Everything You Need to Know About Valor Catastral

What’s on this page?

1. What Is Valor Catastral?
2. Changes in Valor Catastral as of 2025
3. What Is a Cadastral Reference?
4. How to find the cadastral value of property in Spain?
5. How is the cadastral value calculated?
6. The impact of cadastral value on property taxes in Spain
7. How to update cadastral value?

Many property owners ask: what is the cadastral value in Spain, and why does it often differ from the market price? The answer is simple—this value is determined by government authorities, considering various technical and economic factors, but it does not include the subjective value formed in the market.

A complete guide on what the valor catastral is, how to find it, why it is needed, and how it affects taxes in Spain. All the information you will read below will be especially useful for those considering property in Spain. This is an important topic for both current property owners and potential buyers.

What Is Valor Catastral?

Many property owners ask: what is the cadastral value in Spain, and why does it often differ from the market price? The answer is simple: this value is set by government authorities based on technical and economic characteristics but does not take market conditions into account.

The cadastral value (valor catastral) is the official property assessment used to calculate property taxes in Spain. It is determined by the Spanish Cadastre Office and serves as the basis for calculating IBI, the capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and more. It is often used in tax calculations for property for sale.

Changes in Valor Catastral as of 2025

In 2025, the Spanish Catastro authorities have not introduced radical changes to the methodology for calculating the cadastral value. However, in some autonomous communities (particularly Andalusia, Valencia, and Catalonia), updates to the base coefficients are being carried out. If you are buying or selling villas in Spain (wtgspain.com/villas) it is especially important to check the current cadastral value.

If you are planning to invest or already own a property, it is important to understand the difference between market value and how property valuation in Spain is conducted at the state level—since this directly impacts your annual expenses and tax obligations.

What Is a Cadastral Reference?

This is an official document issued by the Spanish Cadastre that identifies the property and contains its technical characteristics. It is required for legal and tax-related actions concerning the property.

How to Find Your Property's Cadastral Reference?

• in the IBI payment receipt;
• through the Sede Catastro website;
• in the purchase-sale documents.

Importance of the Cadastral Reference

The cadastral reference is not just a technical document. It confirms the existence, size, type, and boundaries of the property. Without it, it is impossible to complete:

• the purchase-sale of property;
• gifting or inheritance;
• registering the transaction with a notary;
• legal submissions to tax authorities or courts.

The certificate includes the cadastral number, address, area, purpose (residential, commercial, etc.), and technical characteristics. If there is a discrepancy between the actual condition and the certificate, tax and legal issues may arise.

How to find the cadastral value of property in Spain?

The cadastral value is available to every property owner and can be easily checked through online or offline methods.

• Online methods. Go to the Sede Catastro website, log in using Cl@ve or an electronic signature, enter the address or cadastral number, and access all the information.
• Offline methods. Visit the local cadastre office or the municipality where the property is located.

How is the cadastral value calculated?

The cadastral value is determined by a precise formula that takes into account various characteristics of the property and its location.

• Location: The more attractive the location, the higher the cadastral value.
• Property features: Factors such as size, year of construction, condition, quality of materials, and the presence of additional amenities (lift, parking, swimming pool) are all considered.
• Market conditions: While market conditions are not directly taken into account, they are reflected in regional coefficients.
• Calculation process: The cadastral service calculates the value using formulas and analytics that incorporate regional data.

Unlike market-based approaches, which consider demand, supply, and the emotional value of a property, Property valuation Spain in the cadastral system is based on objective and standardised criteria.

The impact of cadastral value on property taxes in Spain

The valor catastral (cadastral value) is a key factor in calculating several important Property taxes in Spain. Although it is lower than the market value, it determines the tax base. The main taxes include:

• IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles): An annual municipal tax paid by property owners to the local authorities. The amount of IBI is calculated by multiplying the valor catastral by a coefficient set by the municipality.
• Rental income tax: If you rent out your property (especially as a non-resident of Spain), your income declaration is often based on the valor catastral—even if the property is not in use.
• Plusvalía municipal: A tax on the increase in land value when selling a property. It is calculated using a formula that considers the period of ownership and the valor catastral of the land.
• Inheritance and gift tax: This is based on the fiscal value, which includes the cadastral assessment. If the valor catastral is overestimated, the tax burden will also be higher.

Important! If the price stated in the purchase agreement is significantly lower than the valor catastral, the tax authorities may challenge the transaction and reassess taxes based on the “taxable value.”

Does the valor catastral affect the mortgage amount?

Banks primarily rely on a market valuation from a licensed appraiser. However, the valor catastral affects tax aspects and may be considered in the borrower’s overall financial profile. For example, when applying for a mortgage on a property used as collateral, the valor catastral is stated in the contract and influences associated costs.

How to update cadastral value?

There are cases where the cadastral valuation is outdated or does not reflect changes made to the property. For example, if you have carried out major renovations, added a new floor, converted spaces, or demolished part of the building.

In such cases, it is important to update cadastral value to avoid:

• Unfair tax assessments;
• Fines for inaccurate information;

Issues when selling or inheriting the property.

If you have carried out reconstruction, an extension, or noticed inaccuracies in the cadastral data, it is important to correct them in a timely manner. Here's how to do it:

1. Prepare documents: technical plan, architect’s assessment, photos of the changes or the current condition of the property.
2. Submit a request to the Catastro: through the online portal or in person at the local office.
3. Wait for a decision: sometimes the verification process takes several weeks. If the changes are confirmed, you will receive an updated certificate with the new valor catastral.

After making the changes, you will receive an updated certificate, and the new value will automatically be taken into account when calculating taxes.
Note: The correction may result in either an increase or decrease in the amount of taxes. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a tax or legal expert before submitting the request.