In short: At the notary, the buyer brings ID, NIE, the arras contract and the means of payment (bank cheque or transfer receipt). The seller provides the title deed (escritura), the latest IBI receipt, the community of owners certificate and the energy certificate. The notary reads the deed in Spanish, so if you do not speak Spanish, bring an interpreter.
Which documents does the buyer need?
- Passport or ID card and NIE (originals)
- The signed arras contract (preliminary contract)
- Means of payment: bank cheques or transfer receipts. The notary records how the price is paid.
- With a mortgage: the bank’s binding offer (FEIN). At least 10 days before signing there is a mortgage information appointment at the notary (acta de transparencia).
- If you cannot attend: a notarised power of attorney with apostille and sworn translation
- For married couples: details of your marital property regime
Which documents does the seller need?
- ID and NIE
- Escritura (title deed)
- A recent land registry extract (nota simple). The notary usually requests it directly.
- The latest property tax receipt (IBI)
- A certificate from the community of owners confirming there are no debts
- Energy certificate (mandatory for a sale)
- Depending on the property: occupancy licence (licencia de ocupación) and recent electricity and water bills
What happens at the notary?
- The notary checks identities, the land registry and any charges, then reads the deed.
- The balance is paid by bank cheque or transfer.
- Buyer and seller sign, and the keys are handed over.
- If the seller is not tax resident in Spain, the buyer withholds 3% of the price and pays it to the tax office (Modelo 211).
- After signing: pay the transfer tax within one month (Modelo 600) and register the property in the land registry.
Frequently asked questions
Who chooses the notary?
Usually the buyer, as the buyer pays most of the notary costs.
Do I have to attend in person?
No. With a notarised power of attorney, a representative can sign for you.
Can I pay in cash?
In practice, no. The notary must record traceable means of payment, usually bank cheques or transfers.
When do I receive the title deed?
You get a simple copy on the day of signing. The deed registered in the land registry usually follows a few weeks later.
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Schaich Immobilien S.L.U. is a licensed real estate agency (API, RAICV 1553) in Els Poblets near Dénia. We prepare the documents with you and accompany you to the notary. Contact us without obligation.
As of November 2026. This article is general information and is not legal or tax advice.