What Is the Land Registry Extract and Why Request It When Selling a Property?

Selling a property is an important decision and, to do so safely, it is essential to have clear information about the asset. One of the most useful—and often overlooked—documents is the Land Registry extract, known in Spain as the nota simple. But what exactly is it, and why is it advisable to request it when selling?

What Is the Land Registry Extract?

It is not the deed or the title of ownership and therefore does not, by itself, authorize the sale. Although the seller is not required to provide a Land Registry extract, the notary must obtain up-to-date registry information—usually by means of a continuous Land Registry extract—before authorizing the deed, in order to verify ownership and the existence of any encumbrances. For this reason, even though it is not a formal requirement for the seller, registry verification is an essential part of the sale process.

This document provides information on who the legal owner of the property is, whether there are any charges or encumbrances—such as mortgages, liens, or easements—as well as a detailed description of the property, including surface area, location, and cadastral reference.

Benefits of Requesting the Land Registry Extract Before Selling

Having the information contained in this document makes it possible to anticipate potential issues, such as unknown charges or errors in registry data, thereby avoiding delays or problems during the sale. It also provides the confidence to answer prospective buyers’ questions accurately and helps make the negotiation process smoother and more professional, increasing the chances of closing the transaction quickly and without complications.

The main benefits include:

1. Builds trust with buyers
   Providing the Land Registry extract demonstrates transparency and facilitates negotiations.
2. Avoids unexpected surprises
   If any unknown encumbrance exists, it can be resolved before closing the transaction.
3. Speeds up the sales process
   Having this document from the outset facilitates the signing of the deed and reduces potential delays.

Why Is It Key for the Buyer to Request the Land Registry Extract?

From the buyer’s perspective, the Land Registry extract is not merely recommended—it is the first safety filter in a property transaction.

It is essential to know the property’s true registry status before purchasing it. The Land Registry extract allows the buyer to:

• Verify the effective ownership and ensure that the seller is legally entitled to sell the property.
• Identify charges, mortgages, liens, or restrictions before they become an issue.
• Avoid legal disputes and unnecessary financial losses.
• Use it as a basic negotiation tool if registry issues arise.

Moreover, its cost is minimal compared to the risk it helps prevent. That said, it should always be requested in an up-to-date version, as the registry status may change.

How to Request the Land Registry Extract

Requesting the Land Registry extract is a very straightforward process:

• You can apply in person at the corresponding Land Registry office.
• Many registries allow online requests, speeding up the process.
• Only basic property details are required, such as the full address or the cadastral reference.

The Importance of Professional Advice

Having the Land Registry extract from the beginning makes the sale easier, but it is also important to have proper professional advice to help interpret the registry information and manage the documentation correctly. The support of a specialized team such as FORCADELL’s allows potential issues to be anticipated and unnecessary delays to be avoided, helping ensure that the transaction proceeds in an orderly, transparent, and trouble-free manner.