Imagine you find the perfect plot of land, with stunning views, a good price and an unbeatable location. Before letting yourself get carried away by excitement, there is one essential question: is that land buildable?
Not all plots are. If you buy without checking, you could end up with a parcel that you cannot develop as you had planned. Below we explain, step by step, how to verify whether land can be built on and which documents you should review to avoid surprises.
What does it mean for land to be buildable?
Land is buildable when regulations allow construction on it, for example, a house, a building, or a warehouse, and it meets the required urban planning and technical standards. It is not enough that it is empty or appears suitable: it is necessary to check the municipal planning, the land registry, and the technical documentation to confirm the permitted use and conditions (occupancy, height, floor area ratio, easements, etc.).
Difference between developable, urban, and rural land:
- Developable land: The municipal plan designates it as suitable for development but it is not yet urbanized. It can host constructions once urbanization works are carried out and the procedures and projects set out in the plan are completed (parceling, infrastructure, transfers).
- Urban land (buildable): Already part of the urban core, has services (roads, water, sewage, electricity), and can normally be built on immediately according to the current plan.
- Rural or non-developable land: Intended for agricultural, forestry, livestock, or environmental protection uses. In most cases, construction is not allowed. There are very specific exceptions subject to regulations.
Technical and legal aspects that affect the possibility of building
Cadastral and registry review
The first step before considering construction is to identify the parcel precisely. It is advisable to check two key sources:
- Cadastre: Provides information about area, exact location, and assigned land use.
- Land Registry: Allows verification that the land is free of liens, mortgages, or legal restrictions.
Practical tip: always request a simple registry note. This document confirms whether the owner has the legal capacity to sell the land and reveals possible restrictions that could affect construction.
Access to basic services: water, electricity, and sewage
Even if land is legally buildable, the absence of essential infrastructure can complicate and significantly increase project costs. If it is not connected to the public network, you will need to bear installation costs, which can be high.
Before buying, verify that the parcel has:
- Available electricity supply.
- Potable water access.
- Sewage or drainage system.
- Road access.
Key tools to confirm buildability
To avoid surprises, it is recommended to rely on documents and studies that provide legal and technical security:
- Urban planning certificate: Issued by the City Hall, specifies whether you can build and under what conditions.
- Certificate of urban compatibility: Confirms whether the project you have in mind complies with local regulations.
- Technical studies: Such as geotechnical (land capacity) or topographical (terrain and precise boundaries) studies are highly recommended before purchasing land.
Having this information before purchase will allow you to clearly assess the real feasibility of the land and any additional costs that may arise.
Key steps before buying land
Request preliminary urban planning reports
Before closing any deal, request the official urban planning information for the land. Many municipalities provide it free of charge or for a nominal fee. With it, you can know in advance the real possibilities for building and the legal conditions that apply.
Visit the corresponding City Hall
The municipal urban planning department is the most reliable source to clarify doubts. There you can:
- Verify land classification and permitted uses.
- Check if any partial plan or development project is underway.
- Access local ordinances or specific restrictions affecting the parcel.
Specialized technical and legal advice
Having professionals such as an architect, building engineer, or urban planning lawyer can make a big difference. They will guide you in interpreting reports, help identify potential risks, and give you the assurance that your project is feasible and complies with current regulations.
Common risks when acquiring non-buildable land
Buying without confirming the buildability of a parcel can lead to serious problems:
- Inability to construct any type of building, even a prefabricated house.
- Need to undertake costly urbanization works to provide the land with basic services.
- Risk of administrative penalties or even demolition orders if built without permits.
- Difficulty selling the land in the future if it does not comply with planned urban uses.
Before acquiring land, it is essential to confirm that it is suitable for construction. Check its urban classification, analyze its technical characteristics, request the corresponding official reports, and have the support of specialized professionals.
At Rosesinmo, we help you make decisions with security and confidence.
🔍Are you looking for properties or do you want to sell yours?
Today we have more than 400 properties for sale in Roses and the Costa Brava
We are members of the College of Real Estate Agents of Girona and we are part of the CBRAI Association: more than 33 professional real estate agents at your service, your property will be for sale in the best agencies in Roses and Empuriabrava.
📲📩 Contact us and we will help you with all the documentation.
•INFO & CONTACT•
📩 ventas@roses.net
📞 +34 972 25 79 99
📲 Only Whatsapp