Renovating a home in Barcelona: regulations, permits, and best practices

Are you looking to buy a home or apartment to renovate in Barcelona? Whether it is a flat in a Gothic-style building in the Eixample district or a detached house in Horta or Sarrià, this real estate venture is a real opportunity to enhance comfort, improve energy efficiency, and increase the property's market value.

Barcelona is unique, and like any major city with a long history, it has architectural and historical features that must be respected when undertaking renovation work. Each intervention must comply with local regulations, heritage conservation constraints, and sometimes adapt to old and complex building structures.

Here is everything you need to know if you plan to renovate a property in the city—and all the steps to ensure your project is a success.
 

1. Restoring and enhancing existing buildings
2. Change of use: adapting spaces to new realities in Barcelona
3. Habitability certificate: an essential requirement
4. Energy Performance Certificate: More Than a Formality
5. Expert report: the foundation for making informed decisions
6. ITE: a guarantee of safety and architectural heritage conservation
7. Permits, certificates, and inspections: keys to legal compliance
8. How to obtain a building permit
 

1. Restoring and enhancing existing buildings

 

Barcelona’s architectural heritage is diverse and often deteriorated by time. Renovating does not simply mean repairing—it means restoring a building’s function, beauty, and efficiency.

Typical renovation work includes reinforcing floors, roofs, or load-bearing walls; upgrading electrical and plumbing systems; and improving accessibility with ramps, elevators, and adapted bathrooms.

Note: If you are renovating an old home in Barcelona, you may be eligible for public grants and subsidies, particularly for energy-efficiency upgrades.
 

2. Change of use: adapting spaces to new realities in Barcelona

 

One of the most common urban interventions in Barcelona is change of use—converting a commercial space into a home or turning an old office into a livable area. This process requires:

• Urban feasibility study: It is essential to confirm that local planning regulations allow the change.
• Compliance with technical standards: Homes must have adequate ventilation, lighting, hygiene conditions, and minimum surface area.
• Approved technical project: This must be prepared by an architect and submitted to the City Council for approval.

This type of intervention helps revitalize unused spaces and adapt them to current needs but must always be carried out rigorously.

3. Habitability certificate: an essential requirement

 

The habitability certificate proves that a dwelling meets the minimum conditions for occupancy. It is mandatory for renting or selling a property, and to contract basic utilities.

To obtain it, a technical visit must be carried out to verify the living area, ventilation, installations (electricity and water), and the property’s general condition. A technical report is then submitted to the Agència de l'Habitatge de Catalunya (Catalonia's Housing Agency).

Without this certificate, using the property as a residence is illegal.
 

4. Energy performance certificate: more than a formality

 

The Energy Performance Certificate (CEE) is required for all sales and rentals. Beyond its legal requirement, it provides key architectural insights:

• Conducting a thermal study of the property.
• Proposing concrete improvements, such as insulation, window upgrades, or efficient systems.
• Reducing energy consumption and, consequently, long-term costs.

A quality renovation should always consider a building's energy performance. The City of Barcelona encourages energy-efficient renovations with grants of up to €6,000 and incentives to use sustainable materials.
 

5. Expert report: the foundation for making informed decisions

 

If there are construction issues, structural defects, or technical disputes, an expert report prepared by an architect is essential.

Following an on-site inspection, the report provides a professional diagnosis for technical and legal decisions and can serve as key evidence in court or mediation.

6. ITE: a guarantee of safety and architectural heritage conservation

 

In Barcelona, buildings over 45 years old must undergo a Technical Building Inspection (ITE – Inspección Técnica de Edificios). This ensures the structural and constructive safety of the building.

Architects inspect:

• Façades, roofs, foundations, shared installations…
• Assess whether the building is fit for use or requires renovation.
• Issue the relevant technical report and certificate.

This report is required to obtain the certificate of aptitude issued by the Generalitat (Catalan government).

7. Permits, certificates, and inspections: keys to legal compliance

 

Any work on a home must be supported by the necessary permits and authorizations, including:

• Permits for major or minor works.
• A completion certificate signed by an architect.
• Urban or environmental authorizations, as required.

An experienced architectural firm manages and coordinates the entire administrative process, avoiding delays and fines.
 

8. How to obtain a building permit

 

Every renovation project starts with applying for a building permit at the City Council. The key steps include:

• Drafting the technical project, justifying the planned interventions.
• Submitting a complete file, including plans, budget, and a safety study.
• Following the administrative resolution process, including potential requests for additional documentation.

A skilled technical office can help reduce processing times and ensure all documentation is correctly submitted.

Renovating a home in Barcelona is not just about painting walls or rearranging spaces. It is a technical, legal, and functional process requiring planning, regulatory knowledge, and professional oversight. By working with a leading firm like Arquitectos Barcelona, you benefit from a comprehensive approach from initial feasibility to final delivery of a legal, efficient, and renovated property.

To find out more about buying property in Spain, take a look at our other articles on the subject:

Becoming a property owner in Spain, things to know 
The role of a notary in real estate transaction in Spain 
Warranties and insurance for new homes in Spain 
Useful tips for buying off-plan in Spain
Buying a house in Spain: the list of required documents