How much are Architects' Fees in Spain?

A fee structure is set out by the local "College of Architects", although this provides a reference rather than a rigid set of figures to which you are tied. Fees are not very different to those you would expect to pay in the UK. For a new-build project, an architect would normally charge around 13% of the estimated construction cost, or PEM. (Presupuesto de Ejecución Material). Renovation work for residential properties can be subject to an increase of a factor of 1,2 over and above this figure. This is for a proposal of between 200-400m2.

However, be aware that this PEM is generally considerably less than the actual build cost. This works in your favour, not only to reduce the fee of the architect but also because it is the 'official' figure on which the taxes for the planning permission will be based. The PEM can be calculated quite easily once the exact floor area to be built has been worked out, and a series of factors applied regarding location, use, construction method etc. That means that we can let you know what your fee will be during the first stages of the project.

This fee is fixed and only subject to significant variations in the size of the proposal. It will cover the Design Phase (the production of the "Proyecto Ejecutivo") as well as the Site Supervision ("Dirección de Obra").