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Welcome to HMS Real Estate & Architecture, your trusted partner in architectural and real estate services. Founded by Harry Martin Shackleton, a qualified technical building designer and estate agent with a passion for delivering excellence in every project.
Based in Murcia, Costa Cálida, we proudly serve the entire Murcia region and Alicante region, providing top-notch services tailored to your needs.
Collaboration with Pelegrin Architects We proudly collaborate with Pelegrin Architects, bringing over 20 years of architectural expertise to our projects. Together, we combine our knowledge and experience to deliver innovative and practical solutions across all our services.
Our Services At HMS Real Estate & Architecture, we specialize in a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs:
Our Founder Harry Martin Shackleton, born in Reading, England, brings over two decades of residency in Spain and a deep understanding of local markets and regulations. Having completed his schooling and professional qualifications in Spain, Harry holds qualifications in technical building design and is an API-registered estate agent. Since establishing HMS Real Estate & Architecture, he has been dedicated to providing professional services tailored to the unique needs of the local market.
At HMS Real Estate & Architecture, we are committed to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction. Whether you are embarking on a new architectural endeavor or navigating the complexities of real estate transactions, trust us to be your reliable partner every step of the way.
Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you with your next project or property transaction. Let’s build your vision together.
If you plan to sell or rent your property in Spain, obtaining an energy performance certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement.
An EPC assesses a home’s energy efficiency, assigning it a rating from “A” (most efficient) to “G” (least efficient).
Our service includes a home visit to evaluate and rate your property according to the official energy efficiency scale. We also handle the necessary registration with the authorities and cover all registration taxes.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a report that evaluates the energy efficiency of a home and provides recommendations on how to save energy and reduce costs. It assigns an energy rating to the property on a scale from “A” (most efficient) to “G” (least efficient).
Yes, the Royal Decree has been in effect since June 1, 2013.
Yes, it is mandatory for all sellers and landlords advertising their property for sale or rent. Without an EPC, you could face fines.
EPCs are issued by qualified professional technicians, such as architects, technical architects, and building engineers.
Yes, the technician must visit the property to take measurements and collect information before performing calculations and certifying the report.
No, you must obtain an EPC before selling your home. It is required at the notary’s office during the sale process.
The property owner is responsible for the cost of the EPC.
You can verify if a property has an EPC through regional registries using the catastro number. The following website allows you to check: MUI CARM.
We will send you the digitally signed certificate via email once it is fully registered and approved. You should forward it to your real estate agent and lawyer. If needed, we can also provide a printed copy by mail or in person.
The EPC is valid for 10 years. However, if your property has a “G” rating, it is valid for only 5 years. A new certificate is not required unless the property undergoes significant renovations or changes.
No, you are not required to make any improvements even if your property has a low rating.
A low rating does not prevent you from selling your home. However, the rating may influence potential buyers’ decisions.
You must have an EPC before advertising your property for sale or rent. Fines can be imposed if your property is advertised without an EPC
We provide Residential Energy Performance Certificates for the following property types:
Our comprehensive service includes the property assessment, EPC issuance, EPC registration, registration taxes, and IVA.
*For units or houses with more than four bedrooms, additional fees may apply.
To schedule an appointment, simply email us your telephone number, and we will get in touch with you. Alternatively, you can send us a message via WhatsApp at (+34) 629 762 454. We offer assistance in both Native English and Fluent Spanish. Our team is ready to quickly address all your questions and concerns.
Swimming pool builders often begin construction before obtaining the necessary pool license from the Town Hall due to the lengthy administrative process, which can take between 6 to 12 months. Typically, they register the pool project with the Town Hall and proceed with the construction. However, it is common for clients to be unaware that upon completion, the pool requires a completion certificate signed by the architect who designed and managed the project. This certificate must then be included in the properties deed.
If you find yourself in this situation, you will need either:
Obtaining the appropriate certification ensures your swimming pool is legally recognized and included in your properties deed, helping you avoid potential legal issues and fines.
Many houses were initially included in their title deeds as “under construction.” This status allowed developers to obtain mortgage deeds from banks. When developers sold these properties, they were often still in the project phase or under construction, and the title deed status was never updated. As a result, many properties still appear as “under construction” in the title deeds.
If you want to sell your house, the buyer’s solicitor will require the term “under construction” to be removed from the deed to indicate that the house is complete.
We can assist with this by:
This certificate allows the notary to update the deed description to reflect that the construction is finished, enabling your potential buyer to secure a mortgage from the bank.
Ensure your property is correctly described in the title deeds to facilitate a smooth sale and allow buyers to obtain necessary financing.
The habitation certificate, also known as the first occupation license, is issued by the Town Hall. This certificate verifies that a property meets all necessary conditions and requirements to be considered habitable.
