Kitchen renovation on the Costa del Sol: complete guide for property owners
Plan your kitchen renovation in Marbella, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Estepona — layouts, open-plan conversions, materials for second homes and costs explained for non-resident owners.
All cost ranges are indicative. Each kitchen renovation requires a site assessment to confirm layout, existing plumbing and electrical condition, access, materials and final budget.
✓ Quick answer
A full kitchen renovation on the Costa del Sol costs from approximately €9,000 for a standard refurbishment to €30,000+ for premium. Open-plan kitchen conversions start from around €8,000. Most mid-range renovations fall between €12,000 and €25,000. Timelines: 4–8 weeks depending on scope.
What a full kitchen renovation covers
A properly executed kitchen renovation is significantly more than replacing the cabinets. The plumbing, electrical work and extraction are all done before the fitting begins — and getting these phases right is what determines the long-term result. Coordinating them properly avoids returning to finished walls later.
Opening the kitchen into the living room
The most commonly requested kitchen change across the Costa del Sol — especially in apartments built in the 1970s and 1980s — is removing the wall between the kitchen and living room to create an open-plan space. The closed-off layout typical of that era turns what could be a bright, generous space into two smaller, darker rooms.
Before anything else, we confirm whether the dividing wall is structural or a partition. A partition wall can typically be removed without reinforcement. A structural wall requires a specific engineering solution. This assessment always happens during the initial site visit — it takes 10 minutes and determines the entire scope of the project.
An open-plan kitchen transforms the entire feel of an apartment: more natural light, a larger sense of space, better flow for daily use and a significantly more attractive presentation in rental listings. For second homes and holiday rental properties on the Costa del Sol, it is consistently one of the highest-impact improvements available.
Kitchen layouts for Costa del Sol properties
Single-line (galley)
All units along one wall. Best for narrow spaces or as a secondary run in kitchens with an island. The most compact layout — common in smaller Costa del Sol apartments.
L-shaped
Units on two adjacent walls forming an L. Maximises work surface and allows clear separation of cooking, prep and washing zones. The most versatile layout for standard apartments.
U-shaped
Units on three walls. Very efficient for larger kitchens. Common in villas and properties with a dedicated kitchen room where space allows for the full perimeter.
Island layout
A freestanding central unit providing extra workspace, storage and often the hob. The most requested layout in premium renovations and open-plan kitchens. Creates a natural gathering point.
Peninsula
Similar to an island but connected to a wall or existing units. More flexible for medium-sized spaces. Works well in open-plan kitchens where a full island isn't feasible.
Open-plan integrated
No dividing wall from the living or dining room. Design, extraction and materials need to work together so the kitchen integrates visually without compromising the shared space.
Recommended materials for kitchens on the Costa del Sol
Worktops
Silestone or quartz: the most popular choice — durable, low-maintenance, available in a wide range of finishes. Natural stone (marble, granite): premium look, requires sealing and more care. Compact porcelain: very hardwearing, seamless joints. Solid wood: warm aesthetic but more demanding in humid coastal environments.
Cabinet fronts
Lacquered matt or gloss: the cleanest finish and widest colour range — the standard for mid-to-high-end properties. Laminate: more affordable, excellent moisture resistance — best for holiday rentals and intensive use. Real wood or wood veneer: premium warmth. Melamine: the standard option for high-use investment properties.
Integrated appliances
Integrated appliances — oven, dishwasher, fridge, microwave — sit behind cabinet fronts for a seamless, unified look. Brand and specification are agreed based on property level and budget. For rental properties, mid-range appliances from reliable brands balance performance and running costs.
Extractor hoods
The extractor hood is one of the most visible elements of the kitchen. Ceiling-integrated or front-panel-integrated hoods give the cleanest aesthetic. In island kitchens, a suspended ceiling hood adds a visual focal point. Performance (air extraction capacity) matters as much as aesthetics — we match it to the hob and kitchen volume.
Lighting
Kitchen lighting has multiple layers: general ceiling light, task lighting under wall units (LED strip), and ambient lighting for dining or island areas. Each layer runs on a separate circuit for maximum flexibility. Good task lighting under upper cabinets is one of the most practical improvements in any kitchen renovation.
Plumbing and electrical
Every kitchen renovation includes a plumbing and electrical review. Older apartments often need updated circuits to handle modern appliance loads. If the layout changes, water supply and waste connections are adapted accordingly. All work is carried out by our own trades — plumber and electrician — as part of the coordinated renovation.
Kitchen renovation managed remotely for non-resident owners
A significant proportion of the kitchen renovations we carry out on the Costa del Sol are for owners based in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Sweden or elsewhere in Europe. Managing a renovation from abroad requires a specific process — one we have considerable experience delivering.
We coordinate property access with your local keyholder or community administrator, share worktop samples, cabinet front options and appliance specifications digitally, and keep you updated throughout with photos and video walkthroughs. The kitchen design is agreed entirely remotely before a single tile is removed.
For second homes that sit unoccupied for extended periods, material choices also take coastal humidity into account: moisture-resistant cabinet construction, sealed worktop joints and extraction systems that handle the demands of seasonal use.
Kitchens for holiday rental apartments on the Costa del Sol
Holiday rental kitchens have two jobs: looking good in photographs and surviving intensive use by a succession of different guests throughout the season. The design and material choices for a rental kitchen are different from a primary residence.
For rental properties, we prioritise: a worktop without difficult-to-clean joints, cabinet fronts that resist knocks and don't show every mark, an extractor hood with genuine performance, and integrated appliances from reliable mid-range brands. Open-plan layouts that photograph well on Airbnb and Booking.com also consistently improve listing performance.
