In the Spanish real estate sector, the simple note of a property is a key document to ensure secure buying and selling operations. Issued by the Property Registry, it provides updated information about a property, avoiding surprises and protecting both buyers and sellers.
- What is the “nota simple” and what is it for?
- What information does it include?
- Who can request it?
- What data does the “nota simple” show?
- What is the purpose of the “nota simple”?
- How to request a “nota simple”
- Required data to request it
- How much does it cost to obtain?
- Differences between “nota simple” and registry certificate
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What is the “nota simple” and what is it for?
The simple note is a document issued by the Property Registry that offers an informative summary of the legal status of a property at a specific moment. It is not an official document with absolute probative value, but a consultation tool that allows you to know the current legal status of a property.
Its main function is to provide transparency in real estate transactions, allowing interested parties to verify crucial information before formalizing any transaction. It acts as a snapshot of the property’s registry status, displaying all rights, encumbrances, and limitations affecting the property.
What information does it include?
The property simple note includes essential data such as the complete identification of the property, its physical and legal description, current ownership, and encumbrances or charges that may affect it. It also reflects possible usage limitations, easements, embargoes, existing mortgages, and any preventive annotation that may condition the free disposal of the property.
Who can request it?
Anyone interested can request a simple note, as the data registered in the Property Registry is publicly accessible. You do not need to be the property owner nor have a specific legitimate interest to access this information. Public access to the simple note of a property contributes to the transparency of the real estate market and helps buyers verify the legal status of a property before deciding to purchase it.
What data does the “nota simple” show?
Property ownership: Who owns the property?
The simple note clearly identifies who the current owners of the property are, specifying the ownership regime in case of multiple owners. It indicates whether it is full ownership or any other specific legal regime. This information is crucial to verify that the person intending to sell actually has the legal capacity to do so.
Registry encumbrances and usage limitations
The document details all encumbrances affecting the property, such as existing mortgages, embargoes, preventive annotations, easements, or any other charge. These encumbrances can significantly affect the property’s value and the conditions of the sale, so prior knowledge is essential to negotiate the price and conditions of the transaction.
Technical description and location
The simple note provides a complete description of the property, including its area, boundaries, precise location, and main structural features. It also specifies the cadastral reference and the urban planning status, information that allows verifying the consistency between the physical reality and the registry status.
Special legal regime (such as VPO or usufruct)
When the property is subject to special regimes such as Official Protection Housing (VPO), usufruct, bare ownership, or any other legal limitation, the simple note clearly reflects it. These regimes may involve restrictions on transfer, specific obligations for the owner, or limitations on the sale price, aspects that must be known before formalizing any operation.
What is the purpose of the “nota simple”?
Security before signing a contract
Reviewing the simple note of a property offers an essential guarantee of legal security before formalizing a sales contract. It serves to verify that the seller is the true owner of the property, the type of encumbrances or debts affecting it (if any), and that the registry description matches the physical reality of the house. This prior verification avoids future problems and protects the buyer’s investment.
Transparency in the sales process
The simple note provides complete transparency to the sales process, eliminating opacity that might exist regarding the legal status of the property. Both buyers and sellers can know exactly the registry situation, facilitating more honest negotiations and reducing the risk of subsequent conflicts.
Documentary support when applying for a mortgage
Financial entities usually require the simple note as part of the necessary documentation to grant a mortgage loan. This document allows them to evaluate the property guarantees, verify that there are no encumbrances that might compromise the viability of the loan, and conduct a more accurate appraisal of the asset that will serve as collateral.
How to request a “nota simple”
Directly at the Property Registry office
To request a simple note in person, you must go to the corresponding Property Registry. There, you will need to fill out an application form providing the property’s or owner’s data, pay the corresponding fee, and wait for the document to be delivered.
