Property News from Spain

When purchasing a home in Spain, it's inevitable that thoughts about renovating the property will arise, particularly if the home is in less than-perfect condition. A complete overhaul isn't always necessary; sometimes, partial renovations can revitalise the space and make it functional without breaking the bank. Whether your property needs a comprehensive upgrade or a minor facelift, understanding what you can achieve within different budget constraints is essential.

Complete Renovation:

For those considering a full renovation of a typical 80-90 square metre home, a budget of around €60,000 should cover most needs, even when using basic materials and finishes. This budget accounts for significant expenses such as replacing plumbing and electrical systems, which are often outdated or in disrepair and require substantial investment.

However, if your property is in better condition or budget constraints exist, a more focused renovation with a smaller budget can still yield impressive results.

Transforming Your Space: 

With a budget of approximately €25,000, you can address several key areas of your home. Consider targeting partial renovations to bring about the most value and usability. Here’s an example of what this budget could achieve:

1. Kitchen Upgrades:

   • New Appliances: Equip your kitchen with modern appliances such as a fridge, dishwasher, hob, microwave, and sink.
   • Cupboard Makeover: Refresh existing cupboards with a coat of paint, updated handles, and new high-quality countertops.

2. Bathroom Improvements:

   • New Fixtures: Replace outdated bathroom furniture and upgrade the toilet for a modern touch.

3. Home-Wide Enhancements:

   • Interior Doors: Install new, high-quality interior doors throughout the home, typically costing around €3,000.
   • Painting: Hiring a professional to repaint your home will give it a fresh, clean look.
   • Flooring: Consider replacing old floors with durable, wood-effect porcelain tiles for a modern and resilient finish.

These upgrades can be achieved for approximately €18,000, leaving a budget for additional practical changes, such as adding built-in wardrobes in the bedrooms.

Insulation and Efficiency

While not as visually exciting, investing €20,000 in insulation and efficiency upgrades will make your home more comfortable and reduce energy costs over time:

1. Windows: Replace all windows in a 70-80 square metre, three-bedroom home for about €12,000.
2. Air Conditioning: Invest in a high-quality air conditioning system, essential for Spain’s hot summers.
3. Flooring: Upgrade flooring to improve insulation and add aesthetic value.
4. Underfloor Heating: If the budget allows, adding underfloor heating can greatly enhance comfort.
5. Additional Finishing Touches: Any leftover budget can be used to refurbish a bathroom or purchase a new sofa, ensuring the living space is as comfortable as it is efficient.

Upgrading with a slightly larger budget: Higher Quality and Structural Changes

A budget of approximately €35,000 allows for higher quality materials and even structural changes. Here’s how this budget could transform your home:

1. Premium Flooring:

   • Wood-Effect Porcelain Tile or Solid Wood: Instead of opting for budget-friendly laminate, higher-end options such as wood-effect porcelain tile or solid wood offer greater durability and aesthetic appeal. Depending on the chosen model, installing porcelain flooring in an 80-square-metre flat can range between €5,500 and €7,000.

2. High-End Kitchen Countertops:

   • Granite or Synthetic Surfaces: Invest in high-end granite countertops or premium synthetic surfaces from brands like Silestone, Dekton (by Cosentino), Techlam (by Levantina) or Neolith.

3. Complete Overhauls:

   • Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations: With this budget, you can consider comprehensive renovations of both the kitchen and bathroom, ensuring these spaces are as functional and modern as possible.
   • Structural Changes: Knock down partition walls to create an open-plan kitchen and living area, improving space and functionality.

Estimating Value Increase and Savings

One interesting tool to consider is a renovation calculator, which can help estimate the increase in your home's value post-renovation based on its type and location. It can also determine potential annual savings on your energy bills, particularly important as Spain’s residential properties are, on average, over 40 years old and contribute significantly to the country’s carbon dioxide emissions. Aligning renovations with goals to reduce environmental impacts could contribute to achieving "energy neutrality" by 2050.

Embarking on a home renovation in Spain, whether you have a budget of €25,000, €35,000, or higher, requires careful planning and thoughtful allocation of resources. By focusing on key areas and considering both aesthetics and efficiency, you can transform your living space into a more beautiful, functional, and sustainable home. Whether it’s upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, enhancing energy efficiency, or making structural changes, every euro invested can help create a space perfectly tailored to your needs and lifestyle.