Madrid’s residential architecture tells a story of layers – from historic buildings in Salamanca to mid-century apartments in Chamberí. Whether you’re renovating a heritage property, transforming a dated apartment, or building a contemporary villa on the city’s outskirts, understanding Madrid’s architectural landscape is essential.
This guide provides practical insights into residential architecture and renovation in Madrid: regulatory requirements, realistic costs, design strategies, and what to expect when working with architects in Spain.
At Wolfblanc, we combine Nordic precision with deep knowledge of Madrid’s building culture, having guided dozens of projects through the city’s unique challenges.
Understanding Madrid’s Residential Architecture
Architectural Typologies
Centro/Salamanca: These 19th-century buildings define Madrid’s classic character. Expect high ceilings ranging from 3.2 to 3.8 meters, interior courtyards (patios interiores), and ornate architectural details like moldings and decorative woodwork. These spaces offer tremendous potential but require sensitivity to heritage preservation.
Chamberí/Argüelles: The post-war boom created solid 1950s-70s apartment blocks throughout these neighborhoods. While construction quality is generally excellent, layouts often feel dated with small, compartmentalized rooms and limited natural light penetration.
Nuevos Ministerios/Norte: Development from the 1980s-90s brought more standardized construction with 2.6-meter ceiling heights and modular layouts. These buildings offer straightforward renovation opportunities without heritage constraints.
Modern Periphery: Contemporary construction on Madrid’s outskirts features open-plan living, generous terraces, and modern building systems – though often lacking the character of older neighborhoods.
Common Characteristics Across Madrid Homes
Most Madrid apartments share certain features that shape renovation approaches:
- Interior-facing courtyards that provide ventilation and secondary light but can feel dark
- Solid brick or concrete construction offering excellent acoustic separation and thermal mass
- Ceramic tile finishes in wet areas, often original and worth preserving
- Communal elements like grand entrance halls (portales) and shared stairwells that require coordination
Design Opportunities in Madrid Renovations
The typical Madrid apartment layout presents clear opportunities:
- Opening interior partition walls to improve light flow from street-facing rooms
- Creating stronger connections between interior spaces and terraces or balconies
- Completely reimagining outdated kitchen and bathroom configurations
- Dramatically improving energy efficiency through envelope and systems upgrades
Planning a Renovation in Madrid?
Madrid Renovation Guide and Checklist:
- Permit requirements by project type
- Cost estimation worksheet
- Timeline planner
- Contractor evaluation guide
Download Our Free Guide and Checklist Below:
The Madrid Renovation Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Feasibility & Initial Assessment (Week 1-2)
Every successful renovation begins with understanding what you’re working with. Our initial assessment includes:
Site visit and existing conditions survey: We document current layouts, identify structural elements, assess natural light and ventilation patterns, and note any obvious issues like moisture or deterioration.
ITE review for older buildings: The Informe de Evaluación de Edificios is mandatory for buildings over 50 years old. This report identifies structural, accessibility, and energy efficiency issues that may impact your renovation scope.
Structural assessment: Critical for any project involving wall removal or load redistribution. Madrid’s older buildings often have hidden structural complexity that must be understood before design begins.
Budget alignment: Based on your vision and the building’s condition, we provide realistic budget ranges:
- Standard renovation: €800-1,500/m²
- High-end transformation: €1,200-2,000/m²
Step 2: Concept Design (Week 3-5)
With feasibility established, we develop your project’s design direction:
Spatial reorganization: We propose layout options that maximize light, improve flow, and align with how you actually live. This often means breaking free from the original compartmentalized plan.
Material palette selection: Balancing aesthetics, durability, and budget, we curate materials appropriate for Madrid’s climate and your home’s character.
3D visualization: Our BIM workflow produces photorealistic renderings that help you understand exactly what you’re getting – no surprises during construction.
Preliminary cost estimation: We refine budget projections based on specific design decisions, ensuring alignment before moving to detailed documentation.
Step 3: Permits & Documentation (Week 6-10)
Madrid’s permitting process is structured but requires proper documentation:
Licencia de Obras Mayor (Major works license): Required for structural changes, façade modifications, or renovations exceeding 50m². This involves detailed technical drawings, structural calculations, and neighborhood approvals.
