Mobile Homes or Prefabricated Houses: Can I Legally Install One on My Plot of Land in Spain?

This is one of the most common questions we receive from clients enquiring about properties with extra space on their plots.

Owning a mobile or prefabricated home is an increasingly popular option for buyers, often due to its affordability or minimalist appeal. After all, who wouldn’t want a home with a garden, nestled in nature, rather than feeling confined in a small flat? A mobile home offers a cost-effective solution to achieve this lifestyle.

However, the crucial question remains: Is it legal to install a mobile home or prefabricated house on a rural plot? What regulations apply, and on what type of land can they be placed?

Recently, mobile homes have become a noticeable trend, with many clients showing interest in these types of dwellings. To determine their legality, it is essential to understand the General Urban Development Plan (PGOU) or urban planning regulations, which are managed by local councils. The PGOU categorises municipal land into various urban zones. Plans are available for inspection in the Department of Urbanismo in every Town Hall and sometimes on their websites.

How to search for Urban Plans in your area of Andalucia

You can use this online tool to search for Urban Plans (Planes Urbanísticos) in Andalucia here: https://ws132.juntadeandalucia.es/situadifusion/pages/search.jsf

Types of Land and Relevant Regulations

1. Urban Land
   On urban land, it is possible to apply for a building permit for construction or renovations, provided a property already exists. If the aim is to extend a property, certain limitations may apply, such as ensuring the maximum allowable buildable area has not been exceeded. Access to essential services such as water, electricity, and public sewage systems makes obtaining a building permit more feasible.

2. Developable Land
   This refers to areas earmarked for future urban development. Building permits or mobile home installations can only be obtained after the land has been fully urbanised.

3. Non-Consolidated Urban Land
   This type of land is close to being classified as urban but is not yet recognised as such. Consequently, mobile homes or residential construction are not legally permitted.

4. Rural Land (commonly referred to as “rustic land”)
   The PGOU further divides rural land into two subcategories:

   • Non-Developable Land: Construction of residential properties is prohibited. However, certain agricultural, forestry, or livestock-related structures may be permitted, provided specific requirements are met.
   • Protected Non-Developable Land: Construction is entirely forbidden as these areas are designated for the preservation of natural landscapes.

Can You Install a Mobile Home on Rural Land?

A mobile home or even a traditional house could be installed on rural land only if it is deemed essential for the continuation of agricultural or related activities on the plot. Any such construction must first be authorised by the local council through a municipal licence, which requires compliance with a range of criteria.

Are Mobile Homes Considered “Buildings”?

Many clients ask whether mobile homes, being self-sufficient (e.g., using solar panels, water tanks, and waste retention systems) and lacking a fixed foundation, are exempt from being classified as “buildings” and thus could be installed anywhere. The answer is no. Mobile homes are still regarded as static structures with the characteristics of a “dwelling” and are subject to urban planning laws.

According to the Urban Discipline Regulation of Andalusia:
“All acts of construction, including the installation or placement of prefabricated houses, fixed caravans, and similar structures, require prior municipal urban planning permission unless situated within legally authorised tourist camps or camping sites.”

Conclusion

In Andalusia, current legislation prohibits the installation of mobile homes, prefabricated houses, or wooden houses on land that is not classified as urban. Before proceeding with any plans, it is essential to consult the local council and adhere to the applicable regulations.