To apply for the habitation certificate, you need to:
Pay the Corresponding Fees:
Submit Required Documentation:
After submitting your application, the Town Hall’s architect may decide to visit the property to ensure it meets the necessary living conditions.
Since habitation license taxes vary by Town Hall, we cannot include them in our standard pricing. However, our services start from €200 + IVA (VAT). For a fixed quote specific to your area, we will contact the council and inform you of the final cost.
Ensure your property is compliant and habitable by obtaining the necessary habitation certificate. Contact us for more details and assistance with your application.
Our company is a dynamic and innovative architectural firm located in Murcia, Spain. We collaborate closely with Pelegrin Architects, leveraging their extensive experience and expertise. I am a English native, born in England, and Spanish trained and qualified in technical building design. Our partner from Pelegrin Architects is a Spanish native with over 20 years of experience in the field as an architect. Together, we bring a blend of fresh perspective and seasoned knowledge to every project. We utilize the most modern technology to ensure precision and efficiency in all our projects.
If you have a specific project or requirement not listed above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always open to discussing new ideas and finding the best solutions to meet your architectural needs.
At our company, in collaboration with Pelegrin Architects we conduct independent building surveys and structural surveys with the utmost integrity.
We maintain complete impartiality, with no conflicting loyalties to banks, developers, contractors, property owners, estate agents, lawyers, or municipal authorities.
Our reports and comments are grounded in extensive technical knowledge.
Our basic building survey includes a detailed inspection of all accessible areas, from ground level to upper and lower levels, provided they are safe and easily accessible. We are unable to examine areas that require exceptional effort or specialized equipment to access.
We test all available services, noting any problems or signs of defects. This includes checking the functionality of kitchen equipment, heating, and air conditioning systems where possible. However, we cannot guarantee that these systems meet their specifications or will function correctly in the future.
Our report provides a detailed list, supported by photographs, of any defects found, their likely causes, and our recommendations for addressing them.
We believe our survey offers a thorough evaluation of the property and its defects (if any), enabling prospective buyers to make informed decisions about what may be needed to bring the property up to an acceptable or superior condition.
Our structural surveys are comprehensive evaluations designed to uncover any underlying issues with the structural integrity of a building.
Structural Survey: While we rarely conduct full structural surveys—due to the invasive nature of breaking into and testing structural elements—they are essential when identifying the cause of a defect found during a building survey. If a structural defect is detected or a problem needs to be resolved, we investigate the structural design and materials’ resistance in a laboratory setting. We then produce a detailed report describing the issues and recommending solutions. With over 20 years of experience in managing complex rehabilitations and structural calculations in Murcia, we possess a deep understanding of the region’s construction techniques, both past and present.
Our building and land surveys provide a detailed assessment of both the built environment and the land itself.
Building Survey: Our building surveys offer a comprehensive inspection of the properties physical condition. We examine every accessible part of the building, identify defects, and suggest necessary repairs or improvements. This survey ensures you are fully aware of the properties state before making any investment decisions.
Land Surveys: There are several types of land surveys, each serving a specific purpose:
Our team of qualified surveyors brings years of experience and specialized knowledge to every inspection. We stay updated with the latest industry standards and regulations to ensure our assessments are accurate and reliable.
All our surveying services are conducted in collaboration with Pelegrin Architects, who bring over 20 years of experience in these fields. With their expertise in architectural design, complex rehabilitations, and structural calculations in Murcia, our collaboration ensures comprehensive and accurate evaluations for all your property needs.
We understand that purchasing property is a significant investment. Our goal is to provide you with clear, honest, and detailed information to help you make the best decision. We are always available to answer your questions and provide further clarification on our findings.
Every property is unique, and so are our surveys. We tailor our inspection process to meet the specific needs and concerns of each client, ensuring that you receive personalized service that addresses all aspects of the property you are interested in.
Our commitment to you doesn’t end with the survey report. We offer follow-up consultations to discuss our findings and recommendations, helping you understand the next steps to take in your property investment journey.
We believe in providing high-quality services at competitive prices. Our comprehensive surveys and detailed reports ensure you get the best value for your money, protecting your investment by identifying potential issues before they become costly problems.
We offer a range of additional services to meet all your surveying needs. Our hourly fee for professional advice is €35/hour for extra services such as:
To streamline the survey process, you can provide past records or plans of your plot and your deed, if available. Clearing the area around your property lines can also facilitate easier access and faster work.
The cost of a land survey varies based on the properties history, size, location, and other factors. Our land survey reports start from €450 + 21% VAT. The final cost includes the surveyor’s fee, equipment, and the Land Survey Report.
We will email you the land survey report digitally signed and stamped by the Official College of Technical Architects of Murcia. If you need a printed copy, please let us know, and we will send it to you by mail or deliver it personally.
Several factors influence the cost of a survey, including:
By choosing our services, you are assured of a meticulous, unbiased, and professional survey that empowers you with the knowledge to make informed property decisions.
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