From 3 October 2026, Law 8/2026 requires proving the presence or absence of asbestos to sell a property in Catalonia. Visual inspection, technical report and certificate signed by a licensed building surveyor, ready for the notary.
The process is simple and doesn't depend on having plans or previous records for the property.
You give me the address, the year of construction, and the timeline you're working with for signing.
I check roofs, downpipes, tanks and other elements that may contain asbestos, with no need for lab samples or works.
I write the document stating presence or absence of visible asbestos, its condition and the associated risk.
I send it to you digitally, ready to submit at the sale signing.
Yes, if the property was built before 2002: any sale in Catalonia of a property from before that date requires the certificate from 3 October 2026. Land needs it too. Properties built after 2002 fall outside, as marketing asbestos-containing materials has been banned since that year.
It applies to properties built before 2002 that are sold in Catalonia, whatever their type: homes, offices, premises, warehouses, storage rooms, and garages or parking spaces, among others. Land also needs the certificate, like any other property that is sold or rented. Only properties built after that date fall outside this requirement.
It doesn't block the sale. The certificate reports the material's condition; if it's in good shape and won't be disturbed, it can stay in place. Removal should only be planned if it's degraded.
The visit is usually scheduled within 24–48 hours of first contact, and you get the certificate the same day as the visit.
As with the energy performance certificate, it's the seller who needs the document, since they're the one who must provide it to the notary.
No. Each certificate is specific to the inspected property, since materials and their condition vary from one home to another.
Specific situations that often come up in a sale, explained plainly.
Not automatically. If the report shows the fibre cement is in good condition, in most cases it doesn't affect the negotiation. If it detects deteriorated asbestos, the buyer may factor that into the negotiation, just like with any other element of the property that needs attention.
Yes. The law requires having the certificate and handing it over, not removing the asbestos before signing. The sale can proceed as normal, as long as the buyer receives the information transparently.
Read more about what happens if there's asbestos →The sooner, the better. It's usually ready within a week of first contact, but if the signing is close, let me know in advance so I can adjust the visit and report delivery to your schedule.
See the detailed timeline →It's not a legal requirement to be able to sell: the law asks for the certificate, not removal. If the material is badly deteriorated, you can consider prior removal with a specialised company, but that's a decision separate from the certificate.
See when removal makes sense →