What documents do you need to sell your home?
Selling a home isn’t just a matter of finding a buyer. For the transaction to run smoothly and be formalized before a notary, it’s important to have all the necessary paperwork ready from the very beginning.
Many homeowners only discover that they’re missing a document or certificate once they already have an interested buyer, which can lead to delays and even put the deal at risk. That’s why preparing the paperwork in advance is one of the first steps to sell with peace of mind.
Next, we review the main documents you should have on hand before putting your home up for sale.
1. Deed of ownership
The deed of ownership is the document that proves you are the legal owner of the property.
It includes the details of the sale and purchase, the identification of the property, and the property holders. Although much of this information is also reflected in the Land Registry, the deed remains one of the key documents in any real estate transaction.
What if you’ve lost the deed?
Don’t worry. It’s more common than it seems. If you can’t find the original deed, you can request an authorized copy at the notary’s office where it was signed or locate it through the relevant notary association.
2. Simple Land Registry extract
A simple Land Registry extract is an information document issued by the Land Registry that allows you to check the current legal status of the home.
It includes details such as:
• Who is listed as the owner.
• The description of the property.
• The registered area.
• Possible charges or mortgages in place.
• Other limitations that may affect the property.
Many buyers request an updated simple extract to verify that all the information matches before moving forward with the transaction.
3. Energy efficiency certificate
An energy efficiency certificate is required to advertise and sell a home in Spain.
This document provides information about the property’s energy efficiency through a rating ranging from letter A to G.
In addition to meeting the applicable regulations, having this certificate lets buyers understand the home’s approximate energy consumption level and the associated costs for its use.
The certificate must be prepared by a competent technician and, in general, it is valid for ten years.
4. Last IBI property tax receipts
The Property Tax (IBI) is one of the documents that buyers commonly request during the sale process.
The most recent receipts make it possible to check that the property is up to date with payments and help verify some information related to ownership.
Also, during the sale and purchase, it’s customary to agree how the amount of the IBI for the current year will be split between the buyer and the seller.
5. Proof of being up to date with the homeowners’ association
If the home belongs to a homeowners’ association, it will be necessary to provide a certificate proving that there are no outstanding debts to the association.
This document is usually issued by the building administrator or the association chairperson and is required in order to sign the sale and purchase agreement.
Its purpose is to ensure that the buyer will not take on any pending financial obligations once the property is acquired.
6. Habitability certificate or second-occupancy license
Whether this document is required depends on the regulations that apply and the specific circumstances of each transaction.
Even though it isn’t always essential to formalize a sale and purchase, it’s common for buyers, financial institutions, or utility companies to request a habitability certificate or second-occupancy license to confirm that the home meets the necessary conditions to be lived in.
For that reason, it’s recommended to check whether the home has this document and whether it is still valid.
7. Mortgage-related documents
If there is an outstanding mortgage on the home, it will be necessary to coordinate the cancellation or assumption with the financial institution.
And if the loan has already been paid off, it’s advisable to have the documentation proving that, especially if there is still some pending registered charge that needs to be canceled.
8. Identity document of the owners
All title holders listed in the deed must identify themselves with their valid ID card (DNI), foreigner’s ID (NIE), or passport.
If there are multiple owners, you will need the documentation of all of them in order to formalize the sale.
So what documents are truly essential?
Although each transaction may require additional paperwork, the usual minimum is:
• Deed of ownership.
• ID card (DNI) or foreigner’s ID (NIE) of the title holders.
• Energy efficiency certificate.
• Updated simple Land Registry extract.
• Last IBI receipt.
• Community certificate, if applicable.
Other documents, such as the habitability certificate or the second-occupancy license, may be necessary in certain cases, and it’s a good idea to review them in advance to avoid delays.
Conclusion
Preparing the paperwork before putting a home on the market can save time, prevent problems, and give interested buyers greater confidence.
Having the deed of ownership, an updated simple extract, the energy efficiency certificate, the IBI receipts, and the rest of the necessary documentation will make the whole process easier and allow you to move forward with greater certainty up to the signing before a notary.
If you have any questions about which documents your home needs specifically, at Pedro Pastor Inmobiliaria we’re here to help.