The importance of the Technical Building Inspection when selling a property

The property registry note, the energy efficiency certificate, and the last receipt of the Property Tax (IBI) are just some of the essential documents that must be prepared when selling a home. But... what about the Technical Building Inspection (ITE)? What is its true relevance? We address all questions related to this report below.

What does the Technical Building Inspection consist of?

The ITE is a detailed report that includes:

• The current state of the building.
• Identified deficiencies and the deadline set to address them.
• The qualification of the general condition of the structure.

It is configured as a periodic assessment system of the situation of buildings intended for housing, with the purpose of ensuring that owners comply with the responsibility to rehabilitate their properties.

Who is responsible for preparing the ITE?

A specialized professional, whether an architect, building surveyor, technical architect, building engineer, or graduate in building sciences and technologies, with knowledge and experience in the field. They must be registered with the Official College of Architects corresponding to their place of professional practice. After completing the report, it is their responsibility to submit it to the administrative authority responsible for issuing the property''s fitness certificate.

What are the possible results of the Technical Building Inspection?

• Suitable without deficiencies: In the case that the construction does not present any problems, the inspection will be considered "suitable" and will be valid for ten years.
• Provisional suitability: When the building has significant deficiencies that do not compromise the stability of the property or the safety of people but affect health and functionality. The inspection will be valid for six years, with required revisions every two years.
• Precautionary suitability:If the building shows deficiencies qualified as serious or very serious that represent an imminent risk to stability or safety, the report will be completely denied.

Is it mandatory to carry out the ITE?

The answer is yes. In general, it must be carried out periodically – approximately every ten years – whenever the resulting report indicates that the building is "suitable without deficiencies." This applies to both single-family and multi-family constructions that reach 45 years of age originally designed for residential use, even if they also include other purposes such as offices, shops, or institutions. It is not mandatory for single-family buildings whose main structure – excluding auxiliary constructions of little constructive entity – is separated by 1.5 meters or more from the public road and adjacent properties. To assess the need to update the ITE, the easiest way is to consult with the City Hall corresponding to the location of the property.

Is it possible to sell a property with an unfavorable Technical Building Inspection?

According to Law 18/2007, in the case of selling a home without having a favorable ITE, the owner could face various consequences, such as fines of up to €6,000 or the denial of mortgage approval by the financial institution. Although it is not the ideal situation, it may be the case that the necessary documents for the inspection cannot be provided. In such circumstances, both parties could reach an agreement to bypass the need for the ITE, allowing the sale. However, it is essential to inform the buyer about the condition of the property, ensure they are willing to acquire it under these conditions, and formalize the agreement before a notary.

It is time to sell your property with ATIPIKA

Do you want to entrust the sale of your property to professionals? At ATIPIKA, we commit to ensuring maximum profitability. To guarantee you optimal service quality, our team of specialized professionals will provide you with the personalized and honest treatment you deserve. Additionally, we offer:

• Efficient marketing through client filtering.
• Presence in the best specialized media.
• Constant communication.
• Legal, tax, and financial advice.

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