planning departments
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Review land use permissions and historic permits
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Identify illegal builds or zoning mismatches
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Advise you on legal solutions before purchase
💬 Final Word
Skipping urban planning and land legality checks in Málaga is one of the most expensive mistakes foreign buyers make. The notary will not verify this for you.
At Borderless Lawyers, we make sure the property you’re buying is fully legal, safe to own, and ready for future use — no hidden surprises.
📞 Contact us before you sign any contract to confirm the property is legally approved.