The Building Book “Libro del Edificio”: Everything You Need to Know

URBANISM

Apr 30

Written By Francisco Javier Muñoz Fuentes

When a new construction or major renovation in Spain is completed, handing over the keys is not the final step. One crucial element remains: the Libro del Edificio. This document, unfamiliar to many private individuals but mandatory in most cases, can be the difference between a legally compliant home and a constant source of problems. What does it contain? Why is it so important for homeowners and communities? Keep reading to clear all your doubts.

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Rarely is such a crucial document as the Building Book discussed in depth, despite its undeniable legal, technical, and operational significance. Far from being just a stack of papers, this tool serves as the technical identity card of any property intended for residential or tertiary use. Its contents are shaped by a complex regulatory framework — from the Building Regulation Law (LOE) to the Technical Building Code (CTE) — and it serves as an essential pillar to ensure traceability, maintenance, and legal compliance of buildings in Spain.

WHAT IS THE BUILDING BOOK AND WHY IS IT MANDATORY?

According to Article 7 of the LOE (Law 38/1999), the Libro del Edificio is a mandatory document that must be provided by the developer upon completion of the building. It contains all the technical and administrative information necessary for the proper use, maintenance, and renovation of the property throughout its life cycle.

This book is not only for future owners, but also for homeowners’ associations, notaries, technicians, and public authorities. In fact, in Andalusia, its delivery is a legal prerequisite for registering a newly completed building in the Land Registry, as established by Decree 218/2005 and the Urban Discipline Regulation.

WHEN IS THE BUILDING BOOK MANDATORY?

Regulations clearly require the Building Book in two situations:

New construction, especially residential buildings.
Major renovations or refurbishments that require a responsible declaration or license and affect the structure, envelope, or general installations.

If you are developing your own home in areas such as Málaga, Marbella, or Estepona, you will be asked for it when applying for the First Occupancy License.

WHAT IS ITS REAL PURPOSE?

Although often seen as just another administrative requirement, the Libro del Edificio has very practical uses. Thanks to it, any technician involved later in a renovation, repair, or inspection will be able to understand how the building was designed, what materials were used, and how systems are distributed.

It also enables proper preventive maintenance, which extends the building’s lifespan and reduces breakdowns. In real estate developments, it is a document delivered to the buyer as part of the legal warranty.

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WHAT IS THE MINIMUM REQUIRED CONTENT?

According to current legislation and the Technical Building Code (CTE), the Libro del Edificio must include, among others:

According to the LOE:

Execution project and approved modifications
Work completion certificate
List of involved agents
Building use and maintenance instructions

According to the CTE:

Technical documentation of products and systems used
Scheduled maintenance plan for the building and its systems
Record of future interventions: renovations, repairs, or refurbishments

According to complementary regulations:

Energy performance certificates (RD 235/2013)
Thermal installations (RITE): projects, certificates, user manuals, etc.
Telecommunications infrastructure (Order ICT/1644/2011)
Subcontracting documentation (Law 32/2006)
Authorizations and licenses: building, first occupancy, utilities, elevators, pools, etc.

WHO PREPARES IT AND HOW IS IT DELIVERED?

Although it is usually written by the project’s lead architect, the legal obligation falls on the developer, who must deliver it in digital format (and often also physical) before a notary and, in the case of condominium properties, to the homeowners’ association.

The Libro del Edificio must also be available in electronic format for submission to public bodies such as the Land Registry or Cadastre. It is therefore common for it to be delivered on a CD or USB drive with an organized folder structure.