{"id":11193,"date":"2026-03-19T18:31:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T18:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/construction-legalisation-balearic-islands\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T18:31:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T18:31:17","slug":"construction-legalisation-balearic-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/construction-legalisation-balearic-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"Construction, planning permissions and sustainable design: current architecture trends in the Balearic Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_11171\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11171\" class=\"wp-image-11171 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Foto-Blog-Dylsi-7-brenda-redonda-MINI-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda Mendes Da Silva, Saudade Design\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-11171\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Brenda Mendes Da Silva, Saudade Design<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The construction sector in the Balearic Islands is experiencing a significant transformation. New legislative changes, stricter environmental regulations, and an influx of international property owners present both challenges and opportunities. To better understand this evolving landscape, we spoke to <strong>Brenda Mendes Da Silva<\/strong>, architect and co-founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/saudadedesign.com\/es\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Saudade Design<\/a> Studio, a firm <strong>specialising in holistic, sustainable, and tailored projects<\/strong> in the Balearic Islands.  <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11165 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto2.jpg\" alt=\"Saudade Design sustainable construction \" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto2.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto2-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto2-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1280px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Legalising the illegal: an opportunity, but no guarantee<\/h2>\n<p>One major issue is Decree-Law 3\/2024. It regulates the legalisation of buildings in rural areas that breach planning rules but are time-barred. Brenda explains that, while seen as an &#8216;amnesty&#8217; by many, <strong>not every dwelling can be legalised<\/strong>. Many requirements and conditions apply, and the process can take more than 2.5 years.  <\/p>\n<p>The key requirements include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The building must be more than 8 years old.<\/li>\n<li>There must be no previously reported breaches.<\/li>\n<li>The owner must pay a fine of between 10% and 15% of the dwelling\u2019s value.<\/li>\n<li>They must carry out measures to improve the building\u2019s energy efficiency.<\/li>\n<li>An architect and a civil engineer must sign a legalisation plan. A building completion certificate is also required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, the certificate of habitability is not always granted, especially for properties in high-risk areas such as flood or fire zones. \u201cWe can guarantee our process, but not the result,\u201d Brenda notes. <\/p>\n<h2>Increase in Market Value<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11163 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto.jpg\" alt=\"Holistic architectural design  \" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1280px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The process costs are considerable. For a 250 m\u00b2 dwelling, costs can reach about \u20ac100,000. Still, Brenda Mendes Da Silva says, \u201c<strong>the market value can rise<\/strong> by up to 35% once the owners obtain the certificate of habitability.\u201d For this reason, Saudade Design carefully reviews each case before starting:<br \/>\nThey analyse planning documents, consult authorities, verify cadastral details and land registry extracts, and assess regulations for floodplains and risk zones. \u201cBeing transparent from the beginning is crucial. Making false assurances serves no one. We ensure clarity in a process that often leads to frustration,\u201d Brenda notes.   <\/p>\n<p>Many owners, especially expats, are surprised to learn that their property is illegal, even when they follow all proper channels, such as using a notary, registering the property, and buying through an agent. Brenda notes there are now <strong>several ways to check the year of construction<\/strong>, from council archives to satellite imagery. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s not only the pool that\u2019s illegal, but the whole house.\u201d  <\/p>\n<p>To explain these issues, the studio advises estate agents and helps avoid surprises in transactions. They also urge owners to seek expert advice. The legalisation process is neither quick nor guaranteed. It is a long-term investment. <\/p>\n<h2>Transforming business premises into living spaces \u2013 is it worth the effort?<\/h2>\n<p>Another widely discussed issue is the conversion of business premises into residential units, as addressed by Decree-Law 6\/2023. The housing shortage in the Balearic Islands makes this an option, but Brenda cautions: \u201c<strong>It\u2019s not just about removing walls and adding a kitchen<\/strong>. Strict technical and legal standards must be met.\u201d  <\/p>\n<p>Investing in such a conversion can cost up to \u20ac150,000 for a 50 m\u00b2 shop in poor condition. Also, these flats fall under the social housing scheme, so they are subject to rent control and offer lower investment returns. \u201cWe call these \u2018<strong>Frankenstein renovations<\/strong>.\u2019 They\u2019re functional, but rarely attractive,\u201d she jokes.  <\/p>\n<h2>Architecture with a soul: landscape design and sustainability<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11167 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto3.jpg\" alt=\"Outdoor design  \" width=\"1024\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto3.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto3-980x1225.jpg 980w, https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Brenda-Proyecto3-480x600.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Aside from regulatory challenges, Saudade Design distinguishes itself through its <strong>artistic and sustainable philosophy<\/strong>. The firm\u2019s unique advantage is in Mediterranean garden design, integrated from the project\u2019s inception. \u201cWe use local, drought-resistant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and traditional dry stone wall techniques crafted by local margers,\u201d Brenda, a landscape architecture master\u2019s degree holder, explains.  <\/p>\n<p>This lets them create vibrant, beautiful, and practical spaces that are eco-friendly and use less water. \u201cA beautiful garden need not mean lots of work. It\u2019s about working with nature, not against it,\u201d Brenda adds. <\/p>\n<h2>Protection beyond architecture<\/h2>\n<p>At Dylsi, we believe that transformation\u2014urban, legal, or landscape\u2014needs <strong>planning and protection<\/strong>. That\u2019s why we offer specialised insurance, from <a href=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/home-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">home insurance<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/liability-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">indemnity for professionals<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact us<\/a> so that we can advise on the best cover for you and your business. Protecting a project also protects those behind it.  <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #027180;\">Thanks to Brenda Mendes Da Silva, cofounder of Saudade Design Studio, for her input for this article. <\/span><span style=\"color: #027180;\">How to contact Saudade Design:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Web: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.saudadedesign.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Saudade Design<\/a><br \/>\nPhone: (0034) 604 12 19 25<br \/>\nEmail: <a href=\"mailto:info@desenhosaudade.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">info@desenhosaudade.com<\/a><br \/>\nSocials: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/saudade-design-studio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/designsaudade?igsh=OXVkN3B4eGNzanhm&amp;utm_source=qr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram <\/a> <a title=\"Facebook\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61554463177841&amp;mibextid=wwXIfr&amp;rdid=UOyB8lX0ZQ0TwNMB&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F16SDyrVYxe%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a><br \/>\nLanguages: <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8265\" src=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Bandera-Espana-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"30\" height=\"20\">  <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8263 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Bandera-Baleares-300x198.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"30\" height=\"20\">  <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8670\" src=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bandera-Portugal-1-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"30\" height=\"20\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8267\" src=\"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Bandera-UK-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"30\" height=\"20\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The construction sector in the Balearic Islands is experiencing a significant transformation. New legislative changes, stricter environmental regulations, and an influx of international property owners present both challenges and opportunities. To better understand this evolving landscape, we spoke to Brenda Mendes Da Silva, architect and co-founder of Saudade Design Studio, a firm specialising in holistic, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":11170,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,27],"tags":[379,380,163,81],"class_list":["post-11193","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interviews","category-news","tag-architecture","tag-construction-insurance","tag-customer-service","tag-quality-of-service"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11193","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11193"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11193\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11193"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11193"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dylsi-seguros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11193"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}