Honestly, when people ask me “what’s the cost of a full renovation for an 80 m² flat in Altea?”, I always warn them: I don’t go below €60,000–€70,000 when we mean a truly full renovation (new systems, complete bathrooms, kitchen, interior carpentry and windows). From there, the sky’s the limit depending on finishes and extras. In my experience, two bathrooms and windows/wardrobes are the biggest cost drivers; and if you add underfloor heating with aerothermal or a natural-stone countertop in the kitchen, you’re out of the mid-range bracket.
For an 80 m² flat I don’t go under €60–70k if the renovation is genuinely full. Two bathrooms concentrate a lot of cost (plumbing + tiling + electrics). Same with carpentry and the kitchen: a natural-stone countertop adds a clear premium.
Quick note on market references
You’ll see Alicante price guides with lower ranges (e.g., 70–80 m²: €21,000–€25,000). They’re useful for orientation but often exclude expensive items you do find in a real full renovation (windows, custom carpentry, project management, energy upgrades, etc.). Always compare scope and line items before treating those numbers as “the real price.”
Price guidance in Altea: scenarios for 80 m²
Goal: help you map your case to a realistic scenario and understand why the number lands there.
| Scenario | Typical scope | Line items & total |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Partial systems, no partition changes, standard flooring/tiling |
|
| Mid-range | New systems, selective partitions, efficient windows, interior joinery, mid-range kitchen |
|
| Premium | Comprehensive design, high-end finishes, thermal-break windows + low-emissivity glass, custom wardrobes, high-end kitchen |
|
Heads-up: natural-stone countertops and underfloor heating + aerothermal can push the project beyond the mid-range (+€2.5–6k in the kitchen; +€12–20k for climate system), which is why they’re not “included” in Basic/Mid-range.
What really drives the cost (and how to keep control)
Bathrooms (the biggest “sink”)
- Where the money goes: plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, sanitaryware, shower screens.
- How to optimise: keep stacks and water points where they are if possible; pick medium tile sizes (less waste) and reliable mid-range taps.
Kitchen (heart of the home… and a sensitive budget line)
- What spikes cost: natural stone/porcelain countertops, hidden hardware, built-in lighting, panel-ready appliances.
- How to optimise: modular cabinetry, HPL side panels, mid-range quartz countertop and “balanced” appliances.
If you want natural stone, assume the premium from day one so you don’t get a last-minute surprise.
Carpentry & windows (coastal = salt & wind)
- Windows: aluminium with thermal break (RPT), stainless hardware, low-E solar-control glazing. In PVC, pick profiles/hardware rated for marine environments.
- Wardrobes: custom interiors in moisture-resistant boards if the home has humidity issues.
Systems: electrics, plumbing and climate (underfloor heating + aerothermal)
- Brand-new systems (80 m²): electrics €5,000–€8,000; plumbing €4,500–€7,000 with 1 bathroom (+€3,000–€5,000 for a second bathroom).
- Standard climate: ducted AC or efficient splits.
- Underfloor + aerothermal: superb comfort, but outside the mid-range on 80 m² (this alone can add €12,000–€20,000 depending on brand and works). For full-time use, the comfort/efficiency can justify it; for holiday use, think twice.
If you switch to underfloor heating with aerothermal, you leave the mid-range. I only propose it when usage and insulation truly justify it.
Permits and paperwork in Altea (2025): what to apply for, timelines & fees
Altea uses urban permits and declarations of responsibility depending on the scope. For full renovations with structural changes or use changes, you’ll need a building permit; for non-structural interior works, a declaration of responsibility may fit. Always confirm your project’s exact category with a technician and current local ordinance.
ICIO in Altea: budget ~3.5% on the construction cost base (Coste de Ejecución Material). There are bonuses for specific cases (e.g., protected buildings, public interest).
In listed buildings, facades/exterior elements have specific rules. Indoors, if there’s no specific protection, the renovation proceeds under the right permit.
Timeline: realistic durations and how not to overrun
For a full 80 m² renovation, with planning and materials locked early, 12–16 weeks is a solid target; with structural work, full system renewals and aerothermal, it can stretch. Sector guides cite 3–6 months for 100 m²—Altea isn’t an exception. Typical bottlenecks are permits, material lead times and trade coordination.
I keep a 10–15% contingency in time and budget. It’s the difference between a calm handover and a mad dash.
