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When purchasing or renovating an old home, it is essential to ensure that it complies with current urban planning and habitability regulations. To this end, the first occupancy licence is an essential procedure, both for the safety of future occupants and to ensure the legality of the property.
What is the first occupancy licence?
This is an official document that certifies that a property meets the necessary conditions to be inhabited, as established by the applicable urban planning regulations. This permit confirms that the construction or reform has been carried out in accordance with the building permit and that the property is fit for use.
Is it compulsory for older dwellings?
Although the licence of first occupation is usually associated with newly constructed properties, it is also required for older dwellings in certain cases, such as:
-When an integral rehabilitation or structural modifications have been carried out.
-If the property never obtained this licence at the time.
-To register basic services such as water, electricity or gas.
-In situations of sale or rental, especially in the case of tourist rentals.
Steps to obtain the licence of first occupation in old dwellings
-Review of the legal situation: The first thing to do is to check if the property already has this licence or if it is necessary to apply for it.
-Technical report: Hire a qualified professional, such as an architect or quantity surveyor, to carry out an assessment of the condition of the property and prepare the required report.
-Submission of the application: This procedure is carried out at the corresponding town hall, providing the necessary documentation (such as the technical report, building permit, etc.).
-Municipal inspection: In some cases, an inspection may be requested to verify that the property complies with the required conditions.
-Payment of administrative fees: Each municipality establishes a specific fee for this procedure.
-Final resolution: If the property complies with the requirements, the municipality will issue the licence.
How much does this procedure cost?
The cost of the first occupancy licence can vary considerably depending on the location and characteristics of the property. In general, prices range between 500 and 1,000 euros, although they could be higher in complex cases or large properties.
Why is this document important?
Obtaining the licence of first occupation not only ensures that the property complies with current regulations, but also avoids possible sanctions and legal problems in the future. It is also an essential requirement to guarantee habitability, contract basic services or register the property in the tourist accommodation register.
In short, processing this permit is a fundamental step for any owner who wishes to guarantee the legality and functionality of their property, especially in the case of older properties.
To find out if a property has a first occupancy licence, you can follow these steps:
Check the title deed of the property:
In some cases, the licence of first occupation may be mentioned in the title deed of the property or in the documents related to its construction.
Check the municipal archives:
Go to the relevant town hall and ask for information on the permits granted to the property. You can specifically ask if the licence of first occupation was issued.
Contact the developer or builder:
If the home was purchased directly from a developer, they should have handled the licence upon completion of the work. Ask them if they have the document or proof. Sometimes the administrator may keep a copy.
Ask for help from a specialised technician:
An architect, quantity surveyor or specialised manager can help you verify the legal situation of the property and confirm if it has the licence.
Supply registration documents:
In many cases, water, electricity and gas services cannot be contracted without the first occupancy licence. If you have these services and they have been correctly registered, it is possible that the property already has this licence.
If, after carrying out these checks, you discover that you do not have the licence, you can apply for it retroactively, although the process may vary depending on the age of the property and local regulations. In this case, it would be advisable to seek expert advice or contact the local council.