Spanish Property Purchase Checklist

1. Get advice from a reputable lawyer.
2. The Seller's Escritura Publica (Title Deeds) as registered in the Registro de la Propiedad.
3. A Nota Simple from the Property Registry showing that no mortgages are registered against the property.
4. Referencia Castastral. The number itself appears on the IBI Receipt, but if you want the full certification document (the Certificado Castastral) that describes the property in detail.
5. A check on the legality and Plan Parcial. If you buy on an urbanisation, or buy a plot on a planned urbanisation, ensure there is building permit.
6. A paid up receipt for the IBI (Impruesto Sobre Bienes Inmuebles).
7. Receipt for paid-up Community Charges and a copy of the rules if you buy in a condominium.
8. Copies of the owners receipts if resale, for electricity, water, rubbish collection, and even a telephone bill.
9. A Contract in Spanish and a translation into your own language, with terms you understand.
10. An Escitura de Compraventa signed before a Notario.
11. An idea of how and when you will get your final Escritura Publica.
12. Your Lawyer will check all of this against the property that you are purchasing.