Spanish abbreviations & terms

AfectacionesAfectaciones are “restrictions or burdens” that may rest on a property or plot (e.g. easements, fiscal/administrative burdens, infrastructure zones).💡 Tip: Always check afectaciones through Nota Simple (Registro de la Propiedad) as well as through urbanist info at the municipality.⚠️ Warning: Some afectaciones restrict remodelling, expansion, renting or may cause unexpected costs.

AgrupaciónAgrupación is the merging of two or more plots/units into one larger unit (counterpart of segregación).💡 Tip: Useful for larger renovation projects, but always check urbanistic rules and (in the case of flats) community approval.⚠️ Warning: Without correct deed/registration, they remain legally separate entities, which can cause problems when selling and financing.

AJDFull name:Actos Jurídicos DocumentadosShort explanation: Tax on certain notarial/administrative deeds (e.g. in context of new construction or mortgage, depending on situation and region).💡 Tip: AJD rules and rates vary by autonomous region - have this calculated in advance.

BIC / SWIFTVull name:Bank Identifier Code / SWIFT codeShort explanation: Code that identifies your bank for international transfers.💡 Tip: For large amounts, SWIFT fees and exchange margins can be hefty.

CatastroThe Catastro is the cadastral register with data on location, area, layout and cadastral values (e.g. for IBI).💡 Tip: Compare Catastro data with reality and with the data in the Registro de la Propiedad.⚠️ Warning: Deviations (metres, boundaries, outbuildings) can cause problems later on when selling, insuring or regularising.

Cédula de HabitabilidadThe Cédula de Habitabilidad is a habitability certificate confirming that a property meets minimum living and safety standards (not identical in every region, and sometimes called differently).💡 Tip: Check whether it is compulsory in your region and whether you need it for utility contracts or (re)rentals.⚠️ Warning: Missing or expired can be practical Read More

CEEFull name:Certificado de Eficiencia EnergéticaShort explanation: Spanish energy certificate (EPC) with energy class. Often required when selling or renting out.💡 Tip: A better energy class often helps when renting out, selling and can also be interesting from a local tax point of view for “green” measures.

Certificado de Deuda CeroThe Certificado de Deuda Cero is a certificate confirming that there are no overdue debts outstanding (usually with the Comunidad de Propietarios / VME).💡 Tip: Always ask for this certificate just before the notary and check that it effectively refers to the right property/entity.⚠️ Warning: Without this certificate, you may be (partially) liable Read More

Certificado de estar al corrienteThe Certificado de estar al corriente is an official certificate confirming that the owner has no outstanding debts with the community of co-owners, the tax authorities or other relevant authorities.⚠️ Without this certificate, you may become liable for outstanding debts of the previous owner.

CIFFull name:Código de Identificación Fiscal (historical)Brief explanation: Old label for the tax number of companies. Today, people usually just use “NIF” (also for companies).💡 Tip: You often still come across “CIF” on older invoices and contracts.

Comunidad de PropietariosThe Comunidad de Propietarios is the association of co-owners (flat complex/urbanisation) that takes care of common parts, costs and rules.💡 Tip: Ask for the latest community bills and the “no debts” certificate (deuda cero / estar al corriente).⚠️ Warning: Overdue community fees can be a risk on transfer if not checked correctly.

Contrato de ArrasThe Contrato de Arras is the reservation/pre-contract where a deposit is usually paid. It lays down agreements on price, terms and penalties in case of cancellation.💡 Tip: Always put resolutive conditions in the arras contract (e.g. mortgage, legal check, urban regularity).⚠️ Warning: Without proper clauses, you may lose your deposit or owe extra compensation.

CUPSFull name:Código Universal del Punto de SuministroShort explanation: Unique connection number for electricity/gas. Useful when transferring or activating contracts.💡 Tip: Ask for the CUPS before going to the supplier - it speeds up the takeover.

Declaración de Obra NuevaThe Declaración de Obra Nueva is the (notarised/administrative) declaration with which a new building or extension is officially “registered” (for registration and land registry).💡 Tip: Important for extensions, swimming pools, outbuildings: have a check that everything has been correctly legalised and registered.⚠️ Warning: Unregulated extensions can cause problems with mortgages, insurance and sales.

DerramaA derrama is an additional contribution that the Comunidad de Propietarios can levy for major works (e.g. facade, lift, roof, swimming pool, structural repairs).💡 Tip: Ask for the minutes (actas) of the last meetings: there you will often see planned derramas appearing first.⚠️ Warning: Derramas can be hefty and sometimes don't “surface” until shortly after purchase if Read More

DGCFull name:Dirección General del CatastroShort explanation: Government department behind the Catastro (cadastral register). Catastro data affect IBI and valuations, among other things.💡 Tip: Useful for file: also keep the Referencia Catastral (RC).

EmbargoAn embargo is an attachment/withholding on the property (or on the owner) that may appear in the property register, usually due to debts or legal proceedings.💡 Tip: Always have your lawyer/notary request a recent Nota Simple to detect embargoes.⚠️ Warning: Buying with an active embargo without proper handling can lead to serious legal and financial Read More

EPCFull name:Energy Performance CertificateShort explanation: English term for energy certificate. In Spain, people usually use the term CEE.💡 Tip: On your website, it is best to choose one consistent term: “CEE (EPC)” is the clearest.

Escritura Pública (Escritura de Compraventa)The Escritura Pública is the notarised deed of purchase/sale. After signing, the deed can be registered in the Registro de la Propiedad.💡 Tip: Before signing, have all the details checked: price, charges, metres, cadastral reference and who pays what costs.⚠️ Warning: What is written in the escritura weighs heavily. Correcting errors afterwards is Read More

FEINFull name:Ficha Europea de Información NormalizadaShort explanation: European standardised information document containing the core terms and conditions of a mortgage.💡 Tip: Ideal for comparing bank quotes one-to-one.

FiAEFull name:Ficha de Advertencias EstandarizadasShort explanation: Standard “warning sheet” for mortgages with significant risks/conditions.⚠️ Warning: This often contains the pain points: variable interest rate, extra fees, clauses.

IBANFull name:International Bank Account NumberShort explanation: International account number format for transfers within Europe and elsewhere.

IBIV Full name:Impuesto sobre Bienes InmueblesShort explanation: Annual municipal tax for property owners (similar to property tax).💡 Tip: Ask for proof of payment at the time of purchase and arrange pro-rata settlement.⚠️ Warning: Overdue IBI can cause hassle on transfer.

IIVTNUFull name:Impuesto sobre el Incremento de Valor de los Terrenos de Naturaleza UrbanaShort explanation: Official name of plusvalía municipal: municipal tax on sale/transfer, based on (assumed) increase in land value.⚠️ Warning: Lay down contractually who pays (usually seller, but not automatically).

IIVTNUOfficial name: Impuesto sobre el Incremento de Valor de los Terrenos de Naturaleza Urbana