Log cabins and prefabricated homes are becoming increasingly popular in Spain, they
are mainly found inland as planning permission is almost impossible to obtain for
the coastal resorts
What's the difference between a Log cabin and a pre-fabricated home ?
Well, a prefabricated home is generally made up of sections at the factory and then
assembled at the site while a log cabin in most cases is built at the site. On saying
that some of the log cabins are now made in sections at the factory which means
they can be moved to another location at a later date if needed.
What about the cost ?
The total cost will depend on whether you decide to buy your own plot or to rent
one. The prices for the homes themselves obviously depends on specification but
as a guide prefabs can be from around £7.500 for a basic model, this will
consist of 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4) with fully fitted kitchen an bathroom. A small
log cabin of around 16 sq.m with porch would be from £6.000 to how long is
a piece of string for a wooden mansion.
Lets talk about planning permission and do you need it ?
Well some may argue the fact that you can simply buy a plot of land and erect a
log cabin without the need for planning permission. This in some locations is actually
true as they are classed non permanent but not at all adviseable. For a start you
will need water and electricity to the plot and if a building does not legally exist
there then you will not get it. Also when you come to sell you will only have title
deeds for the land and not the building. So beware if you are buying an existing
log home, make sure the property is correctly registered or you may one day face
the demolition team from the local town hall !!!
A much wiser approach is to visit the town hall before you buy the land and inform
them what you would like to do, its all down to the mayor who also has his guidelines
to follow.
Another possibility is to rent or buy a plot on an existing development, these are
springing up all over the place and are fully self sufficient, some with swimming
pools and other facilities while others simply provide the plot with water and electricity.
Unless you really want to be alone in the stix this can be an excellent way to own
a log cabin, you will have added security when you are not there and some offer
to rent out your cabin for additional income when you don't use it.
Whatever else do not take it for granted that all of these developments are fully
legal, all it takes is a visit to the town hall to check out the status of the site
in question.
Contact us for more information on Log cabins in
Spain