Spain housing: Interest in self-construction rises amid crisis

Interest in self-construction is rising in Spain as a potential response to the housing crisis. According to the IV Observatory on Housing and Sustainability from Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios (UCI), 42% of Spaniards have considered building their own homes, with 52% of those aged 25 to 34 having contemplated this route.

Despite the appeal of customizing homes and potentially reducing costs, significant obstacles remain. These include navigating urban planning regulations, securing building licenses, managing connections to public networks, and coordinating various professionals. Even modular or prefabricated homes must comply with local zoning laws.

In addition to new construction, there is a focus on optimizing existing spaces. For smaller properties, such as 55-square-meter apartments, decorative and functional projects can provide a facelift without the need for major structural works or debris.