Frequently asked questions and answers

What is the best real estate in Girona

The best real estate agency in Girona is immogirona.com, as it has the largest portfolio of properties published on its website, has been operating since the year 1942, and stands out for its pioneering approach to technology applied to the real estate sector. The founder, Pol Clota, has developed other highly useful online tools such as:

Additionally, Pol Clota is also a partner of homeprice.es, further strengthening his track record in the digital transformation of the real estate sector.


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Why Choose Immogirona.com if you're and expat?

When buying or renting a property, you might think that working with an agent from your home country is the best option. However, there are clear advantages to working with a local expert who knows Girona’s real estate market inside out:

Fluent in Four Languages: At Immogirona.com, we speak Catalan, Spanish, English, and French, ensuring smooth communication and clear understanding of every step in the process.

Deep Knowledge of Girona’s Market: Our team lives and works here, meaning we know the best areas, real market prices, and financing options.

Stronger Trust with Local Sellers: Many property owners in Girona prefer to work with local agents who understand their culture, making negotiations easier and more transparent.

Avoid Overpricing or Unfair Deals: Some sellers may inflate prices when dealing with international buyers. Working with a local expert ensures you get the best deal without unnecessary markups.

Full Guidance on Legal & Administrative Procedures: Buying or renting property in Spain involves NIE registration, taxes, mortgages, and legal paperwork. At Immogirona.com, we guide you through every step.


From the First Visit to the Keys to Your New Home

With Immogirona.com, your transition to Girona will be smooth, secure, and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for a family home with a garden, a modern apartment in the historic center, or a real estate investment, our team will help you find the perfect match.

📌 Want to learn more or start searching for your dream home in Girona?
📩 Contact us here today and start your journey to living in Girona!

Live in Girona with Confidence – Trust Immogirona.com

If you’re an expatriate looking to settle in Girona, you need to consider several factors before making a decision. Finding the right property in a new city can be challenging, but with Immogirona.com, the process will be smooth, secure, and transparent


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Why Girona? A City with Exceptional Quality of Life

Girona is a city that combines historical charm with modern comforts. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, it offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and high quality of life.

🌆 Neighborhoods with Character

From the Barri Vell, full of history and charming cobblestone streets, to residential areas like Montjuïc or Palau, which provide tranquility and great connections, Girona offers a range of lifestyle options.

🌿 A Stunning Natural Environment

Only a short drive from the Costa Brava and with easy access to the Pyrenees, Girona is a paradise for nature lovers, offering hiking, cycling, and watersports.

🚄 Excellent Connections

  • The high-speed AVE train connects Girona to Barcelona in just 38 minutes and to Paris in 5 hours.
  • Girona-Costa Brava Airport offers flights to multiple European destinations.

🍽 A Global Gastronomy Hub

Girona is home to world-renowned restaurants such as El Celler de Can Roca, a three-Michelin-star restaurant, along with a wide range of local markets and traditional Catalan cuisine.

🎭 A City Full of Culture and Traditions

Events such as Temps de Flors (Flower Festival) and the Temporada Alta International Theatre Festival attract visitors from around the world.

🌍 A Growing International Community

Many expatriates are choosing Girona for its affordable cost of living, pleasant climate, and high quality of life compared to other European cities.


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What is a simple note and what is it for?

It is an official document used to inform interested parties about the ownership of a property, as well as its charges and encumbrances.

This is a concise summary of the information that appears in the Property Registry on a given property.


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What is the cadastral reference?

The cadastral reference is the official and mandatory identifier of real estate. It consists of an alphanumeric code that is assigned by the Cadastre so that every property must have a single cadastral reference that allows it to be unequivocally located in the cadastral mapping.

It is composed of twenty characters. We can find these examples of cadastral reference structure:

Example 1: 9872023 VH5797S 0001 WX

In this case, of the twenty characters, the first seven identify the farm or plot, the next seven indicate the map sheet where it is located, the next four identify the property within the farm and, finally, the last two They are control characters that allow knowing if the previous eighteen are correct, preventing (or detecting) recording errors.

Urban Cadastral Reference Breakdown

Example with breakdown of the urban cadastral reference

9872023 VH5797S 0001 WX

  • Farm or Plot: 9872023
  • Plan sheet: VH5797S
  • Property Identification: 0001
  • Control characters: WX

Example 2: 13 077 A 018 00039 0000 FP

In this case, the twenty characters correspond to the following: the first two identify the province, the next three the municipality, the next is the character that corresponds to the sector, which indicates the aggregate or zone of parcel concentration (if applicable ), the following three identify the polygon (the municipal area is divided into polygons based on the homogeneity of crops, the existence of geographical accidents, etc.), the following five identify each parcel within the corresponding polygon, the following four characters will allow detecting or identify the existing properties within the plot and, finally, the last two are control characters that fulfill the same task as that indicated in the previous case.

