The Nota Simple is an official document of paramount importance during the property purchase process in Spain. It is issued by the Spanish Land Registry (el Registro de la Propiedad) and provides all the essential information about a property.
- The identity of the owner;
- The description of the property (surface area, number of rooms).
- Any current charges and mortgages.
- Easements and other usage restrictions.
What are the reasons for the importance of the Nota Simple?
The future buyer must obtain the Nota Simple of the property they wish to purchase because in Spain, the buyer is responsible for verifying the property.
The Nota Simple allows them to:
- Verify the legal status of the property.
- Ensure there are no hidden debts or encumbrances.
- Confirm that the seller is the legal owner of the property.
It is therefore essential to request it to secure your investment.
What is the procedure for obtaining a Nota Simple?
There are 3 ways to request a Nota Simple:
- The Nota Simple can be obtained online via the dedicated webpage of the Land Registry on the website of the Colegio de Registradores (the equivalent of the High Council of Notaries in France).
- In person directly at the Land Registry office in the area where the property is located.
- By mail, sending a written request to the relevant Registry.
What information is needed to request a Nota Simple?
- The complete address of the property.
- The cadastral parcel number, if possible.
- The name of the current owner, if known to the future buyer.
How long does it take to obtain a Nota Simple?
The advantage is that obtaining a Nota Simple is very quick:
- It's immediate online.
- Allow 1 to 3 business days if the request is made in writing or directly at the Registro de la Propiedad office.
How much does a Nota Simple cost?
To obtain a Nota Simple, it costs around 10 euros.
Advice from the experts at Terreta Spain:
- If you do not speak Spanish and are not accompanied by real estate experts or a specialized lawyer on site (which should be imperative), have your Nota Simple translated.
- Compare each piece of information on the Nota Simple with the information provided by the seller.
- If in doubt, consult a lawyer immediately.
- To avoid any misunderstandings, seek assistance from real estate experts when searching for properties.
- ⚠️ La Nota simple does not have an official validity period, but it is recommended to obtain a recent one (less than 3 months old) during a transaction.
FAQ: The Nota simple in Spain
What is the Nota simple and why is it essential?
The Nota Simple is an official document issued by the Spanish Land Registry. It contains crucial information about a property, such as the identity of the owner, any charges or mortgages, and the description of the property. It allows buyers to verify the legal status of the property before purchasing.
How to obtain a Nota simple?
It can be obtained:
– Online via the Land Registry website.
– In person at the local Registry office.
– By mail by sending a written request.
How much does a Nota simple cost and what is the turnaround time?
The cost is approximately €10. It is available immediately online or within 1 to 3 business days for in-person or mail requests.
Sources: Registradores
