Housing offices only offer face-to-face assistance by prior appointment, so check out the “Housing calls you” service here to receive the most appropriate personalised assistance. If you also need assistance in energy rights, book an appointment with an energy-advice point (PAE) by clicking here. On the other hand, if you reside in an IMHAB public dwelling you can consult our contact, management and processing channels here.​

You will find information here on all topics relating to housing in Barcelona

Fee simple

When you have absolute rights over a property or the corresponding part of the property

Final completion certificate

Certificate issued by a competent technician and/or promoter of the works, which declares its completion and approval of the work carried out.

Financial institution

A legal person with whom a mortgage loan is contracted – mortgage bank, official financial institutions, savings banks, postal savings bank, regulated bodies, co-operative banks and building societies.

Financing

The amount of money loaned and which is usually between 70 and 80% of the value of the property being purchased.

Fire insurance

This is obligatory for a mortgaged property, in accordance with current legislation. When a mortgage is acquired, a tailor-made fire insurance policy is facilitated, and the new dwelling is covered for fire, lightning, explosions, disengagement, measures adopted by the authorities, extraordinary risks and catastrophes, etc.

First Occupancy Licence

A permit awarded by the City Council to the promoter once the building is completed so that it can be occupied.

Fixed instalment loan

The interest rate is variable, but the amount paid in each instalment remains the same, which means the repayment period varies.

Fixed interest rate loan

A loan agreed with a financial institution where the interest rate remains the same throughout the duration of the loan. As the interest rate does not vary, the APR is fixed.

Free of any encumbrances

This is said of a property that has no limitations on its dominion, i.e. there are no mortgages, taxes, cancellation clauses, usufruct or any other limitations.

Free price dwelling

A property that has no limits on the price it is sold for.