In Spain, the cédula de habitabilidad is a certificate required to guarantee that a dwelling meets the minimum safety, health and hygiene standards to be fit for habitation. These standards include: 

• Minimum floor area (36 m2 in Catalonia, for example, but this depends on the Autonomous Community in which the property is located)
• Sufficient ceiling height (usually 2.5 m)
• Adequate ventilation
• Basic facilities such as bathroom and kitchen.

Usefulness of the cédula de habitabilidad

It protects the occupant of a property and is essential for :

• Guaranteeing legal compliance: the cédula de habitabilidad certifies that the property meets the minimum standards of habitability laid down by law.
• Occupy, sell or rent a property.
• Subscribe to essential services such as water, electricity and gas.
• Obtaining a loan: Spanish banks sometimes require a cedula to ensure that the property is in order, before granting a loan. 

Typologie de cédulas de habitabilidad

There are three types of cédulas de habitabilidad: 

1. Visit cédula de primera ocupación is issued by town halls for new homes.
2. La cédula de primera ocupación después de reforma is required for homes that have undergone a complete renovation or a change of use. 
3. The cédula de segunda ocupación: cédula are valid for a limited time, so you need to renew your certificate to be in good standing. 

Duration of validity of the cédula de habitabilidad

The period of validity depends on the date of issue of the cédula and the Autonomous Community in which the property is located. 

For example : 

• Before 2004, cedulas were valid for 10 years, so they all expired at the end of 2024.
• Between 2004 and 2012, cedulas were valid for 15 years.
• Since 2012, they have been valid for 25 years.

Cost of a cedula 

The price of a cédula de habitabilidad depends on several factors, including the size, address and condition of the property. Overall, the final cost includes:

• The architect's technical report, which costs between €100 and €1,000 depending on the type of property (apartment, house, commercial premises), its size and its location (an expert will cost more in Barcelona than in a small town in the center of the country, for example). 
• Administrative taxes, which range from €50 to €100 depending on the Autonomous Community. 

Procedure for obtaining the cédula de habitabilidad 

1. Contact a professional: this is an architect or technical architect(el aparejador in Spanish) who is qualified to assess the property and provide the technical certificate. 
2. Putting together the file: the professional assembles the necessary documents: the technical certificate, floor plans and cadastral information.
3. Submitting an application: the application must be submitted to the town hall's planning department.
4. Payment of tax: tax varies by region, and can be as much as a hundred euros. 

Advice from the experts at Terreta Spain 

• Always check whether your home has a cédula before committing to a real estate transaction.
• If you're buying an older home without a cédula de habitabilidad, you'll need to factor in additional costs to bring it up to standard.

FAQ : La cédula de habitabilidad

What criteria are assessed to obtain the cedula?

Criteria vary slightly from region to region, but generally include :

   - Minimum living area.

   - Minimum ceiling height.

   - Adequate ventilation and natural lighting.

   - The presence of essential equipment such as a kitchen, bathroom with WC and compliant electrical installations.

What happens if my home doesn't meet the criteria?

If the property does not meet the minimum requirements, you will have to carry out work to bring it up to standard before you can obtain the cedula.

Is the cédula de habitabilidad required in all regions of Spain?

Yes, but each autonomous community applies its own specific rules and criteria. 

How much does it cost to obtain a cedula?

Total cost includes :

   - Fees for the professional carrying out the inspection (approx. 100 to 1000 euros).

   - Administrative fees for submitting the application (50 to 100 euros depending on the region).

Can I sell or rent without a cedula?

No, with very limited exceptions (for example, if the property is sold as uninhabitable). However, this can considerably reduce the value of the property and complicate administrative procedures.

Is the cédula de habitabilidad necessary for older homes?

Yes, even for older homes that have been lived in for a long time. If it has expired or has never been issued, you will need to apply for it.

What is the difference between the cédula de habitabilidad and the energy certificate?

- The cédula de habitabilidad certifies that the property meets minimum standards of habitability.

- The energy certificate assesses the home's energy efficiency (rating from A to G). These two documents are often requested together when selling or renting a property.

What do I do if I lose my cedula?

You can request a duplicate from the relevant administrative services in your area.

Conclusion

The cédula de habitabilidad is a key certificate to guarantee that your home complies with the legal standards in force in Spain. Make sure it's always up to date to avoid legal or administrative problems.

Sources: Idealista