Nota Simple vs. Certificación Registral Literal: What Every Property Buyer in Spain Must Know

When buying, selling, or inheriting property in Spain, there are two documents from the Registro de la Propiedad (Land Registry) that you absolutely need to understand: the nota simple and the certificación registral literal histórica. They are not interchangeable, and confusing them — or failing to request the right one — can cost you dearly.

At Bufete Padilla, we obtain and analyse both documents for every property transaction we handle on the Costa Blanca. In this guide, we explain what each one contains, when you need which, and why the certificación registral literal is the gold standard of property due diligence in Spain.

What Is a Nota Simple?

The nota simple informativa is the most commonly requested document from the Spanish Land Registry. It is an informative extract — a summary — of the current status of a property as recorded in the registry.

A nota simple typically contains:

• Description of the property (*descripción de la finca*): location, boundaries, built area, land area, cadastral reference
• Current owner(s) (*titularidad*): names and the title by which they acquired the property (purchase, inheritance, donation, etc.)
• Current charges and encumbrances (*cargas y gravámenes*): mortgages, embargoes, usufruct rights, easements, leasehold conditions, court orders
• Any notes or annotations (*notas marginales*): pending proceedings, administrative restrictions

Importantly, the nota simple is not a certified document. It has no legal standing in court proceedings or official transactions. It is purely informative — a snapshot of the property at the moment of issuance.

When Is a Nota Simple Sufficient?

• Preliminary due diligence before making an offer on a property
• Quick verification of who owns a property and whether it has a mortgage
• General property research for personal information purposes
• Real estate agency checks during the listing process

The nota simple can be obtained online through the official website of the Colegio de Registradores (registradores.org) or in person at the relevant Land Registry office. The fee is modest (typically €9–€15), and it is usually available within 24–72 hours.

What Is a Certificación Registral Literal Histórica?

The certificación registral literal is an entirely different animal. It is a certified, legally binding reproduction of everything recorded in the registry for a specific property — word for word, inscription by inscription.