What information can be obtained from the catastro?
The catastro shows the exact location of the property. A plan of the location and the boundaries can be obtained through the catastro. The plan shows the superficies of the building within the plot.
Sometimes the information shown in the documentation of the catastro does not exactly reflect the actual situation. For example, an extension is not registered or the plan does not show the swimming pool.
Nota simple: Spanish land registry
What is a nota simple? What does it tell you? Who applies for it?
A nota simple is a property registry filing from the Land Registry, as we more or less know it, but literally Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) and therefore not to be confused with the Catastro.
The nota simple tells you who is the registered owner. That is important information, because that should be the same person as you buy the property from. It also shows if the house is free of debts or maybe affected by a mortgage. You will find the legal size in square meters of the property and, if applicable, the plot size is mentioned as well.
A nota simple can be applied for at the Registro. Usually your gestor or solicitor applies for it and checks it before you sign the sales & purchase contract.
Just before signing the title deed the notary applies for the latest version of the nota simple, to make sure no last minute changes regarding ownership or debts have taken place that could obstruct the change of ownership process.