For a developer, the biggest risk lies not in the construction but in the land. Buying a plot without knowing exactly what and how much can be built can turn a good opportunity into a problem. Before signing, it pays to commission a feasibility and buildable-area study. This is what an architect looks at.
What planning rules say about your plot
Planning rules (the PGOU, or municipal master plan, and local by-laws) set the permitted use, the buildable area (how many square metres can be built), the site coverage, heights, setbacks and required parking spaces. Two plots of the same size can allow very different schemes. That is the first factor that changes the price you are prepared to pay.
From square metres to units
Buildable area on paper is one thing; the saleable units and their quality are another. A preliminary study translates the planning parameters into an outline capacity scheme: how many homes or keys fit, with what floor areas, what mix and what communal areas. That is where the real profitability of the deal becomes clear, before you commit capital.
The hidden costs of land
Topography and slope, ground conditions, easements, statutory restrictions, land cessions or outstanding infrastructure works can make a development far more expensive. Spotting them before you buy avoids surprises: sometimes “cheap” land turns out to be expensive once you add what it costs to make it buildable.
How we do it at Klic Arquitectos
We prepare feasibility and buildable-area studies for developers on the Costa del Sol, with a particular focus on areas with growth potential such as Mijas, where there is both land and demand. We give you a clear picture of what can be built and how the numbers stack up, so that you can make an informed decision on the purchase.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know how much I can build on a plot?
It is determined by the planning rules (buildable area, site coverage, heights, uses). An architect interprets them and translates them into an outline capacity scheme showing the actual units that fit.
Is a feasibility study worth it before buying land?
Yes. It is the investment that stops you buying land that does not deliver. It translates planning parameters into saleable units and identifies hidden costs before you sign.
What hidden costs can land have?
Slope and earthworks, ground conditions, easements, land cessions or outstanding infrastructure works. These should be assessed before the purchase so you know the real cost of making the land buildable.
Thinking of buying land?
At Klic Arquitectos we analyse feasibility and buildable area for developers on the Costa del Sol. Tell us about it in an initial, no-obligation call.
