Knowledge pillar
Nota Simple: what it is, what it shows and how to read it
A Nota Simple is an official informational extract from the Spanish Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) showing a property's legal owner, physical description, charges, mortgages and any encumbrances. It costs about 9–10€ and is the single most important document a buyer reviews before signing arras.
What a Nota Simple is
A Nota Simple is an official, informational (non-certified) summary of everything the Spanish Property Registry holds about a specific property. It is the buyer's primary tool for verifying ownership and detecting hidden charges before committing money.
What it contains
Every Nota Simple shows:
- •Registered owner(s) and ownership shares
- •Property description, surface area and boundaries
- •Cadastral reference (linking to the Catastro)
- •Mortgages and outstanding charges
- •Easements, rights of way and servitudes
- •Embargoes, liens or judicial attachments
- •Status of horizontal-property declaration for apartments
How to request a Nota Simple
Anyone can request a Nota Simple online from registradores.org for approximately 9–10€. You need either the property's registry data (finca, tomo, libro, folio) or its cadastral reference. Delivery is usually same-day by email.
Red flags to check
An independent lawyer typically reviews the Nota Simple alongside the Catastro entry. Common red flags: a mortgage still registered against the seller; an embargo from Hacienda or Seguridad Social; an unregistered extension showing on the Catastro but not the Registry; or community-fee arrears flagged by the seller's community of owners.
Nota Simple vs Certificación Registral
A Nota Simple is informational. A Certificación Registral is a sealed, certified document issued by the registrar with legal evidentiary value. For ordinary purchases, the Nota Simple is sufficient; certifications are used for litigation or specific legal procedures.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Nota Simple in Spain?
A Nota Simple is an official summary from the Spanish Property Registry that shows a property's owner, description, mortgages and any charges or encumbrances. Buyers and their lawyers use it to verify ownership and find hidden liens before signing arras.
How much does a Nota Simple cost?
Approximately 9–10€ when requested online from registradores.org. Same-day email delivery is standard.
Is a Nota Simple legally binding?
It is an official document but informational — not certified. For ordinary property purchases it is sufficient evidence of registry status. For court use, request a Certificación Registral instead.