At Mora Inmobiliaria, we have been observing how the property market has evolved over the years, adapting to new social, economic and urban planning needs. One of the trends that has attracted the most interest in recent years —and which continues to generate debate in 2025— is the conversion of commercial premises into housing. This is an option that, if well planned, can be legal, profitable and sustainable, especially in established urban areas such as Alicante, Elche and Benidorm.
After the pandemic, many premises located on ground floors or traditional shopping streets were left empty, while demand for housing continued to grow. This opened the door to a new type of investor and buyer: people looking for unique, more affordable and customisable spaces, as well as developers who see this conversion as a profitable alternative to the shortage of urban land.
Yes, but with some nuances. In the province of Alicante, the conversion of commercial premises into housing is still possible, if it complies with the urban planning and technical requirements of the corresponding municipality. Each local council (Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja, Alcoy, etc.) has its own General Urban Development Plan (PGOU), which determines whether a ground floor can be used for residential purposes
In general, the conversion requires:
- The premises must be in an area where residential use is permitted.
- Compliance with lighting, ventilation and habitability conditions.
- Submission of a technical project signed by an architect and processing of the change of use with the local council.
- Obtaining the first occupancy licence once the work has been completed.
At Mora Inmobiliaria, we work closely with technicians and architects who accompany our clients throughout the process, ensuring that each project is carried out with full legal and urban planning guarantees.
The answer depends on the case, but yes, it is still profitable in many areas of Alicante. The prices of ground floor premises are usually lower per square metre than those of homes, which allows for a good return on investment after the renovation. In neighbourhoods such as Carolinas, Altozano or San Blas (in Alicante city), or central areas of Elche and Santa Pola, you can find well-located premises to convert into loft-style homes or tourist studios.
Furthermore, this formula attracts both creative investors looking for unique projects and young buyers who want to get onto the property ladder at a lower cost. The refurbishment of premises for rent has also gained momentum, especially in areas with high tourist or university demand.
The conversion of premises is not only a question of profitability; it also contributes to revitalising neighbourhoods, reducing the number of empty premises and breathing new life into the urban fabric. In a province such as Alicante, where the climate, light and Mediterranean lifestyle invite you to enjoy open spaces, transforming a premises into a home can be much more than a real estate transaction: it can be a commitment to urban regeneration.
At Mora Inmobiliaria, we believe in a modern approach to real estate, where adaptation and creativity are key to continued growth. Whether as an investment or a personal project, converting commercial premises into housing remains, in 2025, a viable, legal option with a promising future.
