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The cadastral reference is a key piece of information that identifies any property in Spain. This unique code is assigned by the General Directorate of the Cadastre and allows both the authorities and property owners to manage information about the property. Knowing your property's cadastral reference is essential for processes such as filing tax returns, buying and selling property, handling inheritances, or even preventing legal issues related to your property.
In this blog, we’ll explain what the cadastral reference is and guide you on how to find the one corresponding to your property.
What is the cadastral reference?
The cadastral reference is a 20-character alphanumeric code that uniquely and precisely identifies a property within Spanish territory. This code is linked to various details such as location, area, boundaries, use, and other property characteristics.
It functions like an "ID" for homes and land. Besides being crucial for identifying your property in administrative procedures, it is also useful for managing taxes (such as the property tax, IBI) and avoiding potential legal issues.
How to find the cadastral reference for your property
There are several ways to obtain the cadastral reference for your property in Spain. Below, we explain the most common options.
Check your IBI tax bill
The quickest and simplest way to find your property's cadastral reference is through the Property Tax (IBI) bill. This document, which property owners receive annually, includes information about the property, including the cadastral reference.
If you don't have the physical bill on hand, you can often access it through the online portal of the City Council where your property is located.
Check the property deed
Another document where you can find the cadastral reference is the property deed or the simple note from the Land Registry. Since the deed is linked to the Cadastre, it usually includes this information, especially if the property was registered after 1996, when it became mandatory to include the cadastral reference in property deeds.
Check online via the cadastre electronic headquarters
If you don’t have access to the above documents, one of the most convenient ways is to check directly through the Cadastre Electronic Headquarters. Here’s how:
- Access the Cadastre website: you can do this by visiting https://www.sedecatastro.gob.es.
- Select "Cadastral Data Consultation": from the main menu, find this option, which allows you to access public information about the property.
- Enter the address or location: you can search for your property by entering the exact address, selecting the municipality, and filling in the location details. Alternatively, you can search using the interactive map, which is helpful if you don’t remember the full address details.
- View the cadastral reference: once you locate your property, the cadastral sheet will display the cadastral reference along with other information, such as the property’s area and use.
Visit a cadastre office in person
If you prefer an in-person method, you can visit one of the Cadastre offices or a citizen service desk at your City Hall. There, they will provide you with the cadastral reference if you present documents that prove ownership, such as your ID and the property deed.
This method can be useful if you have additional questions about the cadastral information for your property or need to make updates.
Check the Land Registry
You can also request the simple note from the Land Registry corresponding to your property. This document includes detailed information about the property and usually also lists the cadastral reference.
The cadastral reference is a key piece of information for various property-related procedures in Spain, such as tax filings or real estate transactions. Additionally, there are other important documents related to your property, such as the energy certificate or the certificate of habitability, which are equally important for ensuring everything is in order. These documents, along with the cadastral reference, are essential for the proper management of your property and to ensure compliance with current regulations.
