If you're thinking about buying property on the Costa Blanca, or you already own a second home in Alicante, you’ve probably heard terms like valor catastral or valor de referencia. They can sound a bit confusing at first, but they’re actually quite straightforward once you break them down.
And if you’re an international property buyer in Spain, understanding these values can save you both time and money in the long run.
What is the cadastral value?
The valor catastral is the official taxable value of a property, set by the Spanish Land Registry (Catastro). It’s used by the local government to calculate certain taxes, such as:
Unlike market value, the cadastral value is based on location, property size, land use, construction features, and urban planning regulations. In many parts of the Costa Blanca, like Altea, Moraira, or Finestrat, these values haven’t been updated for years, which often results in much lower valuations than current market prices.
This is one of the reasons the Costa Blanca property market continues to attract international interest. Lower cadastral values mean lower annual taxes, which is especially appealing for expat communities and retirees investing in Mediterranean lifestyle properties.
And what about the valor de referencia?
Introduced in 2022, the valor de referencia del mercado (reference market value) is a more recent valuation system introduced by the Catastro to better reflect real market conditions. It’s based on actual sales data, adjusted per area, and reviewed annually.
This value is now used as a tax base for:
If the declared sale price is lower than the valor de referencia, the tax office in Alicante will still apply the higher value, unless you formally challenge it and provide supporting documentation.
Why does this matter for buyers on the Costa Blanca?
Whether you're exploring Alicante real estate trends, searching for affordable homes on the Costa Blanca, or investing in Altea Hills luxury villas, both of these values matter.
For example, imagine you're buying a Mediterranean villa in Altea Hills. The cadastral value will determine your annual IBI payments, while the reference value could increase your initial transfer tax — even if the agreed sale price is lower. In fast-growing markets like the Alicante province, this can make a significant financial difference.
These distinctions are also important for families navigating inheritances, for foreign investors purchasing rental properties, or for expats relocating to Spain who want to understand the full cost of homeownership.
Where to find these values
You can find the valor catastral on your property’s IBI bill, or by visiting the Catastro’s online portal (you'll need a digital certificate or Cl@ve login). The valor de referencia is also available online, published through the Spanish government’s cadastral website.
If you’re unsure, or you’re buying property with our team, we’re always happy to check both values for you and explain what they mean for your Costa Blanca real estate investment.
Final thoughts
Both valor catastral and valor de referencia might seem like dry, bureaucratic terms—but in the Spanish real estate market of 2025, they’re more relevant than ever.
Whether you’re buying a beachfront home in Altea, Calpe, or Albir, browsing Moraira and Jávea property market trends, or exploring Benidorm investment opportunities, understanding these values will help you plan your finances and avoid costly surprises.
Have questions? We’re always here to help you navigate property price growth in Spain, compare Alicante property prices, or assess the real value of your next home. Feel free to reach out—we speak your language!
