You are about to buy a flat, your offer has been accepted, and everything seems to be going smoothly. Until someone says to you: “Do you have the simple note?”. And you are left with a poker face. Don’t worry, you are not alone. The simple note is one of those procedures that sounds more complicated than it really is, but it’s important to understand before signing anything. In this guide, I explain what it is, how to request it step by step in Madrid, and the common mistakes that can complicate your life.
What is a simple note and what is it for?
The informative simple note is a document issued by the Property Registry. In short, it is the legal X-ray of a property. It shows who the owner is, how the flat or premises is described, and if there are any encumbrances: mortgages, liens, easements, or any unpleasant surprises you don’t want to discover on the day of signing.
It does not have certifying value (that’s what the registration certification is for, which costs more and is signed by the registrar), but it is the perfect tool to check the real status of a property before spending a single euro.
What does it include exactly? Ownership (who the owner is and in what percentage), description of the property (area, address, cadastral reference), encumbrances and charges (mortgages, liens, preventive annotations), and the last registered title (purchase, inheritance, donation…).
When is it advisable to request it?
Before signing a deposit or purchasing a property. The first step is to know if the seller is really the owner and if the property is free of encumbrances. It sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised at how many people skip this step.
If you want to sell your property. Checking that everything is in order before putting up the “For Sale” sign saves you from shocks. If you have a mortgage that has been cancelled financially but not registered, the simple note will reflect that.
Inheritance and business transactions. Whether to verify what properties a relative had or for due diligence processes in investment operations, the simple note is the first document requested.
What information do you need before requesting it?
This is where many get stuck. You cannot request a simple note without correctly identifying the property.
Common data required
- CRU or IDUFIR: the most reliable way to identify the property. If you have it, the process is almost automatic.
- Full address: street, number, floor, door, postal code, and municipality.
- Registry data: property number, volume, book, page (if you know them).
- Owner’s data: name and ID/NIF, if you are searching by owner.
- Email: to receive the note in PDF format.
Tip: make sure to include the correct municipality. Madrid has more than 50 property registries, and getting it wrong is one of the most common mistakes.
How to request your simple note step by step
Online: the quickest option
The online route is the most chosen by people, and for good reason. The process is simple: you choose the type of search (by CRU, by address, or by owner), fill in the property details, verify, pay, and receive the document in your email.
If you want to do it quickly and without complications, you can request a simple note in Madrid, where the process is designed so that you don’t need technical knowledge or to go to any office.
request a simple note in Madrid
In-person alternatives
You can also go to the corresponding Property Registry. In Madrid, most are located at Calle Alcalá 540. You present a form, pay the fee, and wait one or two working days. The other option is to use a management agency, which handles everything for you for an additional fee.
Deadlines, price, and how to read the document
How much does it cost? The official cost is around €9.02 plus VAT. If you use an intermediary service, the price may rise slightly, but you usually gain in speed and convenience.
How long does it take? Online, the average time is less than a couple of hours, although the registry legally has up to eight working hours. In person, expect one or two working days.
How to interpret it? Focus on four things: that the property matches the one you are interested in, that the owner is who they say they are, that there are no hidden charges, and that there are no recent presentation entries that could affect the transaction.
Common mistakes to avoid
Incomplete address. Forgetting the floor, door, or postal code can lead to receiving a note for another property. Or worse: that they find none at all.
Confusing municipality or registry. Madrid city and the municipalities in the metropolitan area have different registries. If the flat is in Alcobendas, don’t look for it in a central Madrid registry.
Incorrect owner data. A misspelled surname or incorrect NIF can block the search. Double-check before submitting.
Requesting it too late. If you need the note for a signing that is tomorrow, you are in a tight spot. Request it with several days’ notice.
Frequently asked questions
Does it have legal validity? Informative value, not certifying. For judicial processes, you will need a registration certification.
Can it be requested without CRU? Yes, you can search by address or by owner, although it is less precise.
Can anyone request it? Yes. Anyone with a legitimate interest can request a simple note.
Is it useful to know if there are charges? Exactly for that. It is the quickest and most economical way to check.
Does it expire? Legally no, but it reflects the state of the registry at the time of its issuance. If time has passed, request an updated one.
What if the information does not match? Contact the seller or your lawyer. A discrepancy is a warning sign that needs to be resolved before proceeding.
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