A renovated kitchen in a holiday rental apartment can improve both the visual presentation and the practical guest experience. It won't guarantee booking increases, but a modern, functional kitchen is consistently flagged positively in guest reviews on the Costa del Sol.
Kitchen renovation costs on the Costa del Sol
Note: All figures are indicative and in euros (€). The actual cost depends on the kitchen size, current layout, plumbing and electrical condition, materials chosen and final scope. A site visit is always required before any fixed quote is given.
| Type of work | Indicative range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full kitchen renovation — standard | from approx. €9,000 | Strip-out, plumbing, electrical, cabinets, worktop and integrated appliances. Mid-range materials. |
| Kitchen with open-plan conversion — mid-to-high | approx. €12,000 – €25,000 | Includes wall removal if applicable, new layout, stone worktop, lacquered fronts and integrated appliances. |
| Premium kitchen or island layout | €25,000 – €40,000+ | Island configuration, natural stone worktops, bespoke cabinetry, designer hood and premium integrated appliances. |
Kitchen renovations by area on the Costa del Sol
Marbella
Kitchens in villas and high-end apartments. Island layouts, natural stone worktops, bespoke cabinetry and open-plan conversions for luxury properties.
Fuengirola
Second-home apartments and holiday rentals. Open-plan conversions, durable materials and layouts optimised for seasonal use.
Torremolinos
Modernisation of 1970s–90s apartment kitchens. New layouts, open-plan opening, updated plumbing and integrated appliances.
Benalmádena
Kitchens in Benalmádena Costa, Arroyo de la Miel and Pueblo. Open-plan conversions and functional layouts for coastal apartments.
Estepona
Mid-to-high-end second homes and apartments. Contemporary kitchens with quality finishes suited to the Estepona lifestyle.
Kitchen renovation examples by area
The following projects are representative cases based on typical kitchen renovations we carry out. They are not documentation of specific client projects.
Marbella
Kitchen renovation in Marbella
Fuengirola
Kitchen renovation in Fuengirola
Torremolinos
Kitchen renovation in Torremolinos
Benalmádena
Kitchen renovation in Benalmádena
Estepona
Kitchen renovation in Estepona
How we manage each kitchen renovation
Frequently asked questions about kitchen renovation on the Costa del Sol
How much does a kitchen renovation cost on the Costa del Sol?
A full kitchen renovation typically starts from around €9,000, depending on the size, layout, materials and scope. Mid-to-high-end kitchens with open-plan conversions, stone worktops and integrated appliances usually fall between €12,000 and €25,000. Premium kitchens with islands, bespoke cabinetry and high-end appliances can exceed €30,000. All figures are indicative — a site visit is always required for an accurate quote.
How long does a full kitchen renovation take?
A complete kitchen renovation typically takes 6 to 10 weeks as a general guide. Open-plan conversions that involve removing a wall add structural work to the timeline. Custom-made cabinetry lead times are often the main variable — we factor these into the schedule before agreeing a start date.
Can you open the kitchen into the living room?
In many cases, yes. The first step is to confirm whether the dividing wall is load-bearing or a partition wall. A non-load-bearing partition can typically be removed without structural reinforcement. A load-bearing wall requires a specific structural solution. We always assess this during the site visit before quoting.
Can you manage the renovation if I'm not in Spain?
Yes. We manage the entire kitchen renovation remotely for non-resident owners. We coordinate access, agree materials digitally with photos and samples, supervise work daily and send regular photo and video updates. Many of our kitchen clients are based in the UK, Ireland, Germany or Scandinavia.
What worktop materials do you recommend?
Silestone or quartz is the most popular choice: excellent balance of durability, appearance and maintenance. Natural stone (marble, granite) gives a premium look but requires sealing and more careful upkeep. Large-format compact porcelain is very hardwearing with no visible joints. Solid wood worktops are attractive but more demanding in a coastal climate.
What's the difference between laminate and lacquered cabinet fronts?
Laminate fronts are more affordable and highly moisture-resistant — ideal for holiday rentals and intensive use. Lacquered fronts have a more premium, cleaner finish with a wider range of colours and textures, but require more care against knocks and humidity. For second homes and higher-end properties, lacquered is the standard choice.
Do you work in Marbella, Fuengirola and Benalmádena?
Yes. We cover the entire Costa del Sol: Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Mijas, Málaga and surrounding areas. We have experience in private urbanisations, gated communities and coastal apartment blocks.
Do I need a permit to renovate my kitchen?
A kitchen renovation that doesn't involve removing walls usually doesn't require a major building permit. If the project includes demolishing a wall or changing the layout significantly, a local permit or prior notification may be needed depending on the municipality. We guide you through the requirements specific to your location.
What kitchen layout is best for an apartment?
For compact apartments, an L-shaped kitchen maximises work surface and separates cooking and washing zones. For larger spaces, an island layout is the most requested option — it adds workspace, storage and a natural social hub in an open-plan setting. In older apartments, opening the kitchen into the living room is often the most impactful single change.
Do you supply and fit integrated appliances?
Yes. We source and install integrated appliances — ovens, dishwashers, fridges, microwaves, extractor hoods — as part of the renovation. Brand and specification are agreed according to the property level and budget. Integrated appliances sit flush behind cabinet fronts and give the finished kitchen a cleaner, more uniform look.
Planning a kitchen renovation on the Costa del Sol?
Tell us about your property, current layout and what you'd like to change. We'll respond in English within 24 hours.
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