
What to expect when renovating in Valencia
An honest guide to the practical, emotional and logistical realities of starting a home renovation in Valencia.
Read articleThree essential reads plus 75 practical guides on renovating, buying and selling in Valencia. One journal, organised around your next step.
78 articles · 3 featured reads + 75 guides
Three candid articles about renovation realities, the risks of self-managed projects and what to check before buying a home.

An honest guide to the practical, emotional and logistical realities of starting a home renovation in Valencia.
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Why renovations without clear project management often cost more time, more money and more energy than people expect.
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A practical checklist for buyers: what matters beyond a beautiful flat and an attractive asking price.
Read article25 practical guides to budgets, schedules, materials and project management.

Break down demolition, electrical and plumbing work, kitchens, bathrooms and finishes. Compare light updates with full refurbishment.
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Define your priorities and limits before design begins. Assess the property and any technical restrictions.
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Separate design, permits and building work. Allow for material lead times and contractor schedules.
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Inspect existing services and damp before starting. Compare the scope of quotes rather than price alone.
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Look at the roof, façade and communal areas. Investigate the wiring, plumbing and damp before cosmetic work.
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Define the actual works before selecting a municipal procedure. Check whether the building is protected.
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Compare the purchase price, taxes and works together. Consider your available time and appetite for disruption.
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Agree on one main point of contact and a reporting rhythm. Record decisions and changes in writing.
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Request comparable measurements and specifications. Look for exclusions and clarify applicable taxes.
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Map both the existing and desired layouts. Group costs by room, installation and work package.
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Plan movement between sink, hob and storage. Prioritise durable surfaces and ventilation.
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Measure door swings and circulation. Plan waterproofing and ventilation before choosing finishes.
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Remove unnecessary corridors only where feasible. Use ceiling height to add useful storage.
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Identify original floors, joinery and mouldings worth keeping. Improve comfort without losing proportion.
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Check heritage protection and limits on alterations. Consider access for materials and workers.
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Identify traditional details worth preserving. Account for coastal salt, damp and ventilation.
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Identify summer solar heat gain. Consider windows, shutters and shading together.
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Measure quantities and accessibility. Compare phased work with doing the jobs together.
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Ask for a written scope and schedule. Check insurance, responsibilities and change procedures.
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Investigate the property before budgeting. Specify finishes and agree how changes will be approved.
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Choose robust, maintainable finishes. Avoid layouts that make everyday use difficult.
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Separate urgent repairs from cosmetic changes. Calculate costs before assuming a higher sale price.
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Consider cleaning, repair and ageing. Account for strong sun and possible damp.
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Check orientation and actual daylight. Evaluate layout options and glazed internal doors.
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Set objectives and arrange a technical visit. Agree scope, proposal and project reporting.
Read guide25 guides to neighbourhoods, homes, costs and due diligence.

Define your total budget and practical needs. Visit, compare and check documentation.
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Separate your deposit from transaction costs. Confirm the applicable tax for your circumstances and date.
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Compare transport, services and noise. Consider the age and type of each building.
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Prepare identification and an NIE where required. Plan for source-of-funds checks and financing.
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Filter listings using verifiable criteria. Arrange video tours and independent checks.
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Add purchase, taxes and renovation costs. Check what has actually been renewed.
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Inspect the flat and communal areas. Check community charges, planned assessments and property records.
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Compare similar floor areas and conditions. Do not mistake an asking price for a completed sale.
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Understand the deposit arrangement and consequences. Agree deadlines and financing conditions.
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Budget beyond the advertised price. Resolve legal questions before signing anything.
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Compare noise and street uses at different times. Assess the condition of historic buildings.
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Investigate previous works and permissions. Check for damp and roof problems.
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Consider coastal salt and maintenance. Check transport and services outside summer.
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Start with daily journeys. Compare older housing with newer developments.
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Measure door-to-door travel time. Check everyday services near each property.
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Consider stairs and accessibility. Budget for terrace and roof maintenance.
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Estimate savings and a post-purchase cash buffer. Ask about indicative pre-approval.
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Request up-to-date land registry information. Compare recorded area and use with Catastro.
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Consult current official risk maps. Pay attention to basements, access and ground floors.
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Add community fees, IBI and utilities. Allow for maintenance and extraordinary assessments.
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Combine acquisition and works budgets. Include professional fees, permits and contingency.
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Use the same checklist for each property. Photograph details with permission.
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Decide between personal use and rental income. Check rules relevant to your intended tenancy.
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Distinguish in-person steps from those that allow representation. Verify identity and powers with a notary.
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Agree the search brief and criteria. Shortlist and visit properties based on priorities.
Read guide25 guides to preparing, pricing and marketing your property.

Gather documents before advertising. Set a price using relevant comparable properties.
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Compare genuinely similar properties. Adjust for condition, floor level and building.
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Separate municipal capital gains tax from personal taxation. Check any mortgage settlement.
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Prepare the property before listing. Use clear photos and a verifiable description.
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Prioritise defects that discourage viewings. Compare improvement costs with sale scenarios.
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Avoid poor listing photos. Explain the property condition and running costs.
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Check ownership and charges. Prepare information about the owners’ community and IBI.
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Arrange a power of attorney if necessary. Coordinate originals, signatures and payments.
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Clear clutter and clean thoroughly. Fix visible defects and improve the light.
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Review the price against comparable properties. Assess the listing and viewing feedback.
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Confirm the inheritance and registered ownership. Resolve agreement among co-owners.
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Request the outstanding balance and debt certificate. Coordinate settlement and registry cancellation.
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Simplify furniture and layout. Improve lighting and make minor repairs.
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Prepare rooms before the shoot. Show natural light and honest proportions.
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Describe condition and repairs precisely. Gather records of earlier works.
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Document original features. Show the property’s genuine street setting and light.
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Explain architectural character and heritage status. Prepare community and maintenance information.
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Photograph façades and details honestly. Explain damp and roof condition.
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Compare the sense of scale and warmth. Remove furniture that blocks circulation.
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Assess buyer solvency as well as the offer. Compare deadlines and conditions.
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Prepare easy-to-review documents. Offer clear information in a language buyers understand.
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Check the certificate and registration. Display the label where advertising rules require it.
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Compare time commitments and responsibilities. Review agreed services and fees.
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Review the tenancy agreement and applicable rules. Respect tenant rights and required notices.
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Start with the owner’s objectives. Plan presentation and a transparent marketing process.
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