Nota simple vs escritura — what's the difference?
The nota simple is the Land Registry's summary of who currently owns a property and what charges it carries (read during due diligence, before you pay), while the escritura is the notarised title deed you sign at completion to transfer ownership.
| Nota simple | Escritura | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Registry extract / summary | Notarised deed of sale |
| When you use it | Before — due diligence | At completion |
| Shows | Current owner + charges | The transaction, signed by both parties |
| Issued by | Registro de la Propiedad | The notary |
| Cost | A few euros | Notary aranceles (regulated) |
| Proves | Current legal status | Transfer of ownership to you |
Sequence matters: you read the nota simple first to be sure the property is clean, then sign the escritura last to become the owner — the deed is then lodged at the Registro in your name.
Never sign the escritura (or pay the deposit) on a property whose nota simple you haven't read.
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Related
Sources: Colegio de Registradores de España — registradores.org; Consejo General del Notariado — notariado.org.
Last reviewed June 2026.