Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about the certificates needed to sell or rent your home. If you cannot find yours, write to me.
About the services and prices
What documents do I need to sell or rent my home in Catalonia?
Usually three: the habitability certificate, the energy performance certificate and, since 3 October 2026, the asbestos certificate if the property was built before 2002. I can prepare them together in a single process.
Do the prices include official fees?
Yes. The prices for the habitability certificate, energy certificate and packs include the official fees according to the current fee schedule. VAT is added. They apply to properties up to 150 m²; the asbestos certificate on its own applies up to 200 m².
Which area do you cover?
Barcelona and surroundings: Barcelona city, the metropolitan area, the Vallès, the Maresme and the Baix Llobregat. If you are unsure about your town, write to me.
What if my property is larger than 150 m²?
Ask me for a quote, giving the address and approximate square metres. I will reply with no obligation.
How do I book an appointment?
By WhatsApp or email. I reply with the quote and we arrange the visit day with the owner or whoever holds the keys.
Are you a licensed building surveyor?
Yes. I am Josep Farré Teixidor, a licensed building surveyor (arquitecto técnico colegiado), and I sign every certificate myself. I do not subcontract or work with intermediaries.
Habitability certificate
Is the habitability certificate required to sell or rent?
In Catalonia the habitability certificate is the document that proves a home meets the minimum conditions to live in it, and it is requested when selling or renting. It is also required to connect or change the holder of water, electricity and gas supplies.
How long does the cédula last?
As a general rule, the second-occupancy cédula is valid for 15 years and the first-occupancy one for 25 years. If yours has expired or you cannot find it, it must be renewed. I will confirm your specific case after seeing your property's documents.
What is checked during the visit?
Usable floor areas, layout, ceiling heights, ventilation and natural light, condition of basic installations, and that the property matches what appears in the documents. If something does not comply, I will explain it before processing anything.
What documents do I need to give you?
The title deed or land registry extract, an IBI receipt and, if you have them, floor plans, the previous cédula or the final works certificate. If something is missing, I will tell you how to get it.
Are the fees included?
Yes, the €130 + VAT price includes the official fees according to the current fee schedule, for homes up to 150 m².
Energy performance certificate
Is the energy certificate required to sell or rent?
Yes. When selling or renting a property you must give the buyer or tenant the energy performance certificate, and the energy label must appear in the ads.
How long is the certificate valid?
As a general rule, 10 years from issue. If you renovate the property in a way that changes its energy performance, it is advisable to get a new one.
Where is it registered?
The certificate is registered in the Generalitat de Catalunya's energy performance certificate register. I take care of that procedure and the registration fee is included in the price.
Which letter will I get?
It depends on the building: year of construction, insulation, windows, heating, hot water and cooling. A letter cannot be promised in advance, but I will explain what determines it and which improvements would be most worthwhile.
What do you need to do it?
A visit to the property to take measurements and data, and access to boilers, air-conditioning units and windows. If you have invoices or equipment data sheets, they help.
Asbestos certificate
Since when is the asbestos certificate required?
Since 3 October 2026, under Law 8/2026 on the eradication of asbestos in Catalonia. It must be provided when selling or renting properties built before 2002.
Does it apply to all properties?
It applies to properties built before 2002: homes, offices, commercial premises, warehouses, storage rooms, garages or parking spaces, and also land. It does not apply to buildings constructed after that date.
What does the certificate include?
A visual inspection to identify and locate materials that may contain asbestos, with photos, and a report on the presence or absence of visible asbestos and its condition, signed by a licensed building surveyor.
Is it the same as a laboratory analysis?
No. I only carry out visual inspections and do not perform laboratory analysis. The certificate is based on that inspection, which is what is needed to sell or rent.
What happens if there is asbestos?
The presence of asbestos does not prevent selling or renting: the certificate records it. If the material is in poor condition, I will advise you on how to proceed.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
€150 + VAT for homes and commercial premises up to 200 m². The visit takes place within a few days and the report is delivered digitally, ready for the notary or rental contract.
Any questions left?
Tell me which property it is and what you need. I will reply with a quote, no obligation.
I work in Barcelona and surroundings. Available Monday to Friday.