If you’re interested in buying a property, resolving a legal issue, or just satisfying your curiosity, discovering who owns a property in Spain is a relatively straightforward process. Spain maintains a clear and accessible system for tracking property ownership through its Land Registry. This article explains how to access that information legally and efficiently.
1. The Primary Source: Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad)
The official record of property ownership in Spain is maintained by the Registro de la Propiedad (Land Registry). It contains detailed information about every registered property, including ownership, boundaries, and legal encumbrances.
To obtain property details, you request a document called the Nota Simple. This extract includes:
- Full name(s) of the property owner(s)
- Description and location of the property
- Ownership type (e.g. full, joint, usufruct)
- Mortgages, liens, or charges associated with the property
2. How to Request a Nota Simple
You can obtain a Nota Simple through several methods:
a. Online
Visit the official site Registradores.org, managed by Spain’s College of Registrars. The site offers services in English and allows you to search using:
- The property’s full address
- The registry number (finca registral)
- The unique property code (IDUFIR or CRU)
b. In Person
You may go directly to the local Land Registry office that covers the municipality where the property is located. Bring the address and a form of identification such as a passport or NIE (for foreigners).
c. Via a Professional
If you’re unfamiliar with the system or don’t speak Spanish, hiring a gestor, lawyer, or real estate agent to handle the request may save time and avoid errors.
3. Cost and Delivery
Ordering a Nota Simple online usually costs between €9 and €15. When using a third party, expect to pay more depending on their service fees. Delivery is typically via email within 24 to 48 hours of the request.
4. Important Notes About the Document
- A Nota Simple is informational only. It’s not a legally certified document for official procedures like court cases or notarized transactions.
- For legal purposes, you can request a certificación registral, which is an official certified extract.
- Be sure that the information you provide (address, registry reference) is accurate to avoid delays or incomplete results.
5. Supporting Tools: Cadastre and Town Hall
If you need help identifying a property before checking the Land Registry:
- The Cadastre (Catastro) provides property boundaries, sizes, and maps online via sedecatastro.gob.es. It does not include ownership details but helps locate the property.
- Local town halls (Ayuntamientos) may also hold information, especially for rural or undeveloped plots, though they typically refer you to the Land Registry for ownership records.
6. Access and Privacy
Anyone can request ownership information from the Land Registry. Property ownership is considered public information in Spain, although the purpose for the request may need to be disclosed. While Spanish privacy laws protect sensitive personal data, ownership records do not fall under strict confidentiality in this context.
Being able to verify who owns a property is a key advantage of Spain’s transparent real estate system. Whether you’re assessing a property for purchase, investigating a legal issue, or managing inheritance matters, the process is well-defined and accessible to the public. When in doubt, consulting a professional can simplify the process and help avoid misunderstandings.
