Klic Arquitectos is the Málaga architecture practice specialising in horizontal division and segregation projects for homes on the Costa del Sol. Dividing an existing house into two independent homes is a technical and legal process that requires an architect’s project and a municipal permit.
Is it legal to divide a house into two homes?
Yes, it is possible in most cases, but it requires the building to meet a series of planning and technical requirements. In Andalusia, the general regulations allow the division of homes provided that each resulting unit has a minimum habitable floor area (normally between 25 and 40 m² depending on the municipality), independent access, and complies with the habitability requirements of Andalusian Decree 149/2006.
Requirements for dividing a house in Andalusia
For the division to be feasible, each resulting home must have: a minimum habitable floor area according to the municipality’s General Plan (25-40 m²), independent access to the outside or to communal areas, a minimum clear height of 2.50 m over at least 75% of the floor area, direct natural ventilation and daylight in the main rooms, and its own kitchen and bathroom.
Steps to divide an existing house
1. Planning enquiry: ask the town hall for a preliminary report confirming that the house and the plot meet the conditions of the PGOU. 2. Technical project: the architect prepares the horizontal division project with the new layout, the drawings of each home and the habitability report. 3. Building permit: applied for at the town hall together with the project. The decision takes between 1 and 6 months. 4. Execution of works: physical separation of the two units (partitions, independent services, accesses). 5. Certificate of completion: the architect certifies that the works have been carried out according to the project. 6. Notarial horizontal division: public deed dividing the property into two independent registered properties. 7. Land Registry: registration of the two new homes.
How much does it cost to divide a house into two flats?
The total cost of dividing a house includes: the architect’s technical project (1,500-5,000 EUR), municipal permit fees (variable, 0.5-2% of the construction budget), physical separation works (5,000-25,000 EUR depending on complexity), notary and registry costs (1,500-3,000 EUR). The total can range between 10,000 EUR and 35,000 EUR for a standard home.
At Klic Arquitectos we manage the whole horizontal division process in Málaga and on the Costa del Sol: from the planning enquiry to registration at the Land Registry, with fixed fees and no surprises.
