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Gather the information before paying any money or signing a document.
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Before buying, check what could genuinely block the transaction.
An offer, reservation or arras agreement should not be based on a first impression alone. This guide puts the essential checks in the right order.
Review my purchaseA good viewing does not replace proper checks.
A renovated house or a well-located apartment is not enough. The documents, Land Registry, Catastro, works and contract should all tell the same story before you commit.
You are still searching
Use these reference points to filter properties and situations earlier, before deciding which ones deserve a full review.
Back to the buying journeyChecks not to overlook
Identity and ownershipCheck who is selling, on what basis, and whether everyone who needs to sign is able to do so.
Registry and chargesCompare the available information and identify mortgages, seizures or other charges that require checking.
Planning and property conditionIdentify inconsistencies, works, extensions or technical points that require a specialist.
Community and debtsClarify regular charges, any special assessments and anything still needing to be regularised.
Reservation / arrasUnderstand exactly what you are signing, the deadlines, conditions and consequences before making a payment.
The checklist before making a serious offer
Recent nota simple
Check the registered owners, the property description and charges such as a mortgage, seizure, usufruct or easement.
Title deed
Check that the seller is entitled to sell and that any garage, storage room, terrace or annex is included when advertised.
Catastro, IBI and floor areas
Compare floor areas, uses and references with what is actually observed, without treating the Catastro as the sole proof of compliance.
Community of owners
Ask about charges, possible debts, approved works or special assessments that could change the real cost of the property.
Works, extensions and planning
An enclosed terrace, pool, converted garage, extension or recent renovation may require specific checks.
Offer, reservation and arras
Before paying, understand the document, deadlines, conditions and the consequences of withdrawing.
The principle to remember
Ask for documents before paying, have sensitive points confirmed before signing, and include a clear clause whenever something still needs to be checked.
Need to put the whole file back into the right order?
The guide gives you reference points. For a specific property, the right next step depends on the documents available and the professionals who need to be involved.
Back to the Buying pageDo you already have a property in mind?
Tell us the town, type of property, where you are in the process and which documents you have already received.