Renovating an Apartment in Portugal: What’s Allowed?
Before you renovate an apartment in Portugal, you need to know what requires approval — especially in a condo. This guide explains what’s allowed and how to plan smart.
Planning to renovate an apartment in Portugal? Whether you’re upgrading a resale unit or buying a property that needs cosmetic or structural improvements, it’s important to know what you can and can’t do — especially in a condominium setting.
Unlike standalone homes, apartments come with shared ownership, conservation rules, and condominium bylaws that place real limits on what’s permitted.
This guide explains what types of renovations require approval, how to work with condo associations, and what to expect when hiring local contractors in the Algarve.
What Renovations Are Allowed Inside Your Apartment?
Generally, you can renovate the interior of your unit — including:
✅ Allowed without approval (in most cases):
- Replacing flooring or tiles
- Updating kitchens or bathrooms
- Installing new lighting or cabinetry
- Interior painting and decoration
However, once you touch shared systems or the building’s external appearance, approval is often required.
What Requires Approval or Is Often Restricted?
| Type of Work | Approval Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing windows or balcony doors | ✔ Usually yes | Especially if they alter appearance or materials |
| Moving internal walls | ✔ Sometimes | May require engineer’s review |
| Installing air conditioning units (outdoor) | ✔ Yes | External compressor placement must be approved |
| Changing facade color or balcony tiles | ✔ Yes | Façade elements are considered common property |
| Merging two units | ✔ Yes | Structural and legal approval required |
⚠️ Even if you’re only modifying your own unit, changes that impact the structure or shared systems often need prior approval from the condominium assembly.
Working Within a Condominium (Condomínio)
If your apartment is in a building with shared ownership, the condominium rules and owners’ assembly will play a big role in what renovations you can do.
What You Need to Know:
- Major works require assembly approval, often with a majority vote
- Noise restrictions may apply — especially during the summer or in holiday buildings
- Work hours and contractor access rules are often regulated by the building manager
- If you’re planning any visible or structural change, it’s best to get written permission in advance
Licenses and Legal Considerations
Not all renovations require a municipal building license, but you may need one if:
- You’re changing the unit’s layout or increasing its usable area
- You’re altering electrical, water, or structural systems
- You’re in a historic zone or building with preservation status
In such cases, you’ll need to submit architectural plans and get approval from the local Câmara Municipal (town hall).
📝 Tip: When we help buyers find properties, we also guide them through what’s realistically possible in terms of renovations — including whether a building allows it or not.
What Does a Renovation Cost in the Algarve? (2025)
Prices can vary depending on building type, level of finish, and whether access is easy (e.g., elevator, street parking for crews):
| Renovation Type | Estimated Range (€ / m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light renovation | €400–€700 | Painting, fixtures, minor updates |
| Mid-range renovation | €700–€1,200 | Kitchens, bathrooms, flooring |
| Full high-end renovation | €1,200–€2,000+ | Luxury materials, custom finishes |
💡 Buildings without elevators or with limited access may have higher labor costs. It’s also common for works to take longer due to part-time contractors or local scheduling norms.
Choosing the Right Professionals
Unless you’re doing minor updates, it’s smart to work with:
- A licensed architect or engineer (for structural or layout work)
- A project manager or general contractor
- A condo liaison or administrator to coordinate building access and approvals
For luxury projects, there are also high-end interior design firms that handle the entire process — including sourcing furniture, managing delivery logistics, and dealing with local contractors.
🛋️ If you’re working on a high-end renovation, Algarve Interior Design, offers full-service interior architecture, finish selection, and project execution. Their team works with top-tier international brands such as Poliform, Giorgetti, and Manutti, ensuring a seamless, design-led transformation with premium finishes.
Need Help Finding a Renovation-Friendly Apartment?
We help buyers not only find the right apartment — but also understand what’s legally and practically possible in terms of renovation. From AL licensing to structural changes, we’ll guide you through the right questions to ask before you commit.
