Until not long ago, the change of use of a property to housing was almost anecdotal. However, the evolution of the real estate market has made it a possibility that's increasing in the last years. Despite this, this change is not always possible, and when it is, it requires an entire process that must be known.
Reasons for the rise in the change of use to housing
There are several reasons to change the use of a property to housing. Firstly, there is a housing shortage, especially in large cities. The real estate stock does not grow at the same rate as demand, which makes it necessary to look for other alternatives.
Another reason has to do with the prices. This insufficient housing supply has provoked the prices not to drop despite the economic situation. High interest rates have not led to a drastic cooling of the market, and the search for cheaper alternatives has meant a rise in this trend.
Thirdly, we must consider the revaluation of the property that changes use. Once converted into a home, it can multiply its price in the real estate market.
Change of use to housing: what it is and how to do it
The change of use to housing is the transformation of the nature of a property. The usual thing is that they are premises that get converted into homes. This type of property offers a solution where it is most difficult to find housing: in the centre of cities.
However, this change is also feasible in properties dedicated to storage, offices, hotels, industries, educational centres or buildings of any use.
Steps and requirements to change the use of a property
The change of use to housing requires a series of procedures. Following them is essential to be able to legalize it.
• The previous step is to check that the area is developable and that the General Urban Planning Plan allows the modification. The city council may request a certificate of urban compatibility.
• If it is a property within a building, the permission of the homeowners' association is required.
• The upcoming home will comply with what the Technical Building Code and municipal regulations consider minimum habitable conditions. In this sense, we must assess some elements:
◦ Minimum dimensions: they may vary from one municipality to another.
◦ Height: minimum of 2.5 metres in general and 2.2 metres in passage areas.
◦ Health standards: the property must have at least one façade open to the outside that allows ventilation and light entry.
◦ Other conditions: layout that allows having space for the living and dining room, bathroom and kitchen and proper accessibility.
• If all of the above are met, a viability study will be carried out by a competent technician, and the corresponding licenses will be requested from the city council.
Only after these steps can the reform begin to make the change of use a reality. The last step will be legalization: change of deeds, modification in the Cadastre, registration in the Property Registry and application for a first occupation license.
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