Buying a home

Documents to prepare

• Property reference, current nota simple and cadastral information; list mismatches in area, boundaries, annexes, owners or recorded burdens.
• Seller and representative details, draft reservation/arras and deed, plus a dated list of payments already agreed or made.
• Available occupancy/energy documents, building inspection, community charges and planned assessments; ask who confirms each record.
• An itemized closing checklist from the notary/adviser: identity evidence, payment trail, costs, taxes and registration responsibility.

Steps in order

1. 1Record the exact property, buyer, intended use and purchase stage.
2. 2Arrange independent document and physical checks; keep findings separate from the estate agent's description.
3. 3Ask the notary/adviser to explain any reservation or arras before signing or paying, including conditions and missed-deadline consequences.
4. 4Resolve registry, planning, occupation and charge questions in writing; ask what must be cleared before completion.
5. 5Confirm financing, representation, translation needs, payment method and the closing cost list with the responsible professionals.
6. 6Review the final deed against the agreed property, price, conditions and handover; obtain answers before signature.
7. 7Agree who files taxes and registration, who checks completion and how keys, readings and possession are recorded.

After submitting

• Collect the deed copy, filing receipts and updated registration result; track unresolved entries.
• Arrange utility holders, local charges, insurance and address updates separately.
• Keep inspection reports, warranties and agreed defect follow-up with the property file.

Useful question in Spanish

Antes de comprometerme con la compra, quisiera confirmar la documentación registral y urbanística, las cargas, la situación de ocupación y los documentos y condiciones pendientes para la firma. ¿Qué queda por comprobar antes de reservar o firmar?