Nota Simple in Spain: A simple Guide
Last update: February 27, 2025
Reading time: 7 min
No Time to Read It All? Here’s the Quick Summary:
If you’re short on time but need the essentials, here’s a quick breakdown of the Nota Simple Registral in Spain:
- What it is: A property report from the Spanish Land Registry confirming ownership, debts, and legal status.
- Why it matters: Essential for buyers, lenders, and investors to verify a property’s legal standing before purchase.
- How to get it: Request online via the Colegio de Registradores or visit the local Land Registry office in person.
- Cost: ~€3.64 + VAT (in person) or ~€9.02 + VAT (online).
- Processing time: Usually within 2 hours online or immediately in person.
- Legal status: Informative only, not a certified title deed.
For a deeper dive into each section, keep reading below! 🚀
What Is a Nota Simple Registral and Why Is It Important?
A Nota Simple Registral is an official extract from the Spanish Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) that provides a summary of a property’s legal status. It confirms details such as ownership, outstanding debts (e.g., mortgages), and any legal encumbrances affecting the property.
This document is crucial for real estate transactions in Spain because it helps buyers, sellers, and banks verify key property details before proceeding with a sale or mortgage approval. While it is not a legally binding title deed, it serves as an essential tool for transparency and due diligence.
What Information Does a Nota Simple Registral Contain?
A Nota Simple is a concise yet comprehensive document that provides the following details about a property:
1. Property Description
- Address and location
- Property type (urban, rural, commercial, etc.)
- Size (surface area and built area)
- Unique registry identifiers (finca number, IDUFIR, cadastral reference)
2. Ownership Details
- Name(s) of the registered owner(s)
- Ownership percentage (if multiple owners)
- Reference to the deed that transferred ownership
3. Liens and Encumbrances
- Mortgages: Any active loans secured against the property
- Court Orders: Embargoes, attachments, or legal disputes
- Other Restrictions: Easements (rights of way), usufructs, or public limitations
4. Pending Entries and Notices
- Any recent modifications in process (e.g., new mortgages or ownership changes)
- Additional registry notes that may affect the property
Understanding these details before purchasing a property is essential to avoid unexpected financial or legal issues.
How to Obtain a Nota Simple Registral (Online and In-Person)?
Anyone with a legitimate interest (such as a prospective buyer, lender, or real estate agent) can request a Nota Simple. There are two main ways to obtain this document:
1. Requesting a Nota Simple in Person
You can visit the local Registro de la Propiedad where the property is registered and request a Nota Simple at the counter.
- Requirements:
- Property details (address, registry number, or owner’s name)
- Payment of a small fee (€3.64 + VAT)
- Processing Time: Immediate or within a few hours
This method is often faster and cheaper than online options if you are near the local registry office.
2. Requesting a Nota Simple Online
The Colegio de Registradores de España provides an official online portal where you can request a Nota Simple.
- Steps to apply online:
- Visit the official Land Registry website (Registradores.org)
- Fill out the request form with property details
- Pay the fee electronically (€9.02 + VAT)
- Receive the document by email (usually within 2 hours, max 48 hours)
⚠️ Beware of Third-Party Services: Some private websites offer to obtain a Nota Simple for you, but they charge higher fees (€20–30). Always use official sources to avoid unnecessary costs.
Cost and Processing Time for a Nota Simple Registral
| Method | Official Cost (2025) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person | ~€3.64 + VAT | Immediate to a few hours |
| Online | ~€9.02 + VAT | Within 2 hours (max 48 hours) |
| Third-Party Services | €20–30+ | Varies, often longer |
Official Cost (2025): ~€3.64 + VAT
Processing Time: Immediate to a few hours
Official Cost (2025): ~€9.02 + VAT
Processing Time: Within 2 hours (max 48 hours)
Official Cost (2025): €20–30+
Processing Time: Varies, often longer
Sources:
Colegio de Registradores,
Idealista (2025)
💡 Tip: If you need the document urgently, visiting the local registry is often the fastest and cheapest option.
Legal Significance of the Nota Simple Registral
While a Nota Simple is not a certified title deed, it holds significant importance in property transactions.
Key Legal Aspects:
✅ Informative but not legally binding – It provides public registry details, but only a certificación registral can serve as legal proof in court.
✅ Essential for due diligence – Buyers use it to verify ownership and debts before purchasing a property.
✅ Required by banks for mortgage approvals – Spanish banks request a recent Nota Simple (within 3 months) before approving a mortgage loan.
Before signing any property contract, it is standard practice to obtain an updated Nota Simple to ensure no last-minute changes have occurred.
Who Can Request a Nota Simple Registral?
Under Article 221 of the Spanish Mortgage Law, only individuals with a legitimate interest can request a Nota Simple. This includes:
- Prospective buyers
- Current property owners
- Banks and mortgage lenders
- Real estate agents and lawyers
- Creditors with financial claims on the property
🔹 Important: While you don’t need to be the owner, you must provide a reason for your request (e.g., “property purchase” or “mortgage application”).
Required Information to Request a Nota Simple
To obtain a Nota Simple, you must provide at least one of the following:
✔ Property Registry Details: Finca number and Land Registry office location
✔ Exact Property Address: Street name, number, floor, municipality
✔ Owner’s Name & ID Number: Useful if registry details are unknown
✔ IDUFIR or CRU Code: Unique registry identification (recommended for accuracy)
✔ Cadastral Reference: Can be found on previous property documents
💡 Tip: If available, providing the IDUFIR/CRU code is the fastest and most accurate way to obtain the Nota Simple.
Common Uses of a Nota Simple Registral
A Nota Simple is frequently used for:
📌 Buying a Property – Ensures the seller is the legal owner and checks for debts or legal claims.
📌 Applying for a Mortgage – Banks require an updated Nota Simple for loan approval.
📌 Legal Disputes – Helps verify property ownership and existing legal encumbrances.
📌 Property Valuation – Used by appraisers to assess real estate value for mortgages.
📌 Inheritance and Estate Planning – Confirms legal ownership before transferring assets.
Why You Need a Nota Simple Before Buying Property in Spain
A Nota Simple Registral is an indispensable document for property buyers, lenders, and real estate professionals. It provides critical information about ownership, legal status, and financial burdens attached to a property.
By obtaining a recent Nota Simple before purchasing real estate, you can ensure a secure, transparent transaction and avoid unexpected legal or financial surprises.
For an official request, visit the Colegio de Registradores website or your local Registro de la Propiedad office.
🚀 Planning to buy property in Spain? Always check the Nota Simple first!
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