Full renovation of a flat in Málaga city: 2026 prices per m², what it includes, timelines and differences from renovations on the coast. Request your free quote.
Full renovation of a flat in Málaga city: what it includes, how much it costs and why it is not the same as on the coast
A full renovation of a flat in Málaga city includes the complete renewal of electrical and plumbing installations, masonry, carpentry, cladding, kitchen and bathrooms, with an average cost of between €800 and €1,200 per m² for a mid-to-high quality renovation. Unlike renovations on the coast (Marbella, Fuengirola), prices in the capital are slightly lower due to less demand for luxury finishes, but timelines can be extended due to municipal licence processing and logistics in historic centres. Below, we break down everything you need to know before embarking on a full renovation in Málaga city.
What does a full renovation of a flat in Málaga city include?
A turnkey full renovation in Málaga city usually includes:
- Demolition and rubble removal
- New electrical and plumbing installations (with certified materials)
- Masonry: partition walls, flooring, tiling
- Interior and exterior carpentry (doors, windows)
- Complete kitchen and bathroom renovation (including cabinets, sanitaryware, taps)
- Cladding: paint, wallpaper, microcement
- Finishes: skirting boards, mouldings, false ceilings
- Licence and waste management
In Málaga city, full renovations are usually carried out in residential buildings, with restrictions on working hours and material access, which affects timelines. Full Renovations Málaga is a specialised service that manages these aspects.
Technical breakdown of electrical installations in full renovations
The electrical installation in a full home renovation in Málaga city centre must comply with the Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulations (REBT) and local regulations. In older properties in the historic centre, it is common to find installations with aluminium wiring from the 1960s or 1970s, which require complete replacement with 6 mm² copper cable for general-purpose circuits and 10 mm² for kitchens and air conditioning. Protection panels are installed with 30 mA residual current circuit breakers and 10 A miniature circuit breakers for lighting and 16 A for power sockets. In mid-range renovations, between 8 and 12 sockets are fitted per room, while in premium renovations this number is doubled, including integrated USB sockets and dedicated circuits for appliances such as ovens, microwaves and washing machines. The conductor cross-section for electric cookers must be 6 mm² with 40 A residual current protection. In Málaga city centre, where 65% of renovated flats in 2025 incorporated aerothermal air conditioning, a dedicated 6 mm² line is required for the heat pump, with an average consumption of 3.5 kW.
Plumbing and drainage: specific materials and regulations
In plumbing, full renovations in Málaga city centre replace lead or galvanised pipes with cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) or multilayer pipes, with diameters of 16 mm for branch lines and 20 mm for risers. Supply pressure in the city ranges between 3 and 5 bar, so pressure regulators are recommended to prevent water hammer. In bathrooms, 12 mm pipes are used for washbasins and 16 mm for showers. Drainage is carried out with PVC pipes of 110 mm for soil stacks and 40 mm for toilet branch lines, with minimum gradients of 2% to ensure solid waste is carried away. In historic centre properties, where the original soil stacks are cast iron, replacement with sound-insulated PVC is recommended to reduce noise. In addition, the Málaga municipal ordinance requires the installation of non-return valves in basements and ground floors to prevent flooding from sewer networks. In premium renovations, hot water recirculation systems are incorporated with 25 W pumps that reduce waiting time to less than 5 seconds, saving up to 15% of water.
Masonry and partitioning: techniques and materials depending on the building
Masonry work in full renovations in Málaga city varies depending on the age of the building. In flats from the 1960s-70s, partition walls are usually double hollow brick (7 cm) with cement mortar, while modern buildings use laminated gypsum blocks or plasterboard panels. For redistributions, 9 cm perforated brick partitions with a 2 cm air cavity are used to improve acoustic insulation. For flooring, a 3-5 cm thick self-levelling mortar layer is applied to level surfaces before laying ceramic or porcelain tile. In bathrooms and kitchens, waterproofing is carried out with liquid polyurethane sheets or acrylic membranes, with a minimum 2 mm layer at joints and corners. Tiling is done with C2TE tile adhesive to ensure bonding on difficult substrates. In high-quality renovations, plasterboard systems with 48 mm metal framing and 40 mm rock wool insulation are used, achieving acoustic insulation of 50 dB, compared to 35 dB for a traditional brick partition.
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At Costa del Sol Reformas in Marbella, Costa del Sol, Málaga, we offer Bathroom Renovation, Kitchen Renovation, Full Renovation. Call us: 612 286 273.
