Buying a Property in Ibiza

Streamlining and Reduction of Administrative Burdens in Matters of Habitability and Urbanism in Ibiza

Today I would like to talk to you about the modifications the Consell de Ibiza introduced regarding the streamlining and reduction of administrative burdens in habitability, urbanism, and patrimony.

They have also made changes in the management of the agroestancias and the commercialization of rooms in casas payesas with specific requirements. However, we will not talk about the latter here since it is currently on hold due to the moratorium of the Balearic Government.

1. Habitability: suppression of habitability certificates of first occupancy

First of all, I will explain the modification that has had the greatest impact: the suppression of the certificates of habitability of first occupation. A procedure that was considered unnecessary by many associations and professional associations in the sector, such as the Architects’ Association, has been eliminated.

In a new building, once the Certificate of Completion of Works (CFO) has been obtained from the Town Hall, it is perfectly demonstrated that the building meets the conditions of habitability required by the current regulations since, otherwise, the CFO would not have been obtained by the Town Hall. Therefore, the requirement of the additional certificate of habitability of first occupation was a double procedure that did not contribute to the acceleration of the process but quite the opposite. 

From now on, only with this CFO from the Town Hall will it be possible to contract the supplies for the dwelling and all the necessary services.

2. Urban planning: elimination of the obligation to request an urban planning license to carry out works in some instances

The second modification that concerns us is the suppression of the obligation to request an urban planning license to carry out reform, rehabilitation, and consolidation works, as long as the urban planning parameters are not modified (in common rustic land).

This does not mean that an owner of a house on common rustic land can tear it down and rebuild it in its entirety without requesting a license; it means that if this same owner wants to renovate his house by changing the enclosures, for example, renovate the bathrooms and kitchen or, perhaps, install solar panels on the roof to improve the energy efficiency of his house, he can do so without having to request a license. You must, however, notify the Town Hall, using a previous communication, that you are going to carry out these works. But you will be able to start them immediately after having made this prior communication, which is the main change that speeds up the process.

And what are the urban parameters? You may ask. Well, they are the concepts that regulate certain aspects of a house, according to the place where it is located: buildability, occupation, height, facades, floors, roof, setbacks, etc. That is to say, if an owner of a house in common rustic land would want to make an extension or add a bedroom, for example, then he would have to ask for a building permit since there he would be modifying urban parameters. 

More measures have been included in these modifications related to the management of archaeological remains, for example, which we will not go into here either since they are not so closely related to our sector.

Here is the official link with the full content of the measures adopted: 

https://intranet.caib.es/eboibfront/es/2022/11587/662378/reglamento-insular-de-ibiza-de-supresion-y-reducci

For any questions, do not hesitate to contact me through our website or our social networks. 

See you next time!