In this guide, we explain step by step how to extend your home legally, what requirements you must meet, how much it might cost, and the mistakes you should avoid.

Can you extend a house in the Comunidad Valenciana?

Yes, it is possible to extend a home, but always within the limits set by urban planning regulations. The Law on Land Planning, Urbanism and Landscape (LOTUP) and local ordinances define what can be done.

There are different types of extensions:

• Interior extensions: for example, closing off a terrace to gain more usable space.

• Exterior extensions: adding new rooms, extending the ground floor into the garden, or building another storey.

• Change of use: converting a garage or storage space into a habitable room.

Regulations for extending a home in the Comunidad Valenciana

When you decide to extend your house in the Comunidad Valenciana, several planning factors come into play:

• Type of land

  • Urban land: allows extensions, provided occupation limits, setbacks, and height restrictions are respected.

  • Developable land: requires an approved partial plan and urban services.

  • Rural land: generally does not allow residential extensions, except in limited agricultural or specific cases.

• Building volume and plot coverage: each municipality sets the maximum percentage of a plot that can be built on.

• Maximum height: adding another storey is not always possible.

• Environmental and heritage protection: stricter limits apply in protected areas or near historic assets.

Licences and permits required

To extend homes in the Comunidad Valenciana, you almost always need a major works licence, which requires:

1. Technical project signed by a registered architect.

2. Approval by the Architects’ Association.

3. Payment of municipal fees and taxes, including the ICIO (Construction Tax).

4. Sectoral authorisations, if the property is close to protected land, the coast, or public roads.

Processing time depends on the municipality but usually takes 2–4 months. Starting works without a licence can result in fines or even demolition.

Approximate costs of extending a home

The cost of an extension depends on the size, materials, and complexity. As a guide:

• Technical project and site management: 7–12% of the budget.

• Municipal fees and licences: around 4% of the cost.

• Construction: €900–€1,400 per m² depending on finishes.

• Example: extending 25 m² with average finishes costs between €30,000 and €45,000, including permits and professional fees.

Practical tips before extending your home in the Comunidad Valenciana

• Always check with your town hall.

• Request a municipal planning report for your plot.

• Work with an architect from the beginning.

• Ask for several construction quotes to compare.

• Reserve at least 10% extra for unforeseen costs.

• Take the opportunity to improve energy efficiency and installations.

Common mistakes when extending homes

• Assuming an extension can be legalised afterwards.

• Starting work without a municipal licence.

• Ignoring maximum heights or required setbacks.

• Choosing a builder only for their low price, without considering experience.

Our opinion

Extending your home in the Comunidad Valenciana is an excellent opportunity to enjoy more space and increase property value. But it must be done legally, with the support of an architect and in line with current regulations.

At La Quinta Fachada Architecture, we guide our clients through the whole process: from initial planning queries to the design of the project and execution of the works. If you are considering extending your home, we can help you do it legally, safely, and with a design tailored to your needs.

La entrada Extending your home in the Comunidad Valenciana legally: complete guide 2025 se publicó primero en La Quinta Fachada: Arquitecto en Costa Blanca, Alicante y Valencia.