The use of the property is defined according to its purpose, which may be residential or non-residential (commerce, services or industry).

Changing the licence for use of a property involves changing a legal authorisation that defines how a property may be used, according to its characteristics and the municipal legislation in force.
The process is usually necessary when the owner wishes to change the use of the property, for example, from residential to commercial or from commercial to services.

Changing the licence for use, steps to follow:

1. Before starting the process, it is important to confirm that the property complies with the municipal master plan (PDM) and local urban planning regulations. The conditions of use of the property may be limited by these regulations.

2. The change of use licence must be requested from the local council where the property is located. The owner must submit a formal application requesting the change and indicating the new intended use of the property.

3. The process of changing the usage licence may require the submission of the following documents:
— Architectural plans, if work is required to adapt the property to its new use;
— Technical report proving the feasibility of the change;
— Copy of the property title deed;
— Certificates related to building safety (e.g. fire safety, accessibility);
— Other licences or authorisations, depending on the nature of the change.

4. The City Council will review the application and the documentation submitted, verifying its compatibility with urban planning, safety and environmental standards. If works are necessary, a study will be carried out to assess the feasibility and impact of these works.

5. If the application is approved, the City Council will issue the new use licence, which will allow the property to be used for the new purpose indicated.
Amendment to the title deed of the condominium.

If you want to convert a shop into a dwelling, or vice versa, and if the property in question is part of a building, you will need to amend the respective title deed. According to the law, authorisation from all the co-owners of the building where the property is located is required. 
Post-change obligations: depending on the nature of the change, further inspections may be necessary to ensure that the property complies with all safety and usage standards set out in the licence. The owner must also comply with all tax and administrative obligations related to the new use.

Important considerations:
- The process may involve administrative costs, licence fees and expenses for architectural design or other necessary works.
- If the licence change involves physical alterations to the property (e.g. adapting the space for a new use), it will be necessary to obtain the relevant building permit from the local council and hire qualified professionals.
- The change of use of the property must be compatible with the Municipal Master Plan. In some areas, certain uses (such as industrial or commercial) may be prohibited in predominantly residential areas.

This process can be complex, depending on the type of change desired and the specific characteristics of the property, so it is advisable to seek the assistance of a specialist solicitor or urban planning expert to ensure that all the necessary steps are followed correctly.

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