What is the Cadastral Reference?

When talking about real estate, one of the first questions that may arise is: what is the cadastral reference? It is a unique alphanumeric code that identifies each property within the Spanish territory. This code, composed of 20 characters, is assigned by the Land Registry, the official body in charge of registering the physical, economic, and legal description of real estate.

Through the cadastral reference, you can access detailed information about the location, physical characteristics, surface area, use, and cadastral value of the property. In this post, we will see what the cadastral reference is, what it is for, how it can be obtained, and where to find it.

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 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.

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.