As someone relatively new to Spain, I recently needed a property report for some paperwork. I figured out how to apply for it online and found it’s quite straightforward. I’m sharing this guide for anyone who might need it, hopefully saving you some time and effort.
What is a Nota Simple?
In short, a Nota Simple is an official summary document issued by the Spanish Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) that contains basic information about a specific property. It’s not a title deed, but it’s incredibly useful. For example, if you’re renting, you can use it to verify if the landlord is the actual owner. If you’re buying a house, you can use the Nota Simple to find out about any outstanding mortgages, liens, or other debts on the property. In essence, it’s a very helpful ‘property health check’.
Online Application Steps
The most convenient and quickest way is to apply online through the official website of the College of Registrars of Spain (Registradores de España). The entire process is online, so there’s no need to go anywhere in person. You’ll typically receive it by email within one or two business days, and the fee is quite affordable, around €9.
Preparation
Before you start, you’ll need some basic information about the property. The more details you have, the more accurate your search will be. There are generally several ways to search:
| Search Method | Information Needed |
|---|
| By Property Registry Data | The province, city, Registry office number, and the registered property number (Número de Finca Registral). This is the most precise method. |
| By Cadastral Reference | Provide the cadastral reference number (Referencia Catastral). You can find this on the IBI (property tax) bill. |
| By Address | Provide the full address for the Nota Simple, including the street name, number, floor, and door. |
| By Owner’s ID | Provide the property owner’s full name and ID number (NIE/DNI), information also required for documents like the Spanish proof of accommodation. |
Specific Steps
- Go to the official website: www.registradores.org
- Find the ‘Registro Online’ (Online Registry) or a similar option, then select ‘Nota Simple’.
- Choose your search method and follow the prompts to fill in the information step by step. The website has an English version, which is very helpful for those who aren’t fluent in Spanish.
- After entering the property details, fill in your own contact information.
- Pay the fee online, and then just wait for the email! You will receive a PDF file with a digital signature, which you can print out and use.
The whole process is quite clear and straightforward. I used the address search method and received the report the very next day. I have to say, some of Spain’s administrative systems are surprisingly efficient. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below for discussion. PS: Applying by yourself is so much cheaper than going through an agent
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