Property Simple Note: What It Is, What It’s For, and How to Obtain It

What Is a Simple Note and What Is It For?

A simple note, also called a property registry extract or informative registry note, is a document issued by the Property Registry.

It includes data about a specific property that is relevant before completing a purchase, such as ownership details or the current legal status of the property. If more detailed information is required, a registry certification must be requested.

The simple note helps make decisions about the property and even negotiate the price based on the information it contains.

What Information Does a Simple Note Contain?

Since it’s a basic document, it only includes certain relevant details about the property:

• Property details: The simple note provides information such as the identification, location, usable area, and built area of the property. It may also include the cadastral reference number or indicate whether it’s a special type of property.

• Ownership: It states who owns the property and what percentage each owner holds.

• Encumbrances and liens: It contains valuable information about mortgages, claims, paid debts, seizures, auctions, or pending settlements.

• Daily log entries presented and pending: This section informs whether someone has presented any document for registration of the property.

Is a Simple Note the Same as a Registry Certification?

It’s important to note that different documents exist, and while they may seem similar, their validity differs. Working with a real estate agency like Engel & Völkers during the process is key to avoiding errors. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind of having a qualified real estate agent by your side to handle the transaction and provide advice at every step.

A simple note is purely informative and does not provide details about previous owners or rights that have been canceled. In other words, it only includes the basic content of the Registry.

On the other hand, a registry certification is a public document, signed by the registrar, who certifies and authenticates its content. It provides details about:

• Current and past ownership records.

• Active and canceled rights.

Additionally, it serves as legal proof of these rights against third parties, including individuals, legal entities, courts, institutions, and public authorities. It is also—legally—the only valid method for such purposes.

However, since documents issued by the Registry are highly trusted, the simple note is often accepted as proof of basic information, such as property ownership or its encumbrance status. In fact, when applying for a mortgage, the bank will require this document.

Now that you know what it is, what it’s for, and what information it contains, it’s time to learn how to request a property simple note.

Who Can Obtain a Simple Note for a Property?

The simple note can be requested by either party involved in the purchase and sale of a property. In other words, both the seller and the buyer can obtain it, as they have a legitimate interest in doing so.

However, it’s common for the seller, through a good real estate agency, to provide it to the buyer to speed up the process and ensure transparency during the transaction.

What Information Do I Need to Request a Simple Note?

To request it, you’ll need at least one of the following details:

• Name of the registered owner of the property or right.

• Company name of the entity holding the property or right.

• Unique Registry Code (CRU) of the property.

• Property registry number.

• IDUFIR (Unique Property Registry Identifier): A unique number assigned to each property.

• National Identity Document (DNI), Tax Identification Number (NIF), Foreigner Identification Number (NIE), Passport, or Identity Card.

• Address, including the street name, square, etc.

Where to Request a Simple Note

The simple note can be obtained in the following ways:

Requesting a Simple Note at the Property Registry

It can be requested in person at the Property Registry. You only need to find the nearest office, bring your ID, and provide the necessary information to locate the property.

Requesting a Simple Note Online

If you prefer to obtain the document online, there are two options:

Through the website of the Colegio de Registradores de la Propiedad y Mercantiles de España.

You will need to log in to the platform using an electronic signature or as a registered user of the platform and services. Don’t forget to include the relevant property details.

Alternatively, you can use the Sede Electrónica del Catastro and request it using the cadastral reference, knowing the property’s location. You will also need to provide the same information mentioned above.

Requesting a Simple Note Through a Real Estate Agency

As previously mentioned, a good real estate agency can provide you with the simple note for the property you are interested in, for a service fee. At Engel & Völkers, we assist you with all the necessary documentation to make the process easier.

How Long Does It Take to Receive It?

According to the Property Registry, since it’s such a simple process, you can have the simple note available within two hours if you request it online.

How Much Does It Cost to Request a Simple Note?

The simple note has a small fee, which doesn’t significantly affect either party involved in the property sale. The price—when issued by the Property Registry—is 9.02 euros per property, excluding taxes and fees.

A simple note is a key document when completing a property purchase, especially if you don’t have specialized staff to guide and advise you during the process.

At Engel & Völkers, we are committed to helping our clients complete their transactions, providing all the necessary information, and making the process simple.