The Procedure

In the first instance, the buyer signs a private contract establishing the property being bought, the price, the form of payment and the completion date. This document is signed by all parties without the intervention of a Notary. The parties are obliged to fulfil it but it is not valid in relation to third parties. It is usual to pay a deposit of about a 10% price.

When the time comes to complete the purchase, the Title Deed (Escritura) is signed before a Public Notary and must be recorded in the Land Registry, which provides legal security.