Before buying a plot or starting a project, it is worth checking what can actually be built. An urban planning feasibility study reviews the applicable planning regulations, the property conditions and potential constraints to reduce uncertainty before committing to an investment.
What does a feasibility study answer?
The purpose is to translate planning regulations into practical decisions. Depending on the plot and municipality, the analysis can answer questions such as:
- How is the land classified and zoned?
- Which uses are permitted and compatible with the intended project?
- How much floor area may be built and what is the maximum site coverage?
- What setbacks, height limits, number of stories or minimum plot requirements apply?
- Are there constraints related to roads, waterways, flood risk, coastline, heritage, utilities or infrastructure?
- What additional procedures or studies may be required?
What the work can include
The scope is adapted to the decision you need to make. It typically includes reviewing the available cadastral and land-registry information, checking the current planning framework, analyzing the applicable development parameters, carrying out an initial review of relevant constraints, and providing a technical conclusion on the feasibility of the proposed use or development.
When useful, the conclusion can be accompanied by a preliminary site arrangement or an estimate of the buildable floor area. The study does not replace a permit and cannot by itself guarantee approval. Its purpose is to support a better-informed decision and identify constraints before commissioning a full design or completing a purchase.
What information should you send?
- Location or cadastral reference.
- Land-registry extract or deed, if available.
- Plans, sales listing or documentation provided by the owner or agent.
- A brief explanation of what you want to build or the intended use.
When is it worth requesting one?
It is particularly useful before signing a deposit agreement, buying land, assessing a development opportunity, subdividing a property, extending a home or commissioning a design. An early review can prevent the design process from starting with expectations that conflict with planning rules or with the actual conditions of the site.
A local and up-to-date analysis
The answer depends on the municipality, the applicable planning framework and the specific status of the land. In the Region of Murcia, the general framework is established by Law 13/2015 on Territorial and Urban Planning, as currently amended, while each municipality develops and applies its own planning regulations. In the municipality of Murcia, an urban planning use report may also be requested where appropriate.
Related decisions
Frequently asked questions
Does the cadastral record tell me everything I can build?
No. The cadastral record helps identify the property, but buildability and permitted uses depend on the applicable planning regulations and any additional constraints.
Can a plot be studied before I buy it?
Yes. This is one of the stages where the study can provide the most value, because it allows the sales information to be checked against the planning conditions before you take on the financial commitment.
Can the study be carried out for any municipality in the Region of Murcia?
It can be carried out for different municipalities, but the scope and sources must be adapted to the planning framework and procedures of each local authority.
Have you already identified a plot?
Send me the location or cadastral reference together with a short description of what you want to do. I will tell you what documentation is needed and what scope makes sense for the study.