ITE (Technical Inspection of Buildings)

Technical Building Inspection (ITE) in Malaga: What it is, when it is required and how it is carried out

The Technical Building Inspection, better known as ITE, is a mandatory inspection that buildings of a certain age must undergo to guarantee that they are in a good state of conservation, safety, health and public ornamentation. It is an essential instrument for prevention and maintenance of the urban real estate stock.

In cities like Málaga, where there is a large number of homes that are more than 50 years old, the ITE is a key tool to avoid deterioration, ruins or structural risks. Its compliance is not only mandatory by law, but is essential to ensure the useful life of the properties and the protection of those who live in them.

In this article, we explain what the ITE is, when it must be carried out, what the procedure is like, what consequences do not comply with it, and what are the applicable regulations in Malaga.

What is the ITE (Technical Building Inspection)?

The Technical Inspection of Buildings (ITE) is a periodic evaluation that residential buildings or buildings for collective use must pass after a certain age. Its purpose is to verify that the property is in adequate condition of:

• Structural and construction safety

• Tightness (humidity, leaks)

• Health

• Accessibility and habitability

• Exterior appearance (facades, roofs, ornamental elements)

It is a preventive control, similar to a technical vehicle inspection (ITV), but applied to properties.

When is the ITE mandatory?

The obligation to pass the ITE It depends on the age of the building. In Malaga, according to the Ordinance Regulating the Conservation, Rehabilitation and Dilapidated Condition of Buildings, are obliged to do it:

• All buildings more than 50 years old.

• Also those who, under the age of 50, have been required by the City Council due to its poor condition, location in protected areas, or due to previous technical reports.

The ITE must be renewed every 10 years once the first favorable inspection has been carried out.

What types of buildings does ITE affect?

Malaga regulations require the ITE for the following types of properties:

• Use buildings residential (housing).

• Use buildings commercial or mixed.

• buildings of collective housing o single-family home on consolidated urban land.

• Properties located in areas declared of special heritage protection.

• Buildings included in the Architectural Protection Catalog.

In principle, newly built buildings or buildings that have been completely rehabilitated and have their final construction certificate are exempt, unless they are over 50 years old.

Who should order the ITE?

The Responsibility falls on the property owner, whether an individual, a community of owners or a company. In the case of neighborhood communities, it is common for the property manager to manage the contracting of the inspection with a competent technician.

Who can perform the ITE?

The Technical Building Inspection must be carried out by a qualified technician:

• Architects

• Technical architects (surveyors)

• Building Engineers

These professionals must be duly registered and have experience in property evaluation. The report they issue must be signed and endorsed by the corresponding professional association.

How is an ITE performed?

The ITE process in Malaga follows several stages:

1. Visual inspection of the building

The technician visits the building and examines its main structural and functional elements: foundations, facades, roofs, general networks, common elements, accessibility, etc.

2. Writing the ITE report

A detailed technical report is prepared that includes:

• Building status description

• Detection of possible deficiencies

• Degree of urgency of the interventions

• Classification of the general condition of the property

3. Building Condition Rating

ITE can result in:

• Favorable: The building is in good condition or has minor deficiencies.

• Unfavorable: There are significant deficiencies that require repairs.

4. Presentation before the City Council

The report must be submitted electronically in the Registration of the Municipal Urban Planning Management of Malaga, along with the technical documentation and proof of payment of fees.

What happens if the result is unfavorable?

In the event that the ITE detects important or very serious deficiencies, the report will indicate what repair or improvement works must be undertaken, and within what period.

The City Council can issue a order of execution for the owners to carry out the repair works. Once completed, a certificate of suitability signed by the technician.

Consequences of not performing the ITE

Failure to comply with the obligation to pass the ITE may have legal and economic consequences:

• Fines and economic sanctions that can exceed 3.000 euros.

• Initiation of urban disciplinary proceedings.

• Limitations on contracting insurance, sales or transfers of the property.

• Risks of urban ruin or uninhabitability, with possible eviction orders.

• In buildings with heritage protection, omission can generate serious violations.

Regulations that regulate the ITE in Malaga

The regulation of the ITE in Malaga is based on:

• Law 7/2002, on Urban Planning of Andalusia (LOUA)

• Law 8/2013, on Urban Rehabilitation, Regeneration and Renewal

• Municipal Ordinance for Conservation, Rehabilitation and Dilapidated Condition of Buildings (Málaga City Council)

• Technical Building Code (CTE)

This regulation establishes the legal obligation to keep properties in good condition and determines the mechanisms for its control, such as the ITE.

What documentation is needed to present the ITE?

The presentation of the ITE report to the Malaga City Council requires:

• Technical report signed and endorsed.

• Technical sheets of the property.

• Graphic documentation (plans, photographs, sketches).

• Proof of payment of the municipal tax.

• Specific application model, available on the City Council's electronic headquarters.

The entire process can be done digitally through the official portal: https://urbanismo.malaga.eu

Does it cost to carry out an ITE?

Yes, the ITE has two main costs:

1. Technician fees: they vary depending on the size of the building, the number of homes and their complexity. As a reference, they can range between 300 € y 1.000 €.

2. Municipal fee for report registration: established annually by the City Council in its tax ordinances.

What happens after performing a favorable ITE?

If the result of the inspection is favorable, the building is accredited as suitable for use during the next 10 years, until the ITE must be renewed.

Additionally, have an ITE in order:

• Improves the value of the property.

• Gives access to possible public aid for rehabilitation.

• Facilitates the processing of insurance or subsidies.

• Strengthens legal security in sales or inheritances.

Difference between ITE and IEE (Building Evaluation Report)

The IEE It is a more complete document that integrates three aspects:

• The content of the ITE

• The energy evaluation of the building

• Accessibility

In some cases, the City Council may accept the IEE as equivalent to the ITE, especially when aid or subsidies are requested for rehabilitation. Do you want to know more about the IEE? We leave you a news item where we explain everything you need to know about IEE

Conclusion

The Technical Building Inspection (ITE) in Malaga It is an essential legal obligation to guarantee the safety, conservation and legality of properties over 50 years old. Its correct implementation avoids structural risks, administrative sanctions and legal problems derived from the deterioration of buildings.

Both individual owners and neighborhood communities must be attentive to deadlines, prepare appropriate documentation and have qualified technicians to comply with this periodic obligation. A favorable ITE is not only a guarantee of security, but also an opportunity to improve energy efficiency and revalue real estate assets.