Nota Simple (Property Registry Extract)

The Nota Simple is the cornerstone of property due diligence in Spain. Before you sign anything or pay any deposit, your lawyer should obtain a current Nota Simple to verify that the person selling the property actually owns it, that there are no outstanding mortgages or debts, and that the property matches what you have been shown. It is issued by the Registro de la Propiedad (Land Registry) and can be requested online or in person.

What Does a Nota Simple Contain?

• Section 1 (Descripción) — Physical description: location, boundaries, built area, plot size, cadastral reference
• Section 2 (Titularidad) — Current owner(s), how they acquired the property, and the date of acquisition
• Section 3 (Cargas) — Mortgages, liens, embargoes, court orders, usufruct rights, and any other encumbrances

Key Facts About the Nota Simple

• Cost: approximately €9 to €15 when requested online
• Available within 24 to 48 hours when ordered electronically
• It is informational only — for full legal proof, you need a certificación registral
• Always request a fresh one immediately before signing — an old Nota Simple may not reflect recent charges
• The Registro de la Propiedad is separate from the Catastro (cadastral registry)
• Discrepancies between the Nota Simple and the Catastro are common and must be resolved before purchase
• Any foreigner can request a Nota Simple for any property in Spain — it is public information

Nota Simple — Common Questions

What does a Nota Simple show?

A Nota Simple has three sections: Descripción (physical description — location, boundaries, built area, plot size, cadastral reference), Titularidad (current owner(s), how they acquired the property, and the date of acquisition), and Cargas (mortgages, liens, embargoes, court orders, usufruct rights, and any other encumbrances). This is general information, not definitive legal advice. Speak with a qualified Spanish lawyer about your specific situation.

How much does a Nota Simple cost and how long does it take?

A Nota Simple costs approximately €9 to €15 when requested online, and is available within 24 to 48 hours when ordered electronically. This is general information, not definitive legal advice. Speak with a qualified Spanish lawyer about your specific situation.

Is a Nota Simple legal proof of ownership?

No — a Nota Simple is informational only. For full legal proof you need a certificación registral. Always request a fresh Nota Simple immediately before signing, since an old one may not reflect recent charges. This is general information, not definitive legal advice. Speak with a qualified Spanish lawyer about your specific situation.

Is the Nota Simple the same as the Catastro?

No — the Registro de la Propiedad (which issues the Nota Simple) is separate from the Catastro (the cadastral registry). Discrepancies between the Nota Simple and the Catastro are common and must be resolved before purchase. This is general information, not definitive legal advice. Speak with a qualified Spanish lawyer about your specific situation.

Related Legal Terms

• Escritura Pública (Public Deed)
• Catastro (Cadastral Registry)
• Contrato de Arras (Deposit Contract)
• ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales)
• Back to Legal Encyclopedia — A-Z Guide

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Need Help with Nota Simple?

Our bilingual legal team assists expats across Spain with every aspect of nota simple. We handle the paperwork, liaise with Spanish authorities on your behalf, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

This entry is part of our Legal Encyclopedia for Expats in Spain. Browse the full A-Z guide for more terms.

For a complete overview of property law and conveyancing in Spain, see our Buying Property in Spain Complete Legal Guide 2026.

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