Share this
by Sean Hill on Apr 16, 2025
From the Architects, Designers & Sustainability Specialists at RISE Design Studio
There’s a quiet power in starting with the right people. Long before construction drawings or material palettes, the most thoughtful homes begin with conversations about values, climate, culture, and the kind of life you want to lead.
A low-energy villa designed by RISE Design Studio in Spain, blending contemporary architecture with bioclimatic principles and natural materials to create a home rooted in place.
When buying property in Spain, it’s tempting to rush toward the tangible: the sea view, the vaulted ceilings, the promise of light. But if you’re seeking more than just a postcard home - if you want to create a low-energy space with integrity - then your team matters more than ever.
This is who we’d bring to the table.
The Notary → Your Legal Anchor
Every home needs a solid legal footing. In Spain, that assurance comes through the Notario. They don’t “advise” in the way a solicitor might in the UK, but they play a vital role in making the transaction legally binding, transparent, and enforceable.
At RISE, we see the notary not just as a legal formality, but as the first safeguard of your investment. They verify ownership, ensure the property is debt-free, and authorise the Deed of Sale (Escritura). Choose one who communicates clearly and has experience with international clients buying with renovation in mind.
The Architect → Your Eyes, Ears, and Intuition on the Ground
Not all properties are what they appear. That charming stone house may be riddled with structural issues. That “ready to renovate” home might sit within protected land or require significant planning permissions.
Over the years, we’ve walked into enough “bargains” to know how quickly a dream purchase can unravel. That’s why an architect, especially one with a sustainable and contextual approach, is essential before you sign.
At RISE, our role often begins before the purchase. We assess feasibility, advise on potential planning constraints, and - crucially - imagine what could be. Can it be brought to EnerPHit standards? Is passive cooling viable? Are there bioclimatic strategies that could dramatically reduce energy use?
→ We don’t just draw plans. We safeguard potential.
The Interior Designer → Shaping Space Around Purpose
Renovating in Spain is an opportunity to bring in tactile, grounded design - one that responds to climate, history, and contemporary living. Interiors are not just about finishes. They’re how a building feels. How air moves. How light rests on walls in the late afternoon.
Whether you’re retaining historical elements or stripping a space back to its essence, an interior designer with a sustainability lens will make all the difference.
At RISE, our interiors team sources reclaimed materials, specifies natural paints and lime plasters, and works closely with local craftspeople. We balance aesthetics with air quality, raw beauty with long-term performance.
☉ Design becomes more powerful when it’s intentional, not indulgent.
The Mortgage Broker → Making Finance Work for Sustainable Goals
A low-energy home doesn’t have to mean high financial stress. Mortgage brokers in Spain vary in quality, but the best will be honest about timelines, fees, and bank preferences. Some specialise in renovation finance or work with lenders offering green mortgages—ideal if you’re investing in insulation, renewables or water-efficient upgrades.
We always suggest involving the broker early if finance is needed. They’ll help you align your budget with ambition. Importantly, check whether they charge you a fee or take commission from the lender. Transparency is key.
The Property Finder → Filtering Noise from Possibility
While estate agents typically work on behalf of the seller, a property finder or buscador de propiedades works for you. The best ones are proactive, discreet, and relentless. They don’t just browse listings—they network, negotiate, and surface hidden opportunities.
At RISE, we’ve partnered with independent property finders who understand that our clients often seek more than a conventional holiday home. They’re looking for orientation, potential for passive design, solar access, and room to grow. A good search partner will ask the right questions—not just “where do you want to live,” but “how do you want to live?”
A Final Word: Buy Slowly, Build Wisely
As architects and designers, we’re often brought in after the fact, after the deposit is paid and the paperwork done. But when we’re part of the journey from the outset, we can add value where it matters most: helping clients avoid costly surprises, protect the spirit of their purchase, and build spaces that tread lightly.
This isn’t about buying a building. It’s about shaping a lifestyle—with sunlight, air, insulation, thermal mass, natural materials, and soulful living all considered.
→ If you’re buying in Spain and thinking sustainably, think architecturally from day one.
→ Let design lead, and the rest will follow with more clarity, efficiency, and joy.
We’re here if you’d like a second opinion on a potential purchase, need guidance on the right local professionals, or simply want to talk through your ideas. Whether it’s a ruin, a townhouse, or a plot by the sea—we’d love to help bring it to life.
Considering buying or building a home in Spain?
Let’s talk about how good architecture, rooted in sustainability and design-led thinking, can unlock the full potential of your future home.
→ Email us at architects@risedesignstudio.co.uk
→ Or call our studio on +34 938 32 53 40
RISE Design Studio Architects · Company reg no: 08129708 · VAT no: GB158316403
© RISE Design Studio. Designing low-energy, purposeful spaces since 2011.