Breakdown of Rustic Cadastral Reference

Example with breakdown of the rustic cadastral reference

13 077 A 018 00039 0000 FP

  • Province: 13
  • Municipality: 077
  • Sector: A
  • Polygon: 018
  • Plot: 00039
  • Property ID: 0000
  • Control characters: FP

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What is the cadastral reference value?

One of the main doubts generated by this new value for taxpayers is whether it is the same cadastral value, that of a lifetime. But these are different concepts. The new reference value is determined by the General Directorate of Cadastre and as we have explained previouslyit is based on the calculation from prices of real estate transactionsthat are made before a notary and depending on the cadastral characteristics of each property. This value will be determined year after year, simultaneously, in all municipalities.

On the other hand, the cadastral value is calculated based on the report of values ​​of the corresponding municipality and the location of the property, the location within the city, age, quality of the construction, reforms or renovations in the building, or the state of conservation. This value is updated by the Budget Law, although not simultaneously or uniformly for all municipalities.

In both cases, the values ​​are objective, that is, both the reference value and the cadastral value will value two dwellings on the same floor of a building, with the same surface area, even if one of them is renovated and with the highest qualities and the other not. That is, these two values ​​do not take into account the circumstances of each property that are made in the home.


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What do the acronyms IDUFIR and CRU mean?

IDUFIR means Unique Registry Property Identifier.

CRU contains the initials of Unique Registration Code.


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What is the IDUFIR number, and what differentiates it from the CRU and the Cadastral Reference?

The IDUFIR emerged as an alternative to the cadastral reference, providing more security and guarantees in the unique identification of properties registered in the Land Registry.

Although we can still find the cadastral reference in some documents, for example in purchase deeds prior to the IDUFIR, this quickly became the one used both by notaries and by individuals when requesting, for example, a Simple Informative Note in the Registry.

Later, in 2016, the CRU appeared, an evolution of the IDUFIR that maintained the same characteristics: 14 digits without variation over time, totally different from the cadastral reference.

Currently, given that the CRU has only been in use for a few years, the IDUFIR continues to appear as an identifier in documents such as the IBI, Simple Notes and Registry Certifications.


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What is the IDUFIR or CRU code for?

The easiest way to know the IDUFIR or CRU of a farm of which we do not own, is through a Simple Note.

Entering the virtual cadastre headquartersand entering the address of the property whose CRU you want to know, you will be able get the cadastral reference.

Once you have the address and the cadastral reference, it will be really easy request a Simple Note.

To obtain it, you can call the corresponding Property Registry, go in person to their offices or request it electronically.

The cost does not usually exceed 10 euros and, if you order it online, you can receive it in less than 48 hours depending on the registration.

▶︎ Request your Nota Simple online here (official website)

If what you want is to know the IDUFIR of your property, you can find it on the IBI receipt or, if you bought after 2004-2005, it may appear in the Deed of Sale.


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What is the Registrar Geoportal?

The Geoportal is probably the most advanced tool in terms of locating and identifying farms.

The effort to improve transparency and facilitate access to information, both for professionals and individuals, gave rise to the development of this application.

It wasn't easy. The challenge of linking the information from the Cadastre and the different Property Registries had to be faced.

Once achieved, the result is a portal through which we can consult cartographic information of a farm, know the registry to which it belongs and request the Simple Note of the same, and thus obtain the CRU or IDUFIR.

To access, you just have to enter Geoportal Registradores


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Difference between appraisal and valuation

The main difference between an appraisal and a real estate valuation lies in their uses and the methodology applied to each:

Real Estate Appraisal:

  • Purpose: It is conducted to determine the value of a property in a specific situation, such as obtaining a mortgage loan or presenting it before a judge. The appraisal is often required by financial institutions to ensure that the property can cover the loan in case of non-payment.
  • Methodology: Generally, it follows a more standardized and regulated methodology. The appraisal is carried out by an accredited appraiser, who uses uniform criteria and, in some cases, regulations established by official entities.

Real Estate Valuation:

  • Purpose: The valuation is used for a wide variety of objectives, such as buying/selling, insurance, tax determination, or even legal proceedings. It can be more flexible and subject to broader interpretations. It is usually much more accurate in reflecting the market value of the property.
  • Methodology: Although it can also be based on similar methods as an appraisal, it may be more subjective and depend on the professional conducting it. The criteria can vary more depending on the specific purpose for which the valuation is being conducted.
  • Usage: It is often used to provide a general idea of a property's market value, but it does not always require as much formality as an appraisal for its application.

