What is the Cadastral Reference?

If you are wondering what the cadastral reference is, it is the 20-character code that identifies your home or premises before the Cadastre. This code allows you to locate the property precisely and access key information (surface area, use, value). It will be essential in procedures such as the IBI, sales or inheritances.

How is the Cadastral Reference Number Formed?

The cadastral reference number, as we have mentioned, is a 20-character alphanumeric code that follows a specific structure to uniquely identify each property within the Spanish territory. This number is divided into different segments that provide information about the location and characteristics of the property:

• The first 7 characters identify the area and municipality where the property is located.
• The next 7 characters represent the plot and sub-plot within the cadastral plan.
• The last 6 characters are control digits, used to verify the validity of the code.

This code is unique and non-transferable and is essential in any management related to the property, such as buying and selling, paying taxes, or requesting cadastral certificates.

What is the Cadastral Reference for?

The cadastral reference is a fundamental tool in various aspects related to real estate:

With this code, a property can be identified unequivocally, avoiding any confusion with other properties.

Public administrations use the cadastral reference to calculate taxes associated with the property, such as the Real Estate Tax (IBI). Through it, you can consult the cadastral value by reference, which is essential to determine these taxes.

In sales, inheritance, or donation operations, the cadastral reference ensures that the description of the property in the official documents is correct and complete.

In various procedures, such as applying for building permits, licenses, or subsidies, the cadastral reference is an essential requirement.

If you are wondering how to know the cadastral reference, there are several ways to obtain this information:

• Consult the IBI receipt: The Real Estate Tax receipt includes the cadastral reference of the property, and it is one of the easiest ways to obtain it.
• Virtual Cadastre Office: The Cadastre website allows you to search for the cadastral reference for free. By entering the complete address of the property, you can access all the registered information.
• Property deed: In the deeds of sale, donation, or inheritance of the property, the cadastral reference must appear compulsorily.
• City councils: The urban planning services of the city councils can also provide this information to owners or interested parties.

Where Can I Find the Cadastral Reference?

You can obtain your cadastral reference through several official channels and common documents:

• IBI receipt: it is the fastest way. In the following section I explain where it appears exactly.
• Electronic Cadastre Office: search for it by address, plot or coordinates. If you access with Cl@ve or certificate, you will see “My properties” and you can download certifications.
• Title deeds: in sales, donations or inheritances it is usually mandatory.
• Registry/simple note: in many cases it is associated with the registration property (check the documentation).
• City council or tax office: they can provide it if you are the owner or are accredited.
• Management/Sub-management of the Cadastre: in person you can request information or certificates.

Where Does the Cadastral Reference Appear on the IBI Receipt?

The Real Estate Tax (IBI) receipt includes the cadastral reference in a specific section. Depending on the municipality, the format of the receipt may vary, but normally the cadastral reference appears in one of these places:

• In the header of the receipt, near the data of the Tax Administration or the City Council that issues the IBI.
• In the fiscal data section, where the characteristics of the property are detailed, such as the surface area and use.
• In a highlighted box with the name “Cadastral Reference”, usually accompanied by the 20-character alphanumeric code.

Common Errors in the Identification of the Cadastral Reference

When searching for or using the cadastral reference, it is easy to make some mistakes. Here we highlight some of the most common:

• Confusing the cadastral reference with the property registration number: It is important not to confuse these two codes, as they are different. The cadastral reference identifies the property for the Cadastre, while the property registration number does so for the Land Registry.
• Using incorrect data to search for the reference: When searching on the Cadastre website, it is necessary to make sure to enter all the data correctly, such as the exact and complete address, to obtain the correct information.
• Not updating the cadastral information: If there have been changes in the property (such as extensions or renovations), it is crucial to update the information in the Cadastre so that the cadastral reference reflects the current state of the property.

Is it Mandatory to Include the Cadastral Reference?

Yes. It is mandatory information in most procedures that affect a property (deeds, registrations in the Registry, rental and supply contracts, fiscal and administrative procedures).

If you do not provide it, they will require it and there will be a record of the non-compliance, which may delay the process. To include it quickly, take the code from the IBI or search for it in the Cadastre Office by address.

At Espígul, we have a team of professionals specialized in the real estate sector who can advise you on consulting the cadastral value by reference and help you with any procedure related to your properties. If you have any questions about what the cadastral reference is or need support to search for the cadastral reference, do not hesitate to contact us.