What is a cadastral map?

The cadastral map is an essential tool for anyone interested in the property market. It is a graphic and alphanumeric representation of both rural and urban properties, providing valuable information about their location, surface area, characteristics and ownership.

Consulting the cadastral map is essential before purchasing a property, as it allows you to verify the information in the registry, identify possible discrepancies, and avoid unpleasant surprises. In this article, we will explain what the cadastral map is, how to consult it online, and why it is an indispensable tool for making informed decisions.

The cadastral map is an official document that reflects the physical reality of real estate. It is a scaled graphic representation of land, buildings and other structures, where plots are delimited, their dimensions are indicated and their main characteristics are highlighted.

The cadastral map in Spain is managed by the Directorate General of Cadastre, an agency under the Ministry of Finance, and its information is constantly updated to reflect changes in the territory. It not only includes a graphic representation of the property, but also relevant alphanumeric information, such as its cadastral reference, its surface area, its main use, its cadastral value and the identity of its owners.

How to interpret a cadastral map step by step

Interpreting a cadastral map may seem complicated at first, but with a little practice and the right information, it is possible to extract valuable data about a property. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Locate the cadastral reference: The cadastral reference is a unique alphanumeric code that unequivocally identifies each property. You can find it on property tax receipts, deeds of sale, or on the Land Registry’s website. If you do not have the cadastral reference, you can search for the property by its address or location on the cadastral map.
2. Identify the plot: Once you have located the cadastral reference, the cadastral map will show the corresponding plot, delimited by lines and with its surface area indicated in square metres.
3. Analyse the buildings: If the plot contains buildings, the cadastral map will show them represented by polygons or lines, indicating their built area and main use (housing, premises, warehouse, etc.).
4. Consult the alphanumeric information: Along with the graphic representation, the cadastral map provides alphanumeric information about the property, such as its cadastral value, land class, age and ownership.
5. Check that it matches reality: Once the cadastral map has been interpreted, it is essential to check that the information it contains corresponds to the physical reality of the property. 

Cadastral map of Spain: complete guide

The cadastral map of Spain is accessible through the Cadastre’s Electronic Headquarters, an online platform that allows you to consult cadastral information on any property free of charge and easily.

• Search by cadastral reference: If you know the cadastral reference of the property, you can enter it directly into the search engine and access its information immediately.
• Search by address: If you do not know the cadastral reference, you can search for the property by entering its full address (street, number, municipality, province).
• Search by polygon and plot: If you know the polygon and cadastral plot of the property, you can enter them in the search engine and access its information.
• Search by coordinates: If you know the geographical coordinates of the property, you can enter them in the search engine and access its information.

Once you have located the property on the cadastral map, you can access its detailed information, which includes:

• Descriptive data: Cadastral reference, address, surface area, main use, land class, age, etc.
• Location data: Location map, geographical coordinates, plot boundaries, etc.
• Economic data: Cadastral value, land value, construction value, etc.
• Ownership data: Name and surname or company name of the owners, percentage of ownership, etc. (this information is only available to owners or authorised persons).

Differences between cadastral maps and urban planning maps

It is important to distinguish between the cadastral map and the urban plan, as both documents provide different information and serve different purposes. The cadastral map is an administrative record that describes the physical characteristics of properties, while the urban plan is a planning tool that establishes the rules and criteria for land use and building.

The main differences between the two documents are:

• Content: The cadastral map shows the boundaries of plots, the location of buildings and the surface area of properties. The urban plan indicates permitted land uses (residential, industrial, commercial, etc.), maximum building heights, green areas and public facilities.
• Purpose: The cadastral map is used for tax purposes, asset management and property identification. The urban plan is used to regulate urban development, protect the environment and guarantee the quality of life of citizens.
• Preparation: The cadastral map is prepared and maintained by the Directorate-General for Cadastre. The urban plan is prepared by local councils and approved by the autonomous communities.
• Mandatory: The information contained in the cadastral map is mandatory for all property owners. Compliance with the regulations established in the urban plan is mandatory for all developers and builders.

Although they are different documents, the cadastral map and the urban plan complement each other. Cadastral information can be used to draw up the urban plan, and the urban plan can influence the cadastral value of properties.

What is a cadastral reference map and how to use it

The cadastral reference map is a document that contains a graphic representation of real estate properties and their corresponding cadastral reference; it is essential for unequivocally identifying each property and learning about its main characteristics.

As we have mentioned, it is generally accessed through the Cadastre’s Electronic Headquarters, where you can search for a property by its address, cadastral reference or coordinates. When you locate the property on the cadastral map of Madrid, for example, you can obtain relevant information such as the surface area, use, type of land and its cadastral value. In addition, we remind you that before embarking on the purchase of a property, it is crucial to review the documents required to purchase a property to avoid setbacks.

This document is crucial when buying a property, as it allows you to verify that the information in the registry matches the physical reality of the property. It also helps to identify possible errors or discrepancies that could affect the transaction.

The cadastral map is an essential tool for anyone interested in the property market. It allows you to find out the physical and legal characteristics of properties, verify the information in the registry and avoid unpleasant surprises.