Casa cortijo - A Guide to Buying, Building & Living in a Finca / Rural Property in Spain - Andalucia

Building a Rural Property - Completion

Once the house has been finished, a number of procedures are still required in order to ensure the full legality of the house:

  • The architect signs the final release document for all building work
  • The architect's final release document is taken to the local authorities, who issue a 'Licencia de primero occupacion' (literally, a certificate of first occupation').
  • The plumber, the electrician and (where appropriate) the gas installer all issue their safety certificates.
  • Together with the certificate from the local authorities and the electrical and water certificates, the electricity and water supplies can be changed from site installations to domestic installations.
  • The independent technical inspector issues his/her completion certificate for the insurance company (10-year building guarantee)
  • The 10-year building guarantee is issued by the insurance company
  • The local authorities' certificate and the proof of building guarantee is taken to the registry of property, where the building is added to the title deeds for the land.