A - C

CEE – Certificado de Eficiencia Energética

Energy performance certificate, mandatory for every sale or rental. Provides information on energy consumption.

Costa Blanca

Coastal region in the province of Alicante with high demand for holiday properties and new construction projects. Key location factors: climate, infrastructure, sea views.

D - F

Declaración de Obra Nueva

Declaration of newly constructed buildings for registration in the land registry. Required upon completion of new construction.

Dirección de Obra

Construction management by an architect and/or technical architect (dual structure typical in Spain).

Infrastucture Development  (Urbanización)

Developed plot with connections to electricity, water, sewage, and road access. Undeveloped land requires a development permit.

Finca Urbana / Finca Rústica

“Finca” generally means “plot of land”:

Urbana: developed land within urban areas

Rústica: rural, often lacking full building permits

G - I

IBI – Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles

Annual property tax. The amount varies depending on the municipality and property value.

ITE – Inspección Técnica de Edificios

Mandatory technical inspection for older buildings (required from 40 years old, depending on the municipality).

L - N

Licencia de Obra

Building permit. Required for new construction, conversions, or major renovations.

Licencia de Primera Ocupación

Certificate of occupancy for new builds. Necessary for setting up utilities such as electricity and water.

NIE – Número de Identificación de Extranjero

Tax identification number for foreigners. Required for purchasing property, opening a bank account, signing contracts, etc.

P - R

Promotor

Developer or project manager. Plans, finances, and executes construction projects.

Proyecto Básico / Proyecto de Ejecución

Basic and execution plans created by an architect – both are required for building permits and approvals.

Referencia Catastral

Cadastral reference number – unique identifier of a property or building.

S - U

Solar Urbano

Developed, immediately buildable land with authorized usage rights.

Sumas / Ayuntamiento

Developed, immediately buildable land with authorized usage rights.

Tasación

Property valuation – usually conducted by certified appraisers to determine market value.

Urbanización

Residential area or complex with shared infrastructure (pools, gardens, access roads). Often managed by a homeowners’ association.

V - Z

Visado

Official approval and registration of a project by the Chamber of Architects – required for a building permit.

Vivienda de Nueva Construcción

Newly built property – subject to specific warranty periods (including 10 years for structural elements).

Payment plan (Plan de Pagos)

Individual payment schedule for new builds – typically staggered based on construction progress.