After completing the construction of a building, the developer must complete a series of technical, administrative, and legal procedures before selling it, whether it’s a single unit (single-family home) or each of its component units (apartment building).
Although there is no fixed deadline and it may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the agility of the competent authorities, the process of obtaining all the documentation can take from one to several months. These steps may vary slightly depending on the Autonomous Community, province, or even the municipality where the building is located, but in general, they are usually as follows:
Procedures at the City Hall and with the technician:
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- Certificate of Completion of Construction: Certifies that the work has been carried out according to the project and the building permit.
- Declaration of New Construction Completed: Document submitted to the Property Registry to declare the construction.
- First Occupancy Permit/Certificate of Habitability: Document issued by the City Hall certifying that the home is fit for habitation.
- Horizontal Division Deed: If the building is intended to be used as individual dwellings, the division must be carried out under a horizontal property regime.
Building Documentation and Legalization:
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- Building Book: Compiles all the building documentation and must be delivered to the owners.
- Installation Legalization: Installation projects (water, electricity, gas, etc.) must be legalized.
- Geographic Coordinates: The property’s coordinates are required.
Procedures after the construction is formalized:
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- Utilities Registration: Request the registration of basic water, electricity, and gas services for future buyers.
- Deed of Sale and Registration: Execute the deed of sale before a notary to formalize the transaction.
- Registration in the Property Registry: Register the new construction and the deeds of sale in the Property Registry to publicize them.
- Cadastre: Carry out the change of ownership in the Cadastre.
- Energy Efficiency Certificate: Mandatory for the sale of the home.
- Ten-Year Insurance: Take out building damage insurance for newly built homes.
