Opening up a kitchen in Spain is straightforward in most coastal apartments and villas — the main constraint is whether the wall is load-bearing or contains concealed plumbing and electrical lines. A structural check is required before any wall comes down. Costs start from around €8,000 for a straightforward open-plan conversion on the Costa del Sol.
What is an open plan kitchen conversion?
An open plan kitchen conversion removes or partially removes the wall separating the kitchen from the living or dining area, creating a combined space. On the Costa del Sol, this is one of the most common renovation requests — particularly for apartments and villas that were built in the 1980s and 1990s with closed, separated kitchen layouts that feel dated and cramped today.
For a full overview of kitchen renovation options and costs, see our kitchen renovation Costa del Sol guide.
Load-bearing walls: what to check first
Before any wall is removed, the contractor must confirm whether it is load-bearing (structural) or partition (non-structural). In most apartment buildings, external walls and the central core walls are structural. Partition walls between rooms are typically non-structural and can be removed freely.
The complication arises when plumbing, electrical conduits or extraction ducts run through the wall. These need to be rerouted — which adds cost but is rarely a blocker. A proper site assessment will identify all of these issues before a quote is given.
Typical costs in Spain 2026
| Scope | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Simple partition wall removal (no structural work) | €2,500 – €5,000 |
| Open plan conversion with kitchen relayout and new island | €8,000 – €18,000 |
| Full kitchen renovation including open plan works | €15,000 – €30,000+ |
| Steel beam installation (structural wall) | €3,000 – €8,000 (additional) |
What expats need to know about permits
In Spain, work involving structural modifications to a building (removing load-bearing walls, installing steel beams) typically requires a municipal building permit (licencia de obra mayor). Partition wall removal that does not affect structure is usually covered by a minor works notification (obra menor).
Your contractor should handle the permit application. If they tell you no permit is needed for structural work, treat that as a red flag. Processing times vary by municipality — in Marbella and Málaga, major works permits can take 2–4 months.
Design considerations for the Costa del Sol
Coastal properties benefit significantly from open layouts: better air circulation, more natural light and a connection between the kitchen island and the terrace or pool area. For second homes and holiday rentals, an open plan kitchen also photographs better for rental listings and allows guests to socialise while cooking.
The most practical layouts include a peninsula or island that acts as a bar counter — practical for guest interaction and useful as a prep area. Extraction hoods for island units require ceiling mounting and ducting, which adds complexity but is entirely standard.
Step-by-step process
- Site assessment — identify wall type, conceal services, confirm structural requirements
- Written quote — scope defined, materials agreed, permit requirement confirmed
- Permit application (if structural)
- Structural works — wall removal or beam installation
- Services reroute — plumbing, electrical, extraction
- Kitchen installation — units, worktops, appliances, tiling
- Decoration — flooring, painting, finishing