ITE building inspection in Spain: what it is and when it's compulsory

The Inspección Técnica de Edificios (ITE, Spain's technical building inspection)—or IEE (the building assessment report) in its more recent version—is the compulsory technical review of the state of repair of residential buildings above a certain age. For flat buyers and investors, knowing the result of the building's ITE is critical information.

When the ITE is compulsory

Whether it's compulsory varies by municipality and region, but the general rule is that buildings more than 50 years old must pass the ITE. In municipalities with more than 25,000 inhabitants, the deadline may be stricter. The ITE must be renewed every 10 years.

What the ITE assesses

A qualified technician assesses: the condition of the façade and roofs (waterproofing, cladding), the communal installations (plumbing, drainage, electricity), the building's structure, its accessibility, and the energy efficiency of the building as a whole.

The possible results and their consequences

Favourable: The building is in good condition. No immediate obligations. Unfavourable with minor defects: They must be put right within a reasonable period (6-12 months). Unfavourable with significant or serious defects: The town hall can order urgent works, and even the temporary evacuation of the building if there's a structural risk.

How it affects a sale

Before buying, ask for the building's ITE certificate. An unfavourable result with works pending means the owners' association will have to raise special levies to fix the defects, and you, as the new owner, will share in that cost. It's a bargaining point on price, or grounds for pulling out of the deal.

Due diligence on the building: Add the ITE certificate to your checklist, along with the nota simple (the Land Registry extract), the certificate of any debts owed to the owners' association and the pre-purchase inspection. Use RadarPro to analyse the property.