What a Nota Simple is
A Nota Simple is a short extract from the Spanish Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). It shows the registered owner of a property, its description and size, and any charges against it such as a mortgage. Anyone can request one: you don't need to be the owner or have their permission.
Why it helps renters and holidaymakers
If someone is asking you for money to rent a property, the Nota Simple tells you whether they're the registered owner. If the name doesn't match, they should be able to show they're authorised to rent it, for example as a licensed agent or a family member with written permission.
How to request one
- Find the address or, better, the cadastral reference (referencia catastral). The owner or agent can give it to you, and it's often on utility bills or tax receipts.
- Request the Nota Simple online through the official Land Registry Spain portal (Registradores de España). There is a small fee per request.
- You'll usually receive it by email within a day or two, in Spanish.
Reading a Nota Simple Spain extract: what to look for
- Titular (owner): does it match the person you're dealing with?
- Descripción: does the size and type match the listing?
- Cargas (charges): mortgages or embargoes. Not a reason to avoid a holiday let, but important for a long-term contract.
What a Nota Simple can't tell you
It confirms legal ownership, not what the property looks like today, whether it's being rented legally as a holiday let, or whether the person showing it actually has the keys. For that, check the tourist licence number on the listing and have the property checked in person.