I recently moved to Spain and needed a property report for some paperwork. After looking into how to get one, I found it’s not as complicated as it seems. I noticed there isn’t a dedicated post about this on the forum, so I wanted to share my experience applying for the well-known “Nota Simple” to help anyone who might need it.
What is a Nota Simple?
In simple terms, a Nota Simple is an official document issued by the Spanish Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) that provides summary information about a specific property. While it doesn’t have the full legal validity of a contract, it’s required in many situations, such as:
- Pre-purchase due diligence: To find out who the real owner is, the property’s size, and if there are any mortgages or debts attached to it by reviewing the Nota Simple.
- Applying for a bank loan: Banks require it to assess the property’s value and risks.
- Processing certain residency applications: It’s sometimes needed to prove you have a permanent address in Spain.
- Verifying the landlord’s identity when renting: To confirm that the person signing the contract with you is the real owner and avoid scams from unauthorized sub-letters.
Therefore, whether you’re buying or renting, learning how to obtain this document, the Nota Simple, can absolutely help you steer clear of many problems.
Applying for a Nota Simple is very convenient nowadays. You can do it directly online without needing to go anywhere in person. The main way is through the official website of the Association of Spanish Registrars (Registradores de España).
The official website is www.registradores.org. Once there, look for the “Registro Online” or “Acceso al Registro Online” portal. Although the site has an English option, the translation can be a bit awkward at times, so you might have a better experience using the Spanish interface with a browser translator. The general process is: Select Service -> Fill in Property Information -> Fill in Applicant Information -> Make Payment -> Wait for the Email.
The most crucial step is filling in the property information. There are several ways to locate the property you want to inquire about:
| Search Method | Information Required |
|---|
| By Registry Data | Provide the province, municipality, specific land registry office number, and property number (finca number). This is the most accurate method, and the information can usually be found on the property deed (escritura). |
| By Address | Directly enter the full address of the property. This is the most common method, but you must ensure the address is completely accurate, including the street, building number, floor, apartment number, etc. |
| By IDUFIR/CRU | The IDUFIR or CRU is a unique identifier for the property, like its “ID number”. Searching with this code is also extremely accurate. |
| By Owner’s Details | You can also search if you know the owner’s full name and their ID number (DNI/NIE). |
Payment is generally accepted via credit card, and the fee is inexpensive, usually around 9 euros. After submitting your application, you will typically receive an email with the Nota Simple as a PDF attachment within 24 to 48 business hours. Remember to check your email, including your spam folder, as it might end up there. The whole process is quite smooth. I hope my sharing is helpful to everyone! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below and discuss!
