Once the first part of our series of articles has created a gratifying 
interest, we are pleased that you are interested in the second part. 
So welcome back to read about our new themes. This time we talk 
about purchasing a plot of land outside a town..

First it might seem somewhat disappointing and even annoying, but it is 
a fact: construction of houses outside a town in Spain is against the law 
unless the building construction is directly related to employment in 
agriculture or forestry. 
However, in some “Comunidades” restricted 
exceptions are existing which can be applied to the construction of 
residential buildings. In these cases, a minimum size of the plot is 
required. In Valencia currently it is a minimum of 10.000. In Catalonia 
it is much more recommendable to buy a finca with a house and to 
reconstruct the house. 

Unfortunately this does not automatically mean that the construction of a 
house is allowed if the respective plot is big enough. As in other countries, 
here in Spain nature reservations and other protected areas are existing in 
which the construction of buildings -independent of all exceptions- is not 
permitted. In Catalonia new buildings are often not approved, even if they 
are not situated in a protected area.
Even more caution is required at shorelines at the sea, at rivers or dry 
rivers (barrancos), because in that areas the Spanish government 
reserves special rights for itself. 

When you find a property outside a town where you like to build a house,
it is strongly recommended to discuss with the town´s architect about if 
and how construction of a house is permitted. Only after that you should 
decide for buying the plot.

The main themes that should be clarified at the 
meeting with the town´s achitect are:

>  The general permission for constructing a house 

>  How may (must) the drinking water supply take place?
     >  water from town 
     >  water share
     >  well water
     >  Cistern

>  What are the legal requirements for the sewage disposal to be followed?
     >  Do you need to connect your house to the municipality disposal 
        facilities
     >  Do you need a separate container (fosa septica)?

>  Energy: Electricity
     >  can you connect to the mains or
     >  do you need a separate power supply (solar / wind energy)?


>  Energy: Gas
     >  Is there a gas line or
     >  do you to provide yourself over gas supplies
        (bottles / own gas tank)

>  How are the regulations for waste disposal?

One can see that it´s not only necessary  to take care and fulfill the 
regulations; the clarification of these questions is important to get an 
idea about the extra costs. Because these questions make visible if and 
how far the plot is developed. With this knowledge it can be discussed 
whether some development costs are left and about the height of these 
costs to be expected.

Finally, one important tip: Make sure that you will be registered as owner 
in the land register. Choose a notary who talk a language that you talk 
preferably perfect.

We say goodbye now until the next edition and we thank you very much for 
your interest. Until then we wish you a whale of time.

Your team of architects, the consultants for 
everything  that is connected to buildings and building construction.