Online options and intermediary services
There are currently multiple options to obtain the simple note online, both through the official website of the College of Registrars and through private intermediary services. These digital services allow you to request the document 24 hours a day, make a payment with a credit card, and receive the simple note by email in a matter of a few hours.
Required data to request it
Property data (address, town, CRU, etc.)
To request a simple note, you must provide the information that allows the property to be unequivocally identified. This includes the complete address, town, province, and preferably the Unique Reference Code (CRU). The more precise information provided, the faster and more efficient the search process will be.
Owner’s data (name, NIF/NIE)
Alternatively, you can also obtain the simple note by providing the full name and NIF or NIE of the property owner. This route is useful when the owner is known, but precise information about the property is not available. However, if the owner has several properties, it will be necessary to specify which is the subject of the query. This is the option we least recommend.
Registry number and location in the Registry
The most accurate way to request it is with the property’s registry number in the corresponding Registry, along with volume, folio, registration. This information, which appears in public deeds and other official documents, allows immediate and accurate location of the property in the registry system.
How much does it cost to obtain?
Official cost of the College of Registrars
The official cost established by the College of Registrars to obtain a simple note is approximately 10 euros per query. This price is regulated and uniform throughout the national territory when requested through official channels, whether in person at the Registry or through the official web portal.
Prices by management companies or private web portals
Private services and management companies usually charge between 15 and 40 euros to obtain a simple note of a property, depending on the urgency of the service and the additional benefits they include. Although the cost is higher, these services can offer greater convenience, speed, and in some cases, additional services such as advice or interpretation of the document.
Costs according to the chosen channel
The price difference between the different channels is mainly due to the additional services and convenience offered by intermediaries. While the official channel requires greater technical knowledge and time from the applicant, private services usually include personalized attention, comprehensive process management, and in some cases, content analysis of the document.
In summary, the official channel is more economical, but private services can provide speed and assistance if you need the document urgently.
Differences between “nota simple” and registry certificate
Mainly, the simple note is an informative document that allows knowing the current registry status of a property, but lacks probative value in legal or administrative proceedings. Instead, the registry certification has official status, is signed by the registrar, and has full legal validity as proof of the content registered in the Property Registry.
This type of certification is advisable when a solid legal backup is needed, for example, in judicial cases, administrative procedures, or real estate transactions involving significant investment. It is also useful when there are doubts about the registry data or greater security is required in the operation.
For standard or uncomplicated sales, the simple note is usually sufficient. However, in complex situations or high economic risk, it is preferable to have a certification that more firmly guarantees the information contained in the Registry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is it valid?
The simple note reflects the status of the Registry at the time of its issuance, so technically it does not have an established validity period. However, in practice, it is considered that the information may become outdated if too much time has passed since obtaining it, especially in real estate transactions where it is recommended that it not be older than 15-30 days.
Can I request it even if I am not the owner?
Yes, anyone can request a simple note of a property, as the information in the Property Registry is public in nature. It is not necessary to be the property owner or justify a specific legitimate interest to access this information. The important thing is to have the correct data of the registry property.
What happens if there are errors in the note?
If you detect errors in the simple note, you should check if they are transcription errors of the document or if there are indeed inaccuracies in the Registry. In case of registry errors, it will be necessary to promote the corresponding procedures for rectification, while transcription errors can be corrected by requesting a new simple note.
Is it valid as proof of ownership?
The simple note does not constitute reliable proof of ownership, as it is merely an informative document. To legally and definitively establish ownership, it is necessary to obtain a registry certification or review the duly registered public acquisition deed in the Registry.
Conclusion
The simpleregistry note of a property has become an essential tool in the Spanish real estate market. It offers transparency and legal security, with a low cost and easy access, making it a minimal investment that can prevent major problems.
Before buying or selling a home, consulting the simple note should be an essential step. Its content allows for informed decisions and avoids risks during the transaction.
In an increasingly regulated environment, its consultation benefits both industry professionals and owners and buyers seeking to act with security and confidence.
