The certificate of habitability is an essential document when it comes to real estate in Spain, especially for those who live or want to live in Barcelona. It is a certificate that, in accordance with current regulations, guarantees that a property is habitable. In other words, that it complies with the minimum requirements in terms of health and safety and living conditions. Do you want to know more about it? Keep reading!
What is the certificate of habitability?
The certificate of habitability is also known as the certificate of occupancy. From that point on, this official document indicates that a property is suitable to be used for residential purposes. That is to say, that it can be lived in.
In addition to that, this certificate is relevant for different procedures. Among which we are going to mention the contracting of multiple basic services; either the supply of gas, electricity or water.
At the same time, it is also useful when renting a house and even to carry out purchase and sale transactions.
Example certificate of habitability
An example of a certificate of habitability is a document that contains specific information about a dwelling. In fact, there are data that are infallible in this sense. Some of them are:
- Precise location.
- Cadastral reference: it is a unique identification that each property has.
- Date of issue and expiration.
- Body that issues it.
- Useful or total surface: the square meters denominated as habitable.
- Minimum ceiling height.
- Distribution of the spaces.
- Maximum number of occupants it should have.
- Information on facilities, sanitation and solidity: the first has to do with the operation of basic services such as water, electricity and gas. Sanitation focuses on the absence of leaks, humidity and other problems. And solidity refers to the general condition of the building.
- Data that identifies the technician responsible for issuing the certificate.
- Among other requirements that a certificate of habitability must meet in accordance with current law.
How to know if an apartment has a certificate of habitability?
Verifying if an apartment has a certificate of habitability is not so complicated. If you need to do so, you can rely on any of the options you will see below.
- If you are buying a property, request a copy from the owner or, failing that, from the agency handling the sale and purchase. Of course, this is in the event that you do not get the license among the documents of the process that you already have at your fingertips.
- Consult official bodies such as the Land Registry, the Housing Agency of Catalonia and even the land registry.
Obtaining a certificate of habitability
Obtaining the certificate of habitability in Catalonia is easier than you think. However, before we continue, keep in mind that this process varies depending on the autonomous community in which it must be done.
Now, we continue with Catalonia. Generally, the process can be initiated via internet, but, before carrying it out as such, it is important that you comply with the minimum legal requirements.
For example, that the property possesses the conditions of habitability with respect to salubrity, services and security. At the same time, you must obtain specific documentation, carry out an inspection, obtain a technical certificate, among other things.
In short, once you have all the necessary documents, you can get an appointment on the Barcelona Housing Consortium website. This has a section called “Vivienda te llama” (Housing calls you), created to facilitate this process. By the way, if you want to know in detail how to apply for or obtain the certificate of habitability, in another of our deliveries we will tell you all about the process.
How much does the certificate of habitability cost?
The price of the certificate of habitability usually varies for different reasons. Among which we can mention:
- The characteristics of the property (location, size and complexity).
- The technical fees of the architect who will make the inspection and issue the report required for the procedure.
- The fees established by the city council. They vary in each case, but usually do not exceed 100 euros.
- The management of the procedure in general. This applies if you hire a professional to help you with the process and take care of everything for you. Keep in mind that, more than an expense, you should consider it as a smart investment. It will help you to speed up and even avoid fines or penalties of any kind due to bad practice or simple ignorance.
From there and based on our experience, the costs at a global level are usually between 60 and 1000 euros approximately; there may be cases where the figures are higher. For this reason, we establish a wide gap due to the number of factors that influence the determination of the price of the certificate of habitability.
How many types of certificates of habitability are there?
In general terms, there are two types of certificate of habitability, one for first occupancy and one for second occupancy.
The first occupancy certificate applies to newly constructed properties. Therefore, it requires a more comprehensive analysis of the property. In other words, since no one has lived there, it is necessary to coordinate the verification of the indispensable technical aspects to determine that the place is safe and habitable.
However, the second occupancy certificate is issued when a dwelling has already been occupied. It is often an update, since the certificate or license already exists. This results in a faster and even simpler process.
However, if the property has been renovated or rehabilitated, the matter usually becomes more complex and a thorough technical review becomes vital. This could result in a more time-consuming and even costly process compared to the first case.
In summary, obtaining either of the two types of certificate of habitability and its price will depend on the characteristics of the property. That is why professional advice becomes your best ally. With the right support, you will be able to deal with the application for either of the two in the most practical and efficient way possible; without delays, stress or worries of any kind.
How important is the certificate of occupancy of a dwelling?
The certificate of habitability of a dwelling is of great importance. Especially when we refer to the city of Barcelona. So much so, that, without it, it is not possible to rent or sell a property. By the way, if you have a local, and you want to convert it into housing, you must also get it.
Likewise, it is obligatory to have one to contract supplies or basic services. In the same way, its existence provides the security that the house that possesses it is apt to live without any risk. Of course, the above, considering compliance with the minimum legal and current standards in terms of safety and hygiene in these cases.
So… Are you interested in processing the certificate of occupancy, but you are overwhelmed to imagine yourself carrying out this process? At Loca Barcelona as a Real Estate Agency we can help you with whatever you need to make it easier to obtain it. Remember that it is a fundamental requirement to sell or rent your property.