Indicative prices for full renovation in Málaga city (2026)
Prices vary depending on the condition of the flat, the quality of the materials and the complexity of the work. Below is a table with real market ranges:
| Type of renovation | Price per m² (€) | Example 80 m² flat |
|---|---|---|
| Basic renovation (floor replacement, painting, simple bathroom) | 400 - 600 | €32,000 - €48,000 |
| Full renovation, medium quality | 800 - 1,000 | €64,000 - €80,000 |
| Full renovation, high quality (brands such as Porcelanosa, Duravit) | 1,200 - 1,600 | €96,000 - €128,000 |
| Full renovation with home automation and energy efficiency | 1,500 - 2,000 | €120,000 - €160,000 |
These prices include materials and labour, but not furniture or appliances. For a personalised quote, use the Budget Calculator.
Cost breakdown by item in a full 80 m² renovation
To better understand the budget distribution, we break down the costs of a medium-quality full renovation in an 80 m² flat in Málaga city, with a total estimated at €72,000 (€900/m²). The demolition and debris removal item accounts for between €4,000 and €6,000, including the removal of rubble with 8 m³ skips and waste management in accordance with the Andalusian Waste Plan. Electrical and plumbing installations account for between €8,000 and €12,000, with an average cost of €150 per electrical point and €200 per plumbing point. Masonry and partitioning, including floor and wall tiling, ranges between €15,000 and €20,000, with a price of €30/m² for porcelain floor tiles and €25/m² for ceramic wall tiles. Interior carpentry (doors, wardrobes) and exterior carpentry (windows) accounts for between €8,000 and €12,000, with aluminium windows featuring thermal break at €400/m². The kitchen and bathroom renovation adds between €12,000 and €18,000, including melamine kitchen units (€3,000), a Silestone worktop (€1,500), Roca sanitaryware (€1,200) and Hansgrohe taps (€800). Wall coverings and finishes (painting, false ceilings, skirting boards) cost between €5,000 and €8,000, with matt plastic paint at €8/m² and plasterboard false ceilings at €25/m². Finally, licence management and technical fees add between €2,000 and €4,000, including the municipal major works fee (€1,500) and the technical project by an architect (€2,500).
Factors that increase the price in Málaga city
In Málaga city, certain factors can raise the cost of a full renovation by up to 20% compared to the average. The location in the historic centre, where vehicle access for
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a full renovation of an 80 m² flat cost in Málaga city?
The average cost for a comprehensive mid-range renovation of an 80 m² flat in Málaga city ranges between €64,000 and €80,000 (€800-1,000/m²). For high-end quality, it can reach €128,000.
What exactly does a turnkey comprehensive renovation include?
It includes demolition, new installations (electrical, plumbing, air conditioning), masonry, carpentry, cladding, complete kitchen and bathrooms, painting and finishes. Everything is managed by the company, from permits to final cleaning.
How long does it take to renovate a flat in Málaga city?
A comprehensive renovation usually takes between 10 and 14 weeks, not including the processing of permits (an additional 2-4 months). More complex projects can take up to 20 weeks.
Do I need a building permit for a comprehensive renovation in Málaga city?
Yes, any renovation that affects the structure, installations or layout requires a major building permit. Málaga City Council takes 2 to 4 months to grant it. Minor renovations (painting, changing floors) may only require prior notification.
Is it more expensive to renovate in Málaga city than on the coast?
In general, renovating on the coast (Marbella, Estepona) is between 10-20% more expensive due to the demand for luxury finishes and higher logistical costs. In Málaga city, prices per m² are more competitive, although the permit process can be slower.
Which material brands are used in high-quality comprehensive renovations?
In high-end renovations, brands such as Porcelanosa (tiles and flooring), Duravit or Roca (sanitary ware), Dornbracht or Hansgrohe (taps), and Santos or Gamadecor kitchens are used. For mid-range quality, brands such as Roca, Laufen or Teka are common.
Can I live in the flat during the renovation?
It is possible if the renovation is done in phases, but it is not recommended for a comprehensive one, as there will be supply cuts and dust. The ideal is to empty the flat and find temporary accommodation during the 10-14 weeks of work.
How do I choose a renovation company in Málaga city?
Look for companies with experience in the area, verifiable references, a written fixed-price quote, civil liability insurance and a work guarantee. Request at least three quotes and visit previous projects.
