Cadastral Reference Value in 2026: What It Is and How It Affects Taxes

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What is the Cadastral Reference Value?

The cadastral reference value is a value set by the Directorate General of Cadastre used as a basis for calculating certain property taxes. Since 1 January 2022, this value is used to determine the taxable base for the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP, Property Transfer Tax) and the Impuesto de Sucesiones y Donaciones (ISyD, Inheritance and Gift Tax).</p>

This value is obtained from sale prices recorded by notaries and registrars, without exceeding the market value.</p>

How is the Cadastral Reference Value Calculated?

The calculation of the cadastral reference value is based on:</p>

• Sale prices declared before notaries.</li>
• Average values of the areas where the property is located.</li>
• Specific characteristics of the property recorded in the Cadastre.</li> </ul>

  The Directorate General of Cadastre publishes the reference values of each property every year (those for 2026 were published in October 2025, before the start of the fiscal year, to allow for advance planning of transactions), and they can be consulted on the Electronic Headquarters of the Cadastre</a>.</p>

  Differences between Cadastral Value and Cadastral Reference Value</h2>

  It is important not to confuse these two values:</p>

  • Cadastral value: Used to calculate taxes such as the IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, Property Tax) and is based on municipal technical criteria.</li>
  • Cadastral reference value: Used for the payment of taxes in sales, donations, and inheritances, and is based on the market.</li> </ul>

    How Does the Cadastral Reference Value Affect Taxes?</h2>

    The cadastral reference value mainly affects two taxes:</p>

    1. Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP)</h3>

    If you buy a second-hand property, the ITP is calculated on the higher value between:</p>

    • The cadastral reference value.</li>
    • The price declared in the deed.</li> </ul>

      2. Impuesto de Sucesiones y Donaciones (ISyD)</h3>

      In inheritances and donations, the tax is calculated on the cadastral reference value, unless the real value is higher.</p>

      Example of Tax Calculation with the Cadastral Reference Value</h2>

      Imagine you buy a flat in Madrid with these values:</p>

      • Purchase price: €250,000</li>
      • Cadastral reference value: €270,000</li>
      • ITP applicable in Madrid: 6%</li> </ul>

        Taxable base for ITP: €270,000 (because it is higher than the purchase price).</p>

        Tax to be paid: €270,000 × 6% = €16,200.</p>

        Can the Cadastral Reference Value Be Challenged?</h2>

        Yes, if you believe that the cadastral reference value does not reflect the real value of the property, you can challenge it. To do this, you must file a claim with the Directorate General of Cadastre, justifying the real value through appraisals or other expert reports.</p>

        How to Check the Cadastral Reference Value in 2026</h2>

        To check the cadastral reference value of a property in 2026, follow these steps:</p>

        1. Access the Electronic Headquarters of the Cadastre</a>.</li>
        2. Enter the cadastral reference of the property.</li>
        3. You will see the updated reference value for the current fiscal year.</li> </ol>

           Conclusion</h2>

           The cadastral reference value is a key factor in the purchase, sale, inheritance, or donation of properties, as it determines the base of some taxes. Before carrying out a real estate transaction, it is advisable to check this value and, if necessary, challenge it if it does not reflect the real market price.</p>

           For more information, visit the Electronic Headquarters of the Cadastre</a> or consult with a real estate advisor.</p>