Information reviewed in August 2026 · Reading time: 8 minutes

If you are planning to sell a house, apartment, villa or other property in Andalusia, preparing the paperwork early can prevent delays when a buyer is ready to proceed. Some documents are needed for almost every sale, while others depend on the property, the owners and whether there is a mortgage, inheritance, tenancy or planning issue.

This checklist explains the documents most sellers are likely to need, where they usually come from and which items should be checked before signing a reservation agreement, private purchase contract or completion deed.

Important: the exact requirements can vary. A notary, lawyer, bank or buyer may request additional evidence after reviewing the property and the seller's circumstances. The safest approach is to assemble the core file first and then confirm what else applies to your sale.

Essential documents for selling property in Andalusia

1. Passport, identity document and NIE

Every registered owner must be correctly identified. Spanish owners normally use their DNI, while foreign owners will generally need a valid passport or national identity document together with their Spanish foreigner identification number, the NIE.

The names and identification numbers should match the title deed and Land Registry information. If an owner's name, marital status or address has changed, it is sensible to flag this early so the notary or legal adviser can say whether any additional document is needed.

2. Property title deed

The title deed, known in Spanish as the escritura, shows how the current owner acquired the property. It normally includes the legal description, ownership shares and other information relevant to the sale.

If you cannot find the original deed, this does not normally prevent a sale. An authorised copy can usually be requested from the notary who signed it or, for older deeds, from the appropriate notarial archive.

3. Recent Land Registry extract

A Land Registry extract, or nota simple, identifies the registered owners and shows registered mortgages, embargoes, easements or other charges. It is one of the first documents that should be checked because it can reveal discrepancies or debts that need to be dealt with before completion.

A nota simple does not have a universal fixed expiry date, but buyers and professionals generally need a recent copy that reflects the property's current position. It may therefore be renewed later if the sale takes time.

4. Energy performance certificate

An energy performance certificate, often called an EPC, rates the energy efficiency of the property. The energy rating must generally be included when a property is advertised for sale, and the registered certificate must be made available to the buyer.

The certificate is prepared by a qualified technician and registered through the competent regional authority. If the property already has one, check that it remains valid and corresponds to the property being sold. The applicable national framework is set out in Royal Decree 390/2021.

5. Latest IBI receipt

IBI is the annual local property tax. Sellers are commonly asked for the latest paid receipt, which helps identify the property for municipal purposes and confirms the tax reference. It is also useful to have the property's cadastral reference available and to check that the cadastral description is consistent with the property.

If any IBI payment is outstanding, deal with it before completion or obtain clear advice on how it will be settled. The notary and the parties will need reliable information about the payment position.

6. Certificate from the community of owners

If the property belongs to a community of owners, the seller will normally need a certificate confirming the position regarding community charges. Ask the community administrator or president for it sufficiently early, especially if an extraordinary levy has been approved or is under discussion.

Spanish horizontal property law makes the certificate relevant to the transfer, although the buyer may expressly waive it in certain circumstances. Because community debts can affect the transaction, relying on a clear, up-to-date certificate is usually preferable. The legal framework is contained in the Horizontal Property Act.

7. Mortgage balance and cancellation documents

If there is a registered mortgage, request an up-to-date certificate from the lender showing the amount needed to repay it on the expected completion date. Your bank, legal adviser and notary can then coordinate repayment and, where necessary, the removal of the mortgage from the Land Registry.

Paying off a loan does not automatically remove the registered mortgage entry. If an old mortgage has already been repaid but still appears on the nota simple, the registry cancellation may need to be completed before or alongside the sale.

Additional documents that may be required

Inherited property

For inherited property, the documentation may include the death certificate, certificate of last wills, will or declaration of heirs, inheritance deed, proof of the relevant taxes and evidence that the new ownership has been registered. Read our detailed guide to selling inherited property in Granada and the Costa Tropical.

Sale by power of attorney or from abroad

If an owner cannot attend completion, a representative may be able to sign under a valid power of attorney. The wording must cover the intended transaction. Foreign documents may also require legalisation or an apostille and a sworn translation. Arrange this early because cross-border formalities can take time.

Divorce, separation or jointly owned property

A divorce judgment, property settlement or other agreement may be needed when the current ownership position results from separation or divorce. All registered owners, or their properly authorised representatives, must participate as required.

Occupancy, planning and building documents

Depending on the property and the buyer's financing, the file may need a licence of occupancy, planning certificate, building licence, first-occupation document, technical report or evidence relating to extensions and renovations. A certificate of habitability is not generally a standard requirement for notarising an ordinary resale in Andalusia, but a buyer, lawyer or lender may request occupancy or planning evidence for a particular property.

Country properties, older homes and properties with alterations deserve particular attention. Any difference between the title deed, Land Registry, Cadastre and physical property should be reviewed before marketing or as early as possible in the sale.

Tenancy documents

If the property is rented, provide the tenancy agreement, deposit information and details of payments and notices. The buyer's rights and the tenant's rights will depend on the contract and applicable law, so obtain case-specific legal advice rather than assuming that the tenancy ends automatically upon sale.

Invoices for purchase costs and improvements

Keep the previous purchase deed, tax receipts and qualifying invoices for improvements. They may help the seller's tax adviser calculate the acquisition value, expenses and potential capital gain. Ordinary maintenance and legally recognised improvements are not always treated in the same way, so the supporting documents should be reviewed professionally.

How long does it take to obtain the documents?

The following ranges are practical estimates, not fixed official fees or guaranteed delivery times. Cost and timing depend on the provider, location and complexity of the case.

Estimates reviewed in August 2026. Ask the relevant professional or authority for a current quotation and timeframe.

When should a seller start preparing the file?

Ideally, before the property is actively marketed. The energy rating may be needed for advertising, while the title deed and Land Registry extract help identify ownership, charges and inconsistencies. Early preparation gives you time to replace a lost deed, resolve an old mortgage entry or obtain documents from abroad without putting an agreed sale under unnecessary pressure.

Paperwork is only one part of a well-prepared sale. It should sit alongside a realistic asking price and a clear marketing plan. Our guides explain how to assess what a property may be worth in Almuñécar and how to sell property on the Costa Tropical.

Frequently asked questions

Can a property be advertised without an energy certificate?

In general, the energy rating must be shown in sale advertising unless a specific legal exemption applies. Do not wait until the notary appointment to arrange it.

What happens if the title deed has been lost?

An authorised copy can normally be obtained from the notary who signed the deed or the relevant notarial archive. Start the request early if the deed is old or you are unsure where it was signed.

How much does the basic documentation usually cost?

For a straightforward property with no