Licencia de Obras Menor (Minor works license): Covers interior non-structural renovations. Simpler documentation but still requires professional architectural drawings.
Comunidad approval: Essential in multi-family buildings. Your renovation must be approved by the building community, which can add 2-4 weeks to the timeline. We manage this process to ensure smooth approvals.
BIM documentation: We produce comprehensive technical drawings and specifications that leave no room for interpretation during construction.
Timeline: Madrid’s municipal approval process typically takes 4-8 weeks once complete documentation is submitted. Starting construction without proper permits can result in significant fines and project stoppage.
Step 4: Construction (Week 11-24)
With permits secured, construction proceeds in distinct phases:
Demolition and structural work (2-3 weeks): Removing partition walls, reinforcing structural elements, and preparing the space for new systems. This is the messiest phase but moves quickly.
MEP installations (3-4 weeks): Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are rough-ed in. This includes new HVAC, updated electrical panels and wiring, modern plumbing, and data/communications infrastructure.
Finishes and carpentry (4-6 weeks): The space comes together with flooring installation, wall finishes, custom cabinetry and built-ins, bathroom and kitchen fitting, and lighting installation.
Final inspections and handover: We conduct detailed quality checks, coordinate final municipal inspections, and ensure everything functions perfectly before you move in.
Total timeline: A typical 80-100m² apartment renovation takes 12-18 weeks from demolition to handover. Complex projects with significant structural work may extend to 20-24 weeks.
Step 5: Final Certification
Spanish regulations require updating several documents post-renovation:
Cédula de Habitabilidad renewal: Confirms the dwelling meets habitability standards with updated layouts and systems.
Updated energy certificate (Certificado Energético): Required for all renovations, this documents your home’s energy performance and is necessary for future sales or rentals.
Building registry updates (Catastro): If you’ve changed the distribution of spaces, this must be updated with municipal records.
Want a Custom Cost Estimate?
Tell us about your Madrid property and renovation vision. We’ll provide a preliminary budget range within 48 hours – no obligation.
Cost Breakdown for Madrid Renovations
Understanding renovation costs helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises. Here’s what to expect in Madrid’s current market (2025):
Budget Ranges by Scope
| Scope | Cost per m² | 80m² Apartment Total |
| Light Refresh (paint, flooring, fixtures) | EUR 300-500 | EUR 24,000-40,000 |
| Standard Renovation (kitchen, bathroom, flooring, paint) | EUR 800-1,200 | EUR 64,000-96,000 |
| Complete Transformation (layout changes, all systems) | EUR 1,200-1,800 | EUR 96,000-144,000 |
| High-End Renovation (custom everything, premium materials) | EUR 1,800-2,500+ | EUR 144,000-200,000+ |
Detailed Cost Components
Major Elements:
- Structural modifications (opening walls, reinforcement): €8,000-20,000
- Custom kitchen with appliances: €15,000-35,000
- Complete bathroom renovation: €8,000-18,000 each
- Flooring installation (wood or tile): €60-120/m²
- New windows (double-glazed, thermal break): €400-800/m²
Professional Fees:
- Architect fees: 8-12% of construction cost
- Project management and site supervision: 5-8% of construction cost
- Engineering consultants (structural, MEP): €2,000-5,000
Hidden Costs to Consider
Pre-1990 Buildings:
- Asbestos testing and removal: €2,000-8,000
- Structural reinforcement discoveries: Variable, can add €10,000-30,000
- Historical element preservation: Depends on protection level
Building Community Issues:
- Comunidad extraordinary fees for façade work: Negotiable with neighbors
- Shared infrastructure upgrades: May be required for major renovations
- Temporary accommodation during works: €1,200-2,000/month
Post-Construction:
- Furniture and window treatments: Often underestimated
- Minor adjustments and punch list items: Budget 2-3% contingency
- Landscaping/terrace improvements: €3,000-15,000 for quality execution
Design Strategies for Madrid Homes
1. Maximizing Natural Light
Madrid’s urban density creates light challenges, especially in interior-facing rooms. Our strategies include:
Interior glass partitions: Replacing solid walls with glass allows light from street-facing windows to penetrate deep into the apartment. Critical glass (with acoustic properties) maintains privacy while transmitting light.
Light-colored finishes: White or pale walls, ceilings, and floors reflect available light throughout the space. This simple strategy can dramatically improve perceived brightness.
Reflective surfaces: Strategic use of mirrors, glossy tiles, or polished materials bounces light into darker corners.
Enlarging courtyard openings: Where regulations allow, expanding windows facing interior patios significantly improves natural light in secondary rooms.
Skylights: In top-floor apartments, skylights transform dark corridors or bathrooms into naturally lit spaces.
2. Nordic-Mediterranean Fusion
Our design philosophy bridges Scandinavian minimalism with Spanish warmth:
Material palette: Natural oak or pine flooring paired with white walls and traditional Spanish ceramic tiles creates a timeless, light-filled aesthetic.
Built-in storage: Scandinavian-inspired integrated cabinetry maximizes usable space in Madrid’s typically compact apartments.
Indoor-outdoor connection: Generous glazing to terraces or balconies, consistent flooring materials, and operable partitions blur the boundary between interior and exterior.
Simplicity with warmth: Clean lines and minimal ornamentation, softened by natural materials, textile layers, and carefully curated objects.
3. Climate-Responsive Design
Madrid’s continental Mediterranean climate demands thoughtful environmental strategies:
Summer cooling: Cross-ventilation through opposing openings, exterior shading devices (traditional persianas or modern louvers), and thermal mass to moderate temperature swings.
Winter heating: Improved insulation in building envelopes, underfloor heating for even comfort, and high-efficiency heat pumps to minimize energy consumption.
Year-round efficiency: LED lighting throughout, programmable thermostats, and solar thermal systems for domestic hot water can reduce energy consumption by 60-70% compared to typical Madrid apartments.
4. Heritage Integration
Working with Madrid’s historic buildings requires balancing preservation and modernization:
Preserve: Original ceiling moldings and rosettes, antique tile work (especially hydraulic tiles), solid wood doors and window frames, and ornate ironwork.
Update: All building systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), insulation and thermal performance, kitchen and bathroom layouts, and storage solutions.
Respect: The building’s character and neighborhood context while enabling comfortable modern living aligned with how families actually use space today.
5. Space Optimization
Typical Madrid apartment challenges demand creative solutions:
Long corridors: We often eliminate or minimize corridors, redistributing that area to living spaces and using full-height doors or thresholds to define zones without solid walls.
Small kitchens: Opening kitchens to living areas creates European-style social cooking spaces. When full opening isn’t desired, pass-throughs or glass partitions maintain connection.
Single bathrooms: Many Madrid apartments have only one bathroom serving the entire family. We often add an ensuite to the master bedroom or create a powder room for guests.
Smart zoning: Clear separation between public areas (living, dining, kitchen) and private zones (bedrooms) improves functionality and acoustic comfort.
Why Choose Wolfblanc for Madrid Projects
Local Expertise with International Standards
Madrid Credentials:
- Licensed with COAM (Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Madrid)
- Deep knowledge of Madrid’s regulatory landscape and permitting processes
- Established relationships with trusted contractors and specialized suppliers
International Excellence:
- Scandinavian design discipline emphasizing simplicity, light, and sustainability
- BIM workflows ensuring precision and coordination across all project phases
- WELL AP certification for creating genuinely healthy indoor environments
- Transparent communication in Spanish, English, Swedish, and Greek
Our Proven Process
Fixed-Fee Proposals: No surprise fees or scope creep. You know exactly what you’re paying from day one.
Regular Site Supervision: We’re present during critical construction phases, catching issues before they become problems.
Quality Control: Detailed inspections at each milestone ensure workmanship meets our standards.
Post-Completion Support: We don’t disappear after handover. We’re available to address any questions or minor adjustments as you settle into your renovated home.
Start Your Madrid Renovation with Confidence
From concept to completion, Wolfblanc guides you through every decision with transparency, expertise, and Nordic-Mediterranean design excellence.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
Book Now, +34 662 411 064, info@wolfblanc.com
Visit Our Studio in Madrid
Calle Hermosilla 48, 28001 Madrid
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