Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about land registry information and about our service.
What is a nota simple?
The nota simple is the document setting out the basic information on a recorded property: its identification and description, who holds the rights recorded over it — full ownership, usufruct, bare ownership — and the charges affecting it, such as mortgages, seizures or easements, with their scope and limitations. It is informational: it does not formally certify the content of the Registry, which is what a certification does.
What is the Land Registry?
It is the public institution where deeds and contracts concerning ownership and other rights in rem over real property are recorded. Its purpose is to give certainty to property transactions: what is recorded is presumed accurate, and anyone relying on the content of the Registry is protected. It is organised into mortgage districts, and each Registry has jurisdiction over the properties within its area.
Who can request a nota simple?
Anyone with a legitimate interest in knowing the registry position of a property. The law requires whoever requests registry information to state the reason for the enquiry, and it is the registrar who assesses it. That is why the form asks for your reason: without it the request cannot be filed.
How long does delivery take?
Standard handling takes 5 to 7 working days. Urgent handling means we process your request in under 24 working hours, and very urgent in under 4. Times run from payment confirmation and also depend on the competent Registry issuing the document.
What details do I need for a nota simple?
The essential thing is being able to identify the property. The full address and municipality are usually enough. If you have the registry property number, volume and book, or the cadastral reference, include them: location is then immediate and there is less risk of the Registry failing to identify the property.
Can I do this myself?
Yes. You can request these documents yourself through the Association of Registrars' electronic office, paying only the official charge. To do so you will need to identify yourself electronically and complete their registration and verification process. Our service saves you that: we check your details before filing, identify the competent Registry and deliver the document by email, and the price you pay includes that work.
What if the Registry cannot find the property?
If the details provided do not allow the property to be identified, we will contact you to complete them before filing. If the Registry still cannot locate it, we refund the service fee. For searches by holder, bear in mind that a negative answer — that the person holds no recorded property — is also a valid result, and the Registry charges for it.