Before buying any property in Madrid — especially as a foreigner — you must verify that the property is legally built, correctly zoned, and compliant with local regulations. These urban planning checks are essential to avoid fines, future demolition orders, or denial of building permits.
At Borderless Lawyers, we conduct full legal checks for every foreign buyer to ensure your investment is legally secure.
🔍 What Are Urban Planning Checks?
These are legal and technical verifications that confirm:
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The property is built according to urban planning law
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It matches the zoning rules of the Ayuntamiento de Madrid (City Hall)
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There are no pending fines, sanctions, or demolition orders
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It is suitable for residential use
💡 These checks go beyond title ownership — and are often skipped by agents or buyers acting alone.
🧾 What Specific Documents Are Reviewed?
Our legal team requests and analyzes:
| Document / Registry | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Nota Simple (Land Registry extract) | Confirms title, size, debts |
| Cadastral File (Catastro) | Confirms physical description, location |
| Urban Planning Certificate (Informe Urbanístico) | Confirms build legality, zoning rules |
| Occupancy License (Licencia de Primera Ocupación) | Required for legal use as housing |
| Building Permit / Final Works Cert. | Ensures construction was authorized |
🚫 What Risks Are Common in Madrid?
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Illegal renovations without building permits
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Properties built on non-residential or protected land
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Homes without an occupancy certificate, blocking utilities or rentals
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Mismatches between the Land Registry and Cadastre
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Historical buildings with preservation restrictions
These issues are especially common in:
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Older neighborhoods (Lavapiés, Malasaña, Chamberí)
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Rural properties in Madrid’s outskirts
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Mixed-use buildings with unclear zoning
⚠️ Can I Be Fined or Blocked from Using the Property?
Yes. If a property violates Madrid’s urban planning laws:
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You may be fined by local authorities
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You may be denied rental or tourist licenses
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You may be forced to legalize or demolish unauthorized construction
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Utility companies may refuse connection without the right permits
🛡️ How Borderless Lawyers Protects You
We verify every planning issue before you sign any contract, including:
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Requesting the urban planning report from Madrid’s Ayuntamiento
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Confirming there are no sanctions or open inspections
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Comparing Land Registry vs Catastro for discrepancies
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Verifying that the built size and use match reality
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Ensuring the property can be legally registered in your name
All findings are shared with you in plain English.
🧑⚖️ What If I’m Buying Off-Plan or New-Build?
In these cases, we:
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Confirm the building license has been issued
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Verify the declaration of new construction (obra nueva)
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Ensure the builder is authorized to sign individual deeds
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Check developer’s compliance with Madrid regional housing law
📋 Summary: Urban Planning Checklist for Foreign Buyers
✅ Before signing, make sure:
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The property is correctly zoned and registered
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All building works are licensed and legal
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There’s an occupancy certificate
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There are no pending infractions or embargoes
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Land Registry and Catastro match reality
💬 Final Word
Urban planning checks are not optional. They are the only way to confirm your Madrid property is legal, habitable, and safe from future legal problems.
At Borderless Lawyers, we:
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Run full legal and urban planning checks
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Translate complex reports into clear advice
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Prevent costly surprises for foreign buyers
📞 Contact us now for a full urban planning review before you sign any document in Madrid.