The Land Registry extract (nota simple) is a fundamental document when buying, selling or renting a property. It contains detailed information about the property and its legal status. In this article, we explore what a nota simple is, why it matters and how to obtain one. If you would like to learn more about this document and how it can affect your property transactions, read on!
What is the Land Registry extract (nota simple)?
The nota simple provides information about a property’s current Land Registry entries: identification, ownership and registered rights or charges. It is for information purposes; an official certification should be requested to provide authoritative evidence of the registered contents.
Why the Land Registry extract matters:
- Verifying ownership: It identifies the property’s registered owner, which is crucial when verifying the legitimacy of a sale or letting.
- Property description: It provides specific details about the property, such as its location, area, boundaries and other relevant features.
- Charges and encumbrances: It reveals any mortgages, attachments or other charges affecting the property. This helps assess its financial and legal position.
- Limitations or restrictions: It provides information about possible legal limitations or planning restrictions that may affect the use and enjoyment of the property.
- Current Land Registry position: the nota simple is not necessarily a complete history of all transfers. If you need specific historical information, request it from the Land Registry.
Contents of the Land Registry extract:
The extract may vary depending on the country and the relevant Land Registry, but generally includes information such as:
- Property identification: location, cadastral reference, area and physical description of the property.
- Ownership: the registered owner’s name and identification details.
- Charges and encumbrances: mortgages, attachments, easements or other limitations affecting the property.
- Registered limitations: those recorded at the Land Registry. To establish the full planning position and applicable plans, also consult the local council.
- Historical information: a history of transfers is not always included in an ordinary nota simple and may require a specific request.
How to obtain the Land Registry extract:
To obtain a nota simple from the Land Registry, follow these steps:
- Identify the Land Registry: You need to know which Land Registry covers the location of the property.
- Request the extract: Submit an official request to the Land Registry, stating the exact location of the property and the details needed to identify it.
- Pay the fees: An administrative fee may be required to obtain the extract.
- Receive the document: Once the request has been processed and the relevant payment made, the extract will be supplied electronically or in print.
Conclusions
Remember that the nota simple is an information document and does not provide an absolute guarantee of the property’s legal status. It is therefore advisable to seek advice from a property professional or a specialist lawyer to interpret the information correctly and assess any potential risks or legal implications.
The Land Registry extract is an essential document for obtaining complete and accurate information about a property. Obtaining and carefully analysing it is fundamental before carrying out any property transaction. Knowing the ownership, charges, encumbrances and restrictions associated with the property provides security and protection as a buyer, seller or tenant.
If you need to obtain a property’s Land Registry extract or would like professional property advice, please contact our estate agency in Mallorca! We are here to help you understand and manage all the legal and administrative aspects of your properties.
To compare the registered information with the rest of the property file, see Property title deeds: what they are and what they contain and Documents needed to buy a home in Spain.