Practical ways to save without cutting quality (Altea)
- Define the real scope: a truly full renovation = new systems, complete kitchen and bathrooms. Avoid half-measures that force a second round next year.
- Lock finishes in writing (spec sheet + drawings): fewer changes mid-stream.
- Windows first: prioritise airtightness & marine-grade hardware over flashy profiles.
- Wet areas: don’t move stacks unless necessary.
- Maintenance: if you install a macerating toilet, leave an accessible service panel—it saved me once after an object “mysteriously” blocked the unit.
Detailed budget (example by line item for 80 m²)
| Work item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Demolition & waste management | 3,000–6,000 € |
| Masonry (partitions, screeds, leveling) | 6,000–10,000 € |
| Full electrical | 5,000–8,000 € |
| Plumbing + DHW (1 bathroom) | 4,500–7,000 € (+3,000–5,000 € for 2nd bathroom) |
| Kitchen (cabinets+worktop+appliances) | 9,000–14,000 € (+2,500–6,000 € natural stone) |
| Full bathroom (per unit) | 5,500–9,000 € |
| Interior joinery (doors, wardrobes) | 5,000–9,000 € |
| Windows (aluminum thermal break / PVC coastal) | 8,000–18,000 € |
| Wall/floor finishes & painting | 4,000–7,000 € |
| Technical management, permits, ICIO 3.5% (per scope) | 3,000–6,500 € |
| Contingency (10–15%) | 6,000–10,000 € |
| Estimated total | 60,000–90,000 € |
Exposed concrete pillars look fantastic if you clean and seal them to fix the dust. With good lighting, they really shine.
How to request and compare quotes in Altea (step by step)
Before you move a wall, lock the scope and compare quotes line by line. That way you avoid “apples vs oranges” and mid-project surprises (I always set aside a 10–15% contingency).
| Work item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Demolition & waste management | 3.000–6.000 € |
| Masonry (partitions, screeds, leveling) | 6.000–10.000 € |
| Full electrical | 5.000–8.000 € |
| Plumbing + DHW (1 bathroom) | 4.500–7.000 € (+3.000–5.000 € for 2nd bathroom) |
| Kitchen (cabinets+worktop+appliances) | 9.000–14.000 € (+2.500–6.000 € natural stone) |
| Full bathroom (per unit) | 5.500–9.000 € |
| Interior joinery (doors, wardrobes) | 5.000–9.000 € |
| Windows (aluminum thermal break / PVC coastal) | 8.000–18.000 € |
| Wall/floor finishes & painting | 4.000–7.000 € |
| Technical management, permits, ICIO 3.5% (per scope) | 3.000–6.500 € |
| Contingency (10–15%) | 6.000–10.000 € |
| Estimated total | 60.000–90.000 € |
Quick tips from real jobs:
- With two bathrooms, expect +€6,000–€10,000; decide early.
- Underfloor + aerothermal takes you out of mid-range; worth it for full-time use.
- For a macerating toilet, leave an accessible panel—it saves headaches.
- Windows: prioritise airtightness and marine-grade hardware over the trendiest profile.
FAQs about full renovations in Altea (2025)
What’s the price per m² in Altea?
For a realistic full job with new systems and efficient windows, plan €750–€1,100/m² in 2025 for 80 m². Generic guides often publish lower figures because they exclude certain items or specs.
How much extra is a second bathroom?
Typically €6,000–€10,000 depending on finishes, re-routing, and sanitaryware.
Which permit do I need?
If there’s structure/use change: building permit. If it’s non-structural interiors, a declaration of responsibility may fit—confirm with your technician and current ordinance.
How long do permits take and what tax applies?
Timelines depend on the regime (permit vs declaration). Budget ICIO ~3.5% of the construction cost base (plus minor admin fees).
Is aerothermal worth it on 80 m²?
With full-time use and good insulation, it can be; for a second home, weigh cost vs usage. Note it moves you out of the mid-range budget.
Closing & next steps
If your goal is a truly full renovation in Altea for 80 m², a realistic mid-spec range starts at €60–70k and scales with extras. The budget is decided mainly by bathrooms, kitchen and carpentry/windows; if you add aerothermal + underfloor, expect to step up a bracket. My advice: define scope and specs up front, lock the spec sheet, and compare quotes line by line. Add a 10–15% contingency and you’ll finish calmly—so you can enjoy the home instead of stress over it.
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