Asbestos in Properties: What Owners, Sellers and Landlords Need to Know

Asbestos in Properties: What Owners, Sellers and Landlords Need to Know

The new Law 8/2026 of 2 July on the elimination of asbestos establishes new obligations regarding the presence of asbestos-containing materials in homes, buildings and properties in Catalonia.

At Finques Santa Cristina, we want to help you understand what you need to take into account if you are a property owner planning to sell or rent out a home, commercial premises or another type of property.

Which properties are affected?

The requirement for a certificate confirming the presence or absence of asbestos applies to properties built before 2002.

This includes homes and other types of properties, such as offices, commercial premises and individual units within a building, when they are being sold or rented out.

Why is 2002 used as the reference year?

Because from that point onwards, the marketing of materials containing asbestos was prohibited.

For this reason, properties built before 2002 are the ones that may be subject to this requirement.

When did this become mandatory?

Law 8/2026 came into force on 3 October 2026.

From that date onwards, when a property covered by the scope of the law is sold or rented out, the corresponding certificate confirming the presence or absence of asbestos must be provided.

Until the regulatory framework provided for by the law is approved, the certificate must, at a minimum, confirm the presence or absence of visible asbestos, the condition of any asbestos-containing materials and the risk they may pose to people.

What does the property owner need to do?

If you own a property built before 2002 and are planning to sell or rent it out, we recommend preparing the necessary documentation in advance and engaging a qualified professional to issue the certificate.

The certificate must be provided to the buyer or tenant when the transaction is formalised.

Which materials may contain asbestos?

Asbestos was used for decades in a wide range of construction materials.

It is particularly common in fibre cement or asbestos cement products, such as roofs, gutters and downpipes. However, it may also be present in other materials and building elements in properties constructed before 2002.

Do you own a property built before 2002?

If you are considering selling or renting out a home, commercial premises or any other property built before 2002, Finques Santa Cristina can advise you on the necessary documentation and help you prepare the transaction in advance.

Finques Santa Cristina
Your trusted estate agency for selling or renting out your property with peace of mind.