The "cédula de habitabilidad" or certificate of occupancy, is a key document confirming that a property meets the minimum requirements for habitation. In certain autonomous communities, it is required when buying, selling or renting a property, as well as when arranging certain utility connections.
If you don't yet have this document and want to understand its impact on your budget, here's what you need to know about the costs involved.
How much does a certificate of occupancy cost?
The average cost of a certificate of occupancy is around €216, although prices typically range between €45 and €900, according to Certicalia.
There are three possible cost components involved in obtaining a certificate of occupancy, two of which are mandatory:
- Technical report (mandatory). You will need an architect or building engineer to certify that the property complies with habitability regulations. This report typically costs around €100.
- Local authority fee (mandatory). This covers the review of the submitted documentation and the issuance of the certificate.
- Administrative management fees (optional). If you choose to hire a company to handle the process on your behalf, you will need to pay its fees. In many cases, this additional cost is relatively low when the same company also prepares the technical report.
What influences the price of the occupancy certificate?
The main factors affecting the cost of a certificate of occupancy are:
- Property location. Prices vary across Spain and differ from one autonomous community to another.
- Property age. In general, the older the property, the higher the cost may be.
- Property type. Inspections of commercial premises or single-family homes are usually more expensive than those of small or medium-sized flats. Property type changes can significantly increase the overall cost.
- Property dimensions. Larger properties generally require more extensive inspections.
- Property condition. A property in poor condition may require a more detailed assessment.
Cost of a certificate of occupancy and an energy certificate
The combined cost of obtaining a certificate of occupancy and an energy performance certificate typically ranges between €100 and more than €200, according to Cronoshare. This estimate does not usually include administrative fees, which should be added to calculate the final cost.
It is worth noting that public fees associated with the energy performance certificate are generally low and, in some cases, may not apply.
Some professionals offer discounted rates when both certificates are commissioned at the same time, which can help reduce overall costs.
How long does it take to obtain a certificate of occupancy?
The time required to obtain a certificate of occupancy varies depending on how long the technician takes to prepare a favourable report and the processing times of the relevant local authority. The more complex the case, and the slower the administrative process, the longer it will take to obtain the certificate.
In addition, if the inspection identifies defects or non-compliance issues, any corrective work that is required may further delay the process.
