What exactly is the "Cédula de habitabilidad"?
The "Cédula de habitabilidad", in English Certificate of Habitability, is a document that certifies that a dwelling, commercial space or residential building meets the minimum requirements for dimensions, hygiene and facilities suitable for housing people. It is a document required for the occupation of the dwelling, commercial space or residential building, therefore utilities such as water, electricity, gas or any other energy or telecommunications product cannot be definitively claimed if there is no valid Cédula de habitabilidad or equivalent document.
Types of cédula de habitabilidad:
- First Occupancy:
Issued when work has been performed on new construction, additions, alterations, and total or partial renovations involving more than 60% distribution, consolidation, restoration, or change of use. - Renewal:
Issued when the cédula has expired (cédulas expire after ten years) and none of the requirements for applying for a first-time cédula are met. - Carencia:
Issued when the dwelling, land or residential building does not have any of the previous certificates and it is proved that the building was completed before March 1, 1987, that there are no urban deteriorations and that since that date no works or actions have been carried out that are listed in the concept of first occupancy certificate for habitability. - Duplicate:
This can be requested as long as the certificate has not expired and no work or measures have been carried out that are listed in the context of the initial certificate.
Is a property worthless without a cédula?
Very clear answer - no. The Cédula de Habitabilidad is a document that is a prerequisite for some things and helpful for others, but it is perfectly possible to buy or own a property that does not have a cédula and still be happy with it.
A current and valid cédula is a prerequisite for the initial connection of a property to the public electricity and water supply, and without it you cannot apply for, transfer or renew a holiday rental licence.
However, if a property you are interested in is already connected to the public electricity and water supply and you also do not want to rent the property out for vacations, then the cédula is merely "helpful" in the event of a possible resale, but it is not absolutely necessary.
Against this background, one must always examine and assess the respective situation with all its possible consequences, but blanket statements are of little help and only cause confusion.