Before committing to the purchase and handing over a deposit, it's crucial for the buyer to ensure that the legal status of the property is correct and that there won't be any unpleasant surprises in the future. For this reason, the seller must provide the buyer with a nota simple.

If you're about to start the process of buying or selling a property and you're unsure what a nota simple is, how to request it, or what information it contains, keep reading because in this article, we'll answer all your questions.

Who Can Request a Nota Simple?

A nota simple is a document issued by the Land Registry that shows the legal status of a property at a specific date. In other words, it includes the most relevant data recorded about the property, such as its identification, description, ownership, and any possible charges or limitations.

According to the Mortgage Law, any person who can demonstrate a valid and legitimate interest can request an informative nota simple, as property registries are public.

What Information Does a Nota Simple Provide?

A nota simple contains essential information that anyone interested in buying a property should know:

• Land Registry number: This number is unique to each property and serves to identify it in the Land Registry.
• IDUFIR or CRU: This is a unique code that unequivocally identifies the property throughout Spain.
• Property description: It includes details such as its nature (urban, rustic, etc.), type of property (house, garage, etc.), dimensions, layout, and other relevant aspects.
• Ownership: Name, surnames, and identification document of the owner, as well as details about the property's acquisition.
• Charges and encumbrances: Information about any charges or limitations affecting the property, such as mortgages, easements, or usufructs.
• Pending documents: Indicates if there are pending documents that may affect the legal status of the property.

When Is a Nota Simple Requested?

In addition to verifying the legal status of a property before purchase, a nota simple is usually requested in other situations, such as:

• Mortgage application: Banks often request a nota simple to check the status of charges on the property.
• Signing of the sales deed: The notary may request an updated nota simple to confirm that there are no impediments to the property's transfer.
• After signing the deed: It's common to request a nota simple to confirm that the change of ownership or the cancellation of previous charges has been properly registered.
• Purchase with a mortgage: The bank usually provides an updated nota simple along with the mortgage documentation.

Is a Nota Simple Legally Valid?

The informative nota simple does not have legal validity as an official document; it only serves as information about the property's registration status. If you need a document with legal validity to present to third parties, such as courts or administrations, it's advisable to request a registration certificate instead of a nota simple.

There are three ways to obtain an informative nota simple:

• Through the College of Registrars: It can be requested online, and you will receive it by email within a maximum of 48 hours.
• At the Land Registry office: It can be requested in person and collected within 24 hours.
• Through a real estate agency.

When requesting a nota simple, you need at least some basic data, such as the land registry number, the IDUFIR, or the owner's name. This procedure usually incurs a fee.