Change of use of a store to a residence

The growing demand for housing, along with rising market and rental prices, has led many interested parties to acquire commercial properties—such as shops and offices—with the aim of converting them into residences. This process can be a more economical option than buying a home outright, especially when you factor in the favorable real estate market provisions for obtaining a Golden Visa, which encourage the conversion of commercial properties into long-term rental residences.

Necessary Steps for Converting Commercial Spaces into Residential Properties

The conversion of commercial premises into residential properties involves both urban planning and urban development aspects. In terms of urban planning, the change of use of shops or offices can be carried out either by issuing a small-scale permit for the required work or by obtaining a regular building permit that includes all the actions required for the change of use. In any case, if the budget for the work exceeds €25,000, a full building permit is required.

From a civil law perspective, most commercial spaces, such as ground floor shops and offices, have a shop window, which needs to be modified in order to be converted into a residence. In such cases, the consent of the building’s co-owners is required, in accordance with the apartment building regulations. Alternatively, metal elements can be installed to conceal the facade and ensure privacy without removing the shop window. However, some buildings have explicit prohibitions on any change of use, which require broad consensus or even full acceptance by the co-owners.

Legal & Urban Planning Safeguards

It is important to note that the above applies only to main use spaces, which have been included in the building coefficient. If someone purchases an auxiliary space, such as a basement, which has not been included in the coefficient, then it cannot be converted into a legal residence.

Final Recommendations for Stakeholders

Working with specialized engineers and legal advisors is essential to ensure the legality of each step, especially if the intention is to convert commercial spaces into residences. Timely and friendly communication with the building manager can contribute to the smooth running of the process and prevent potential disagreements.