A nota simple is a legal document that you will often hear in Spain. In this short article we give a brief overview of what it is and why it is so useful. It is important for a variety of reasons and applies to a wide range of cases.
In simple terms, it is one of the most important documents used in the Spanish property transfer process.
Definition
A nota simple is an official land registry report that gives a brief description of the property, its boundaries, the details of the property and whether it is indebted or free and clear of any encumbrances.
When is a " nota simple "required ?
- To buy a property.
- To sell a property.
- For a rental property.
- To apply for a mortgage.
- For an asset search.
- For a matrimonial procedure.
- For inheritance procedures.
- For debt collection.
- When the Fraud Unit searches for ill-gotten assets in Spain.
- Private detectives.
What information can be found in a " simple note "?
- Current ownership.
- Type of property (freehold, leasehold, rustic, urban, OPV, etc.)
- General description of the property.
- Its delimitation
- Charges, debts, etc.
- Other.
Who needs a " nota simple " ?
- Matrimonial proceedings: tracing of a party's Spanish property ownership.
- Inheritance procedure: search for the Spanish assets of a deceased person.
- Debt recovery: tracing assets in Spain belonging to natural or legal persons, seizing them legally (a separate legal service applies, please consult us).
- Buying, selling or renting a property in Spain: find out if a property has charges or debts, long-term tenants, if the seller is your contact (avoid sale or rental scams), if a property is classified as rural or urban, if there are legal proceedings pending against it (embargo, unpaid taxes, unpaid community fees, legal limitations, etc.)
- Loan applications: if you are applying for a (mortgage) loan on a property, you will be asked for this updated document.