What Is a Nota Simple and Why It Comes First Before Investing

What information does it include?

A nota simple is the Spanish Land Registry extract that shows the current registered legal status of a property. It is informative, but it is one of the fastest ways to detect ownership issues, mortgages, liens or registered limitations before moving forward.

• Ownership: who appears as owner and in what percentage.
• Property description: registered surface area, boundaries and location.
• Charges: mortgages, seizures, easements or other registered limitations.
• Recorded situations: leases or urban-planning notes when they are registered.

Nota simple vs. registry certificate

The nota simple is used for preliminary due diligence. A registry certificate has stronger legal effect, costs more and is usually required later, in notarial, court or formal closing processes.

How to request it and when

It can be requested through the Land Registry or the electronic office of the Colegio de Registradores. Online management services can also request it for buyers who do not have a Spanish digital certificate or do not know the competent registry.

Delivery is usually fast, from a few hours to a couple of days. Since it reflects the registry status at the time of issue, request it close to the decision date.

What investors should check

For an investment, the nota simple must be read together with cadastral data, town-planning information and, in coastal areas, a Coastal Authority report.

• Whether mortgages or liens reduce the real value of the deal.
• Whether registered surface area and boundaries match what is being sold.
• Whether court proceedings or limitations appear in the registry.
• Whether the location requires additional urban-planning checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a nota simple guarantee that the purchase is problem-free?

No. It reports the registered status, but it does not replace notarial, planning or coastal due diligence.

How long does it take?

Usually from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the registry and request channel.

Can I use the same nota simple throughout the negotiation?

It is better to request an updated one before signing.

Can I request it for a property I do not own?

Yes. Registry information can be requested by third parties with a legitimate interest.

Before investing, start with the registry extract

At NEXEVO, every opportunity starts with a registry, planning and risk review. If you are evaluating a Spanish real estate investment, speak with our team before committing capital.