Knowing how to request the nota simple is the first step towards obtaining this document essential for any home purchase. This document will provide key information, such as who owns the property or its encumbrances. In this article, we explore how to get the nota simple and how important it is to keep it updated.
Who requests the nota simple, the buyer or the seller?
Both buyer and seller can request the nota simple at the land registry, although it is more common for the buyer to do so since this updated document is essential for obtaining a mortgage.
However, it is common for the seller and/or the real estate agency in charge of the sale to offer the nota simple to potential buyers. This will speed up negotiations and make the process more transparent.
It is, however, much more efficient for the seller to obtain the nota simple so it can be used by all potential buyers rather than each of them having to apply for it.
As we will see, obtaining a nota simple is a quick, simple and inexpensive procedure, so it is not a significant burden for the seller.
Who can request a property's nota simple?
Anyone can request a nota simple from the land registry provided they have a legitimate interest. For example, you only need to be interested in buying a property to request this information.
Here are the reasons for requesting a nota simple from the land registry:
- Legal-economic research on credit, solvency or liability: Cases where you want to know the capacity to fulfil the responsibilities on behalf of the titleholders of specific assets or rights. For example, given conceding loans to the titleholder.
- Legal research on the object, its ownership or limitations: In this case, the objective is to know the rights that apply to a property: ownership, usufruct, easements, urban limitations, encumbrances, etc.
- Inquiry for contracting or filing actions: This is when you intend to buy the property or any right over it, such as, for example, its purchase, usufruct acquisition, renting, the granting of a loan with mortgage guarantee or to evaluate the possible filing of a lawsuit.
- Being the holder of some right on the property or other reasons: This is reserved for the requests on behalf of those who already hold some right on the property or for other kinds of cases not included in the previous sections.
How do I request the nota simple for a property?
There are different ways to request a nota simple:
Request a nota simple through idealista
You can request the nota simple of any property in Spain through idealista, which is the easiest way to obtain this registry document.
By doing so, you speed up the process of buying or selling a property because, for only €14.90, we request the nota simple from the land registry and send it to you without any further complications.
Request the nota simple at the Colegio de Registradores de la Propiedad (Association of Property Registrars)
Request the nota simple in person at a Colegio de Registradores office. It costs less than requesting the nota simple online via the registry's website. This procedure costs €3,64.
Look for your nearest office and go with your ID card/passport and the relevant property details concerning your request.
Obtain the simple note online
Click on the 'Registros' tab and then 'Registro de la Propiedad', followed by 'Solicitar Nota Simple'. Then, enter the property's identification information (Unique Registry Code, Unique Identifier of Registry Properties or registry data).
If you're interested in buying a property, you just have to request the registry data from the seller. You can also obtain the nota simple using the cadastral reference via the Cadastre's website, which can easily be accessed if you know the property's location.
You must also enter your ID and email address when requesting a nota simple. You only need to add the payment information to receive the nota simple to your email in no more than two hours on average. At present, you can request a nota simple online for €9,02.
Obtaining the nota simple through an estate agent
Intermediary companies, like estate agents, also offer a nota simple service, although they will charge an additional fee.
If you decide to use an estate agency, they will be in charge of requesting the nota simple at the Land Registry with the data that you provide them.
Request a free nota simple
You may be wondering how to request a free nota simple. Unfortunately, you could receive a free nota simple if the other party gives it to you because they got it first.
However, there are some situations in which registry information can be accessed free of charge, such as, for example:
- When requested with an electronic certificate, as long as it is for a property you own or over which you have a registered right.
- When requested by mail, as long as a legitimate or direct interest in knowing the property's burdens is accredited, as, for example, being a mortgagee, having the option to buy, being an heir, etc.
- When requested at the Land Registry itself as long as the ID card or passport is presented and the legitimate or direct interest in the property is justified.
What is the purpose of requesting a nota simple?
The nota simple is a document issued by the corresponding Land Registry and contains very important information about a registered property. It is informative and contains key data, such as the property ownership, dimensions and characteristics, encumbrances, possible limitations of use (for example, a usufruct or an easement of any type), etc.
So, if you are buying a home or any other type of real estate, knowing this information will help you make a conscious decision considering all possible angles and associated risks.
Remember that you must keep the nota simple up to date. This way, you will ensure that the information it contains is recent and that there are no surprises for the purchase or any other real estate transaction.
How long does it take to request a nota simple?
Requesting and receiving a nota simple is a speedy process. According to the Land Registry, if you carry out this procedure online, you can receive it to your email in an average of two hours maximum.
This online process can take as little as a few minutes if you have the necessary information.