What is the cadastral reference and what is it for?
When buying or selling a property, there are terms that we hear frequently but often don't fully understand. One of them is the cadastral reference.
Knowing exactly what the cadastral reference is and what it is for allows us to have greater control over the information of a house or land, and avoid possible errors in operations as important as buying or selling.
In this article we are going to explain in detail what this number means, how to perform the cadastral reference query, how we can know the cadastral reference of a property and how to obtain the cadastral reference if you need it.
What is the cadastral reference
Before we get into the practical stuff, it's worth making it clear what this term means.
The cadastral reference is a unique alphanumeric code that officially identifies each property in Spain. We could compare it to a person's DNI: each home, premises, garage or land has its own reference, registered in the Cadastre.
This code allows you to locate the property in the database of the General Directorate of the Cadastre and contains information on:
-
The exact location of the property.
-
The physical characteristics (surface, use, layout).
-
The economic data that is used, among others, to calculate taxes such as the IBI (Real Estate Tax).
In short, understanding what the cadastral reference is helps us to have a clearer and more transparent vision of a property, which is essential in any real estate operation.
Consult cadastral reference: how to do it step by step
Querying the cadastral reference is a simple process that we can carry out through several official channels.
Consult online cadastral reference
The fastest way is to do it through the Cadastre Electronic Office. By entering the address or location of the property we can obtain the cadastral reference directly, without having to travel.
Consult cadastral reference on official receipts
We can also find the reference on the receipts of the IBI or other municipal taxes related to the property. It usually appears at the top of the document.
Consult the City Council or Cadastre Management
Another option is to go in person to the City Council or the corresponding Cadastre Management. There they will provide us with information after proving our identity and, in some cases, our relationship with the property.
How to know the cadastral reference of a property
If we are wondering how to know the cadastral reference of a property, there are different methods that should be known, especially if we are going to buy or sell.
Using the exact address of the property
In the Cadastre Electronic Office we can enter the complete address (street, number, municipality) and the system will return the corresponding reference.
Consulting the property deed
The notarial deed of the property always reflects the cadastral reference. It is a mandatory piece of information that accurately identifies the registered property.
By means of a graphic query in the cadastral viewer
The Cadastre page also has a graphic viewer. By simply pointing to the plot on the digital map, we will instantly obtain the reference number.
In this way, we will no longer have doubts about how to know the cadastral reference of a house or land.
Why is cadastral reference important in the real estate sector
Now that we know what the cadastral reference is, how to consult it and how to obtain it, it is important to understand why this number is key in the real estate market.
Transparency in operations
By including the cadastral reference in contracts and deeds, all parties involved in the transaction are certain that it is the correct property.
Avoid mistakes or confusion
Two homes can share a similar address, but they will never have the same cadastral reference. This number eliminates any possibility of confusion in the procedures.
Legal certainty
Having the cadastral reference ensures that the property is correctly registered in the Cadastre and linked to the Land Registry, which provides greater legal certainty.
The cadastral reference and our houses on the Costa Blanca
At our real estate agency, we understand that the cadastral reference is not only a legal requirement, but a fundamental tool to ensure that our clients buy or sell with complete peace of mind.
When we present a house for sale in Jávea, we make sure that your cadastral reference is up to date. This facilitates the buying and selling process and avoids delays at the notary or registry.
Our commitment is to accompany you throughout the process, from the search for the perfect home to the signing of the sale. And part of that security involves checking and properly managing the cadastral reference of each property.
Conclusion: what is the cadastral reference and how does it help us?
La cadastral reference is, in short, the unique identifier of each property in Spain. It allows us to know exactly what property we are dealing with, facilitates tax procedures and provides legal certainty in any real estate operation.
Now that we know what the cadastral reference is and what it is for, how to perform the cadastral reference query, how to know the cadastral reference of a property and how to obtain it, we have the tools to make more informed decisions.
And if you are looking to take the next step in buying or selling a property on the Costa Blanca, remember that we can help you do it with complete confidence, making sure that every detail – including the cadastral reference – is perfectly controlled.
Because buying or selling a house is not just a formality: it is a life project that deserves maximum security and transparency.