Renovate Now or Live First? A Menorca Perspective
One of the most common questions homeowners ask after buying a property in Menorca is deceptively simple: Should we renovate straight away, or live in the house first?
There’s no universal answer. But on an island like Menorca—where homes, climate and pace of life differ so markedly from elsewhere—the decision deserves careful thought.
Over time, many homeowners discover that living in a property before renovating can be just as valuable as drawing up plans on day one.
The Emotional Weight of a New Home
Buying a home in Menorca is rarely just a practical decision. It’s emotional. For many, it represents a slower way of living, a long-held dream, or a shift in priorities.
Starting a full renovation immediately can sometimes mean missing the chance to experience the house as it is—to understand how light moves through the rooms, where you naturally gravitate during the day, or how the home responds to summer heat and winter calm.
Living in a space, even temporarily, allows a relationship to form. And that relationship often leads to better decisions later.
Comfort Changes Perspective
Of course, “living first” doesn’t mean tolerating discomfort. Many homes are structurally sound but feel tired, poorly furnished, or disconnected from how their owners actually live.
This is where a considered interim approach can make a meaningful difference. Thoughtful furnishing, soft furnishings, lighting and layout can transform a house quickly—making it comfortable, functional and welcoming without committing to major works.
Creating a home that feels good in the meantime allows you to slow down, breathe, and think clearly about what really needs to change—and what doesn’t.
Designing With Experience, Not Assumptions
Plans drawn up before living in a house are often based on assumptions. Plans drawn up after living there are based on experience.
Perhaps a room you intended to knock through becomes a favourite quiet space. Perhaps the terrace you thought was secondary becomes the heart of the home. Or maybe you realise certain changes are more urgent than others.
Living in the property gives clarity. Renovations become more precise, more personal, and often more restrained—which is rarely a bad thing in Menorca.
The Island Pace Matters
Renovation timelines in Menorca don’t always align with expectations formed elsewhere. Trades are limited, materials can take time to arrive, and projects naturally move at a slower pace.
Using this time intentionally—by making the home comfortable and functional while plans develop—often leads to a more enjoyable overall experience. Rather than waiting for “life to begin” after renovation, homeowners are already living well in the space.
When Renovating Later Makes Sense
Living first is particularly valuable when:
The house is structurally sound but dated
The layout works, but not perfectly
You’re unsure how you’ll use the home seasonally
You want to avoid rushed decisions
It allows renovation to evolve naturally, guided by real use rather than urgency.
A Thoughtful Middle Ground
In Menorca, renovation doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There is often a middle ground—one that prioritises comfort now, clarity later, and better long-term outcomes.
By furnishing thoughtfully, softening spaces, and planning carefully, homeowners can enjoy their homes immediately while laying the foundations for a renovation that truly makes sense.
Sometimes, the best renovations begin not with demolition—but with living.