What is a Cedula, and why do I need one ?

The Cedula confirms compliance with Building & Planning Regulations. The building side is dealt with by the ‘Fin de Obras’ certificate issued by architects & stamped by his Colegio, and the equivalent of the UK Building Regulation approval. That, with Boletins confirming correct installation of electrics & plumbing, is sent to the local Ayuntamiento. There the planning dept studies the compliance with planning regulations, dictated by the PGOU (General town plan). This plan MUST be the one approved by the appropriate Comunidad authority, as its non-compliance with those that’s led to so much of the planning and threatened demolition problems throughout the area. Town Hall’s created their own plans & gave authority based on those, which authority has then been revoked by the Junta once aware of it, sometimes years after people have occupied their illegal house. The Town Hall, solicitors, architects, sellers of land, etc, will or professionally should have known that the property did not have the full permission, but encouraged the development or sale to go ahead with short-term gain in mind. Similar happened decades ago & eventually retrospective permission was given, perhaps with a small fine, and that has encouraged people to do the same more recently. However, now the law has been maintained and some of the illegal properties are not being given permission & are under demolition orders, whilst others are suffering large fines to remove any profit from the development. However, those that profited are not always around & other subsequent owners have to pay, which may not seem right, but what else can the authorities do? Those who are suffering must sue their professional advisers & the town hall for any losses as they have a duty of care to their clients. Only with an LPO complying with ALL the above, can an owner securely occupy their property. If it hasn’t an LPO or Cedula, the current owner has problems and if you buy the property these problems become yours.