Energy Certificate & Habitation Certificate in Spain | Costa Blanca Guide

What Is an Energy Certificate in Spain?

Also known as the Certificado de Eficiencia Energética (CEE), this document shows how energy-efficient your property is. It gives a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and includes estimates of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Key points:

• It’s mandatory by law to have a valid energy certificate before you sell or rent a home in Spain.
• Without it, you cannot legally advertise, sell, or rent a property and risk fines (typically €300–€6,000).
• Validity is usually 10 years (shorter for G-rated properties in some cases).
• It must be registered with the energy certificate registry of the Comunidad Valenciana before use.

Who Needs It?

The property owner (or someone they authorise) must obtain it. If you’re selling or leasing, you must have the certificate ready before formalising the transaction. 

How It’s Obtained

1. Contact a qualified technician - typically an architect, engineer, or certified energy assessor. 
2. They carry out an inspection of the property to assess insulation, heating/cooling, windows, etc. 
3. The technician prepares and issues the certificate.
4. It is then registered officially with the regional energy certificate registry.

Tip: Even if your property has decent energy features now, new regulations (from 2030 onward) are gradually introducing minimum energy efficiency standards for homes to be sellable or rentable - so planning upgrades early is wise. 

 

What Is a Habitation Certificate (Cédula de Habitabilidad)?

The Cédula de Habitabilidad is a separate but equally important document. It confirms that a home meets minimum standards for living, such as adequate space, light, ventilation, safety, and access to basic utilities. 

Unlike the energy certificate (focused on efficiency), this one is about habitability and safety.

When You Need It

• For selling or renting a property (often alongside the energy certificate). 
• To connect utilities like gas, water, or electricity (in some regional rules).
• When the existing cédula expires (commonly every 10–15 years, depending on regional rules). 

Note: Requirements vary by Comunidad Autónoma. In the Valencian Community (which includes Costa Blanca), local rules determine the exact standards and procedure.

How to Get It

1. Hire a qualified professional (architect or technical architect) to inspect the property. 
2. The technician prepares a habitability report confirming that the home meets the basic regulatory criteria.
3. You submit the report and required documents (ID, property deed, receipts/taxes, etc.) to your local Ayuntamiento or housing department. Some regions allow online submission.
4. Once accepted, a formal cédula is issued.

Validity and Renewal

• Typically valid for 10–15 years, though regional rules apply. 
• If the certificate has expired or is missing, you’ll need to renew or obtain it anew before key transactions like renting or selling. 

 

 

Final Tips for Costa Blanca Property Owners

• Always confirm local requirements with your Ayuntamiento (e.g., Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja) or the Comunidad Valenciana housing authority - details like fees and documentation can vary.
• When preparing for a sale or rental, don’t wait until the last minute - both certificates can take time to prepare and register.
• Consider improving your home’s energy rating before certification - better ratings can make your property more attractive to buyers/renters and potentially increase value.