Why Urban Planning Matters When Buying Property in Alicante

In Alicante — especially near the coast or in rural inland areas — not all properties are legally built.
Failing to check zoning and planning compliance can lead to:

  • Fines or demolition orders

  • Inability to renovate or expand

  • Legal delays at the notary

  • Denied permits or utility connections

That’s why we conduct urbanismo checks on every property purchase for our clients.


📋 What We Check Before You Sign


✅ 1. Zoning Classification (Clasificación del Suelo)

Every plot in Alicante is classified as:

  • Urbano (urban): Fully developed, building allowed

  • Urbanizable (developable): May be buildable in future

  • Rústico / No Urbanizable (rural/non-developable): Strictly limited

We verify the current zoning status with the local planning office and Cadastre.


✅ 2. Building License (Licencia de Obra)

We confirm whether:

  • The home was built with a valid municipal license

  • Any extensions (pools, terraces, garages) were authorized

  • There’s a Final de Obra (completion certificate)

🚩 Many rural homes were built without full approval — this can create serious issues at resale or when applying for utilities.


✅ 3. Occupancy Certificate (Cédula de Habitabilidad)

Required to prove a home is legally habitable and:

  • Allows connection to utilities (electricity, water)

  • Is needed for sales, rentals, and tourist licenses

We check its existence and validity, and advise on renewal if needed.


✅ 4. Protected Land (Protección Territorial)

In Alicante and wider Valencia region, some land is protected for:

  • Environmental reasons (forests, flood zones)

  • Coastal preservation (law of the coast – Ley de Costas)

  • Historic or archaeological protection

We consult the Generalitat Valenciana’s urban databases to confirm no restrictions apply to your target property.


✅ 5. Coastal Law Compliance (Ley de Costas)

If you’re buying near the sea:

  • We verify that the home is not within the public maritime domain

  • Ensure any setback or buffer zone rules are respected

  • Confirm no demolition risk or public use claims apply

🌊 Coastal homes may look legal — but a deep planning check is essential.


✅ 6. Existing Fines or Legal Proceedings

We check if:

  • The Town Hall has imposed sanctions or fines

  • The property is involved in legal disputes

  • Any “expedientes urbanísticos” (planning files) are open

⚠️ Unpaid fines may transfer to the new buyer unless caught early.


✅ 7. Renovation or Expansion Rights

Want to add a pool, extra floor, or terrace?

We assess:

  • Whether expansion is legally allowed

  • Maximum buildable surface (edificabilidad)

  • Whether a license would be granted

We help prepare permit applications and consult directly with architects and planners.


🧑‍⚖️ Why Work with Borderless Lawyers in Alicante?

  • We work directly with Alicante urban planning authorities

  • Full written reports in English with zoning status, risks, and legal solutions

  • Fixed-fee legal packages that include full planning checks

  • We handle all communication with Town Halls and registry offices

  • Experience with rural, coastal, urban, and off-plan homes


💬 Common Urban Issues We Flag

  • Rural villas without any building license

  • Pools or sheds added illegally

  • Coastal homes within the 100-meter restricted zone

  • Homes built on protected agricultural land

  • Old homes with no habitability or energy certificate

We let you know before you sign or pay anything.


📞 Protect Your Alicante Property Investment — Know the Zoning First

Let us check the urban planning status and protect your rights — whether you’re buying a new villa, a countryside finca, or a beachside apartment.

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