From 3 October 2026, selling or renting a property in Catalonia requires a certificate stating whether asbestos is present or absent. This is the main change for the real estate sector introduced by Law 8/2026 on the eradication of asbestos.

The Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya) has passed Law 8/2026 of 2 July on the eradication of asbestos, published in the Official Gazette of Catalonia (DOGC) on 3 July 2026. Its aim is to identify and gradually remove this material, which is still present in many buildings, particularly those built before 2002.

For sellers, landlords, buyers, tenants and real estate professionals, the law introduces a new document requirement in property sales and rentals that should be built into the process from the moment a property is listed.

Why is the law focusing on asbestos in buildings?

For decades, asbestos was used in building materials, mainly in fibre cement elements such as roofs, gutters and downpipes. Many of these elements are still in place in homes, commercial premises and residential buildings.

The new law aims to ensure that buyers and tenants know whether asbestos may be present in a property, and the associated risks, before completing the transaction.

What is the asbestos certificate required by Law 8/2026?

Article 21 of the law states that when a property is sold or rented, a certificate of presence or absence of asbestos must be provided. Until the implementing regulations are approved, the certificate must state, as a minimum:

• Whether there is visible asbestos in the property.
• The condition of the affected materials.
• The risk these materials may pose to people.

How does it affect property sales, rentals and advertising?

The obligation goes beyond handing over the document. The law introduces two further practical consequences for property transactions:

• Land Registry: in sales for consideration, where materials containing asbestos are found, the law provides for the certificate to be recorded in the Land Registry under the terms established by law.
• Listings and advertising: the information in the certificate must be included in property offers and advertising aimed at consumers, as is already the case with other mandatory property details.

Do I have to remove asbestos before selling a property in Catalonia?

Not automatically. Selling a property does not in itself require the immediate removal of asbestos. The law sets out a gradual and safe removal process, with priorities based on the condition of the materials, the potential risk and people’s exposure.

When removal work is carried out, it must comply with the applicable regulations.

Timeline, implementing regulations and penalties

Although the law comes into force on 3 October 2026, some aspects still need to be defined through regulations:

• The final content and format of the asbestos certificate.
• Which professionals or bodies will be able to issue it.
• The specific penalty regime, which is pending the corresponding decree. In the meantime, general environmental regulations will apply.

GIPE recommendations for real estate professionals

GIPE recommends that real estate agents working in Catalonia:

• Pay particular attention to properties built before 2002.
• Check for the possible presence of asbestos as soon as a property is listed.
• Make sure the information in the certificate is included in listings and offers aimed at consumers.
• Follow the development of the implementing regulations before completing transactions.
• Treat the asbestos certificate as an additional check, separate from the energy certificate, the certificate of occupancy and, where applicable, the ITE.

GIPE members can resolve questions about how this law applies through our Legal Department and stay up to date with our continuing training for real estate agents.

Frequently asked questions about the asbestos certificate in Catalonia

When does the asbestos certificate become mandatory in Catalonia?

Law 8/2026 on the eradication of asbestos comes into force on 3 October 2026. From that date, the sale or rental of a property in Catalonia must be accompanied by a certificate stating whether asbestos is present or absent, although the final details of the document are still pending implementing regulations.

Is the asbestos certificate also required to rent out a property?

Yes. Article 21 of Law 8/2026 requires the certificate to be provided both when a property is sold and when it is rented.

Who can issue the asbestos certificate?

The law leaves it to future implementing regulations to define which professionals or bodies will be able to issue it. In the meantime, the certificate must at least state whether there is visible asbestos, the condition of the materials and the risk they pose to people.

Do I have to remove asbestos before selling a property in Catalonia?

Not automatically. Selling a property does not in itself require immediate removal. The law provides for a gradual and safe removal, prioritised according to the condition of the materials, the potential risk and people’s exposure.

Does the asbestos certificate replace the energy certificate or the certificate of occupancy?

No. It is an additional document, separate from the energy performance certificate, the certificate of occupancy (cédula de habitabilidad) and, where applicable, the building technical inspection (ITE).

Regulatory updates for real estate professionals

GIPE will keep its members informed about the implementing regulations of Law 8/2026 and any legislative change affecting property sales and rentals. You can read more updates in our news section.

Selling, buying or renting a property in Catalonia? Work with a certified professional who is up to date with the latest regulations. Find a GIPE agent