Selling your property in Spain and wondering if you need an electrical certificate? The short answer is: legally, no - you can complete the sale without one. But in practice, not having it can seriously complicate your transaction.
If you're an expat selling property on the Costa del Sol, Spanish bureaucracy around property sales can be confusing. This guide explains what the certificate is, when it becomes a problem, and how to avoid last-minute surprises that could delay or derail your sale.
What is a boletín eléctrico?
The boletín eléctrico, officially called the Certificado de Instalación Eléctrica (CIE), is an electrical installation certificate. Think of it like an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) in the UK, but with a specific purpose in Spain: it's required to transfer the electricity supply.
Key facts about the certificate:
- It can only be issued by an authorised electrician (instalador autorizado) registered with the Junta de Andalucía
- It's valid for 20 years
- It certifies the installation meets Spanish safety standards (REBT)
- It's registered with the regional authorities
The legal reality: is it mandatory to sell?
Here's the important nuance: no law requires you to present the boletín to complete a property sale. The notario (notary who handles property transfers) can sign off on the escritura (title deed) without it.
But this doesn't mean you can ignore it. The problems come after the sale is signed.
When problems arise
The electricity company (Endesa, Iberdrola, etc.) requires the boletín to transfer the supply into the buyer's name. Without it, they simply won't do it.
These are the most common situations where the certificate becomes an obstacle:
Installation over 20 years old
If your property has an older installation, the original certificate will have expired. The electricity company will require a new one before transferring the account to the buyer.
Unregistered renovations
If you've done building work or extensions without updating the electrical installation officially, there may be discrepancies between what's registered and what actually exists. This requires a new certificate.
Contracted power doesn't match
If the power you have contracted doesn't match the actual capacity of the installation, the situation needs to be regularised.
Disconnected supply
If the electricity has been disconnected for an extended period (given de baja), reconnecting it requires a valid certificate.
Buyer's bank requires it
Some Spanish banks request the electrical certificate as part of the documentation before approving the buyer's mortgage.
Consequences of selling without a certificate
If you reach completion without a certificate and the buyer then discovers they can't get the electricity in their name, several things can happen:
- Sale delays: The buyer may refuse to complete until the issue is resolved
- Price renegotiation: The buyer may demand a reduction to cover the cost of sorting it out
- Rush repairs: You may need to fix issues under time pressure with no room to negotiate
- Stress for everyone: A situation that could easily have been avoided
The smart approach: get ahead of it
The best strategy when selling your property is to obtain the certificate before listing or early in the sales process, well before you reach completion.
The advantages of being proactive:
- You know in advance if any repairs are needed
- You have time to arrange the work without pressure
- You can factor the cost into your planning
- You offer peace of mind to potential buyers
- The transaction moves faster with no surprises
This is especially important if you're selling to Spanish buyers, who know the system and will expect the certificate to be in order.
What if the installation fails inspection?
Don't panic. It's more common than you might think, especially in properties built before the 2000s. Many older Costa del Sol properties from the 1970s, 80s and 90s need updates.
The most common issues we find in Málaga are:
- Outdated consumer unit: Old fuse boxes or panels without proper RCD protection
- Missing earth connection: Very common in older buildings
- Worn wiring: Cables with degraded insulation or insufficient capacity
- Sockets without earth: The old two-pin type without the safety earth connection
Most of these issues can be resolved in one or two days of work. We'll tell you exactly what's needed before starting - no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Is an electrical certificate mandatory to sell property in Spain?
Legally, no - you can sign the sale deed (escritura) at the notary without one. However, the buyer will need it to transfer the electricity supply into their name, so in practice it's usually essential to complete the sale smoothly.
How much does a boletín eléctrico cost in Málaga?
The electrical certificate costs between €150 and €250 if the installation is in good condition. If repairs are needed first, the total cost will depend on the work required.
What happens if my installation fails the inspection?
We'll tell you exactly what repairs are needed before issuing the certificate. Common issues like an outdated consumer unit, missing earth connection, or worn wiring can usually be fixed in one or two days.
How long does it take to get a boletín eléctrico?
If the installation is in good condition, inspection and certificate issue can be done the same day. If repairs are needed, it typically takes 1-3 days depending on the scope of work.
Do I need a certificate to rent out my property?
Yes, to set up or transfer the electricity supply to a tenant's name, the electricity company will usually require a valid certificate if the installation is over 20 years old.
Selling property on the Costa del Sol?
If you're selling a property in Málaga, Marbella, Fuengirola, or anywhere in the province, we can help with the electrical certificate.
We've been working with homeowners, estate agents, and property managers for over 20 years. We regularly help expats navigate this process and can explain everything in English.
Visit our electrical certificate page for more information, or give us a call. If you need repairs to the installation, we handle that too.