Legal Advice - Page 2

Building licences for home improvements in Spain are obtained from the local Town Hall and come in two main forms: 

-Minor Works Licence or “obra menor” which covers all minor refurbishments such as refitting your bathroom or kitchen, retiling, painting and any other small works which do not include any structural changes. Most of the usual home improvements would be covered by this type of licence

-Major Works Licence or “obra mayor” which covers more substantial works and those affecting structural nature such as property extensions, remodelling of property layout, building a swimming pool. 

I would just like to say how wonderful it is to see the way people on this forum have responded to this query.  You’re a lovely lot! 

Hi there sorry to hear about your problem, it sounds a lot worse than ours though. We had a problem with a neighbour putting a cheap plastic screen above our 2.3 meter wall to stop his renters looking over into our property as his swimming pool is only 1 meter the other side of the wall. My husband went to the Ayuntamiento to the planning office. They said that party walls have to be agreed if any changes are made. They couldn't do anything but we could have taken out a Denuncia against them. When you come over check with your Ayuntamiento to look at the plans and see what they say. We didn't take it any further, we put up some trellis and have planted buganvillia to climb up the trellis.

When dealing with property issues such as your neighbor's construction, it's essential to consult with a local legal expert or a professional well-versed in Spanish planning laws. Regulations regarding property structures, especially carports or alterations to shared walls, can vary significantly depending on the region or municipality in Spain. Seeking advice from a lawyer or a local authority specializing in land and property laws can provide accurate information and guidance on how to address your concerns in accordance with the specific regulations in your area.