Renovating a home in Cantabria is an excellent opportunity to improve comfort, energy efficiency and the value of your property—especially in such a privileged natural and architectural environment. Whether you’re restoring a rural stone cottage in the mountains or modernising an old house near the coast, this guide will walk you through the entire process step by step.
This article covers everything you need to know: planning, permits, costs, energy improvements, and the grants available in Spain for 2025. If you’re a foreigner considering buying or renovating a house in Cantabria, read on to avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your investment.
What does it mean to renovate a house in Spain?
Renovating (or rehabilitating) a house in Spain refers to carrying out significant works to improve a building’s structure, energy performance, interior comfort, or appearance. In Cantabria, many homes are over 40 years old and require updates to meet current standards.
The renovation might include:
Upgrading electricity, plumbing, heating
Reinforcing structure or roof
Improving insulation and installing efficient windows
Redesigning interior layouts for modern living
Preserving architectural character
Why renovate a house in Cantabria?
Here’s why it’s worth considering:
High potential of old buildings: Many rural or coastal homes can double in value after a smart renovation.
Unique charm: Stone walls, wooden beams and traditional details worth preserving.
Energy savings: Reduce bills and carbon emissions with proper insulation and ventilation.
Grants available: The Spanish and EU governments offer substantial incentives for sustainable renovations.
Beautiful setting: From the green mountains of the Pas valleys to coastal towns like Comillas, Santander or Laredo.
👉 Related resource: Spain’s Rural Housing Recovery Strategy – IDAE
Step-by-step process to renovate a house in Cantabria
1. Technical assessment and property analysis
Before you buy or start any renovation, hire an architect or technician to evaluate:
Structure and foundations
Humidity issues or cracks
Condition of roof, façade, floors, beams
State of installations (electricity, plumbing)
Urban planning conditions and building restrictions
This preliminary report can save you thousands in unexpected repairs.
2. Define your renovation goals
Clarify your priorities:
Energy efficiency?
Interior comfort and layout?
Structural safety?
Keeping the original charm?
Budget optimisation?
You can do:
A basic interior refurbishment
Structural consolidation
Energy rehabilitation
Full renovation (including design, materials, and building systems)
3. Project design and permits
In Spain, any major work requires an architect to draft a renovation project and apply for permits.
Two main types of building licences in Cantabria:
Minor works licence (obra menor): for non-structural interior changes.
Major works licence (obra mayor): for changes to structure, layout, façade, roof, or surface.
If your property is located in protected rural land (suelo rústico) or a heritage village, stricter rules apply.
📎 Planning tool: Cantabria Urban Planning Portal – AUCAN
4. Budget and contractor selection
Once the technical project is done, you can:
Get accurate cost estimates
Request quotes from several contractors
Compare prices, materials and timelines
Sign a contract and start the renovation
💰 Typical cost range:
€600 to €1,200/m², depending on scope, location, materials and finishes.
5. Construction supervision (by architect)
The architect will act as site supervisor to ensure:
All works follow the approved project
Materials meet the expected quality
Contractors respect safety and technical standards
Any surprises are solved on time
📌 Spanish law requires an architect to sign off the end of works for legalisation.
6. Completion, documentation and legalisation
Once works are completed:
Get the final certificate from the architect
Update the property at the Land Registry if needed
Apply for the energy performance certificate
Ensure the property is legally recognised as a dwelling
Grants and subsidies for home renovation in Cantabria (2025)
There are significant public grants available in Spain for residential energy-efficient renovations:
🟩 Next Generation EU Funds – Energy efficiency
Thermal insulation, new windows, efficient heating
Up to 80% of the cost covered
Requires an energy study before and after works
🟩 National Housing Rehabilitation Programme
Includes tax deductions of up to 60% on income tax (IRPF)
Must improve the energy rating of the property
Architect or engineer required
🟩 Accessibility and asbestos removal
Grants for installing lifts, ramps, or removing harmful materials
Focused on making old homes safer and more accessible
📎 Official source: Government of Cantabria – Housing and Renovation
How much does it cost to renovate a house in Cantabria?
| Type of renovation | Approx. cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Basic interior refurbishment | €500 – €700/m² |
| Installations + layout upgrades | €700 – €1,000/m² |
| Full structural and energy rehab | €900 – €1,200/m² |
| Energy improvements only | From €400/m² |
Prices vary depending on access, location, materials, complexity, and rural/urban planning limitations.
Renovating homes in rural or protected areas
In Cantabria, many properties are located in rural land (suelo rústico) or within protected heritage zones. You must:
Maintain the same volume and footprint
Use traditional materials (stone, terracotta tiles, wood)
Respect the existing style and environment
Request authorisation from local council and CROTU
📎 Learn more: Building on rural land in Cantabria
Is it worth renovating an old house in Spain?
✅ Yes, if:
The structure can be preserved
The setting is valuable (views, charm, location)
You plan to live there or rent it long-term
You want to avoid building from scratch
You have a trusted English-speaking architect by your side
Renovation adds comfort, performance, value and personality to your property.
Need help with your renovation?
At Estudio Cantabria, we specialise in full home renovations for foreign clients. We offer:
✔️ Architectural and energy audits
✔️ Permit management
✔️ Construction supervision
✔️ Legalisation and paperwork
✔️ Grant application and support
📞 Contact us and we’ll guide you through every step—from your first visit to the keys in hand.
Final thoughts
Renovating a home in Cantabria is a rewarding project—but it requires planning, knowledge, and the right team. If you’re dreaming of restoring a traditional stone house, or transforming a village dwelling into a peaceful modern retreat.
Let us help you bring your project to life—without the stress.