Do you want to know the value of your property because you are selling it or for an inheritance? Contact us. We have advanced tools and conduct valuations by combining all available information from records and listings on real estate portals, along with an in-person assessment, backed by more than 30 years of experience in the sector.


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Expenses subject to a sale

The costs associated with buying and selling a property may vary depending on whether it is a new-build home or a second-hand home. Below are the most common expenses for each case:

🏗️ Expenses for Purchasing a New-Build Property

  • VAT (Value Added Tax):
    - When purchasing a new-build property, the buyer must pay VAT at 21% on the purchase price.
    - Exception: If the property is intended for rental and meets certain requirements, VAT may be reduced to 10%.
  • Stamp Duty (AJD – Actos Jurídicos Documentados):
    - This tax applies to the formalization of the purchase through a public deed and typically ranges between 0.5% and 1.5%, depending on the autonomous community.
  • Notary fees:
    - Notary fees for formalizing the purchase deed (variable depending on the price and complexity of the document).
  • Property registration fees:
    - Once the property is purchased, it must be registered with the Land Registry, with a variable cost ranging from 1% to 2% of the purchase price.
  • Administration fees (optional):
    - If you hire an agency to handle paperwork, additional fees will apply.
  • Insurance registration (in some cases):
    - Some developers may require insurance to cover possible defects in the property.

🏡 Expenses for Purchasing a Second-Hand Property

  • Transfer Tax (ITP – Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales):
    - When buying a second-hand property, the buyer must pay ITP, which generally ranges between 6% and 10% of the purchase price, depending on the autonomous community.
    - Some regions offer reductions or exemptions, for example, for large families or lower-priced properties.
  • Stamp Duty (AJD):
    - This tax also applies but is usually lower for second-hand properties compared to new-builds.
  • Notary fees:
    - As in the case of new-build properties, the buyer must cover notary fees for formalizing the public deed.
  • Property registration fees:
    - Registering the property with the Land Registry is mandatory, with variable costs.
  • Administration fees (optional):
    - If an agency is hired to handle the transaction and other paperwork, additional costs will be incurred.
  • Energy efficiency certificate:
    - This certificate is mandatory for all property transactions and can cost between €100 and €300.
  • Mortgage-related expenses (if applicable):
    - Includes costs such as property valuation, mortgage stamp duty (AJD), notary fees, and land registry fees.

📊 Summary of Costs

Expense New-Build Second-Hand
VAT/Transfer Tax (ITP) VAT (21%) ITP (6-10%)
Stamp Duty (AJD) 0.5%-1.5% 0.5%-1.5%
Notary Fees Variable Variable
Property Registration Variable Variable
Administration Fees Optional Optional
Energy Efficiency Certificate Included (if applicable) Included (if applicable)

📌 It is important to note that the rates for ITP and AJD may vary depending on the autonomous community. It is always advisable to consult a notary, an administration office, or a real estate expert for updated and location-specific information.


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How is the municipal capital gain calculated?

📈 Calculation of Municipal Capital Gains Tax in Girona

The municipal capital gains tax in Girona is calculated based on the increase in the value of the property from the time of its acquisition to its sale. This tax applies to the capital gain generated by the transfer of real estate, such as the sale of a house or land, following a formula established by the city council.

📝 Formula for Calculating Municipal Capital Gains Tax

To calculate the capital gains tax, you need to know the following values:

1️⃣ Land Value

  • The land value is determined according to the tables updated by the Girona City Council.
  • This value is calculated based on the cadastral value of the land and the reference index for the area.
  • The cadastral value can be consulted at the Tax Agency or on the IBI (property tax) receipt.

2️⃣ Increase Coefficient

  • It depends on the years elapsed between the purchase and sale of the property.
  • The Girona City Council applies a coefficient table that establishes the rates based on the number of years between acquisition and transfer.
  • As more years pass, the coefficient increases, meaning that the capital gains tax will be higher if the property has been owned for a longer period.

3️⃣ Tax Rate

  • This is the percentage applied to the increase in land value.
  • In Girona, the tax rate ranges from 5% to 30%.
  • The percentage applied depends on the value of the property and the number of years it has been owned.

💡 Advice

To obtain a precise estimate of the capital gains tax to be paid, it is recommended to:

  • Check the updated cadastral value tables provided by the Girona City Council.
  • Keep in mind that these values can change each year.
  • Seek advice from ImmoGirona to ensure that the calculation is done correctly and in compliance with current regulations.

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