Identify the seller and the exact property
Start with a recent nota simple and the seller's acquisition deed or other title. Confirm the registered owners, their rights and who will sign. Note the Registry property number, CRU where shown, address and cadastral reference. A home, garage and storage room may involve separate registered properties. Ask for each relevant document rather than assuming the listing's description covers everything that will be transferred.
Understand the building and its authorised use
Collect the cadastral description and plans available for the property, together with relevant building, planning and occupancy information. The documents and their names vary by autonomous community, municipality and building history. Ask specifically about extensions, converted terraces, pools and changes of use. Include the energy certificate and, where relevant, building inspection reports and completion documents. A missing document should remain an open question until its significance has been assessed.
Request the financial and occupation evidence
Ask for community debt information, recent meeting minutes, approved budgets and extraordinary contributions. Obtain relevant property-tax receipts and clarify existing mortgages or other charges. Establish whether tenants or other occupants have rights and what possession will be delivered at completion. Request rental documents where appropriate. Receipts, declarations and formal certificates serve different purposes, so record the origin and date of each item rather than marking the whole topic as checked.
Turn the folder into a decision list
A folder full of PDFs is not yet a completed review. Match names, property identifiers, areas and dates across documents. Record any discrepancy, who must explain it and whether it affects your ability to buy, finance or use the home. Before a deposit or the final deed, review the unresolved items with the relevant professional. Keep the original files and avoid replacing a formal document with an automated summary.
Sources & further reading
BOE · Información al comprador de vivienda (RD 515/1989) ↗Colegio de Registradores · Información del Registro de la Propiedad ↗BOE · Ley sobre propiedad horizontal ↗BOE · Certificación de eficiencia energética (RD 390/2021) ↗Editorial preview: professional legal review is pending. This guide provides general information and does not determine the legal position of a particular property.
Have a property in mind?
Start by organising its documents and the questions still to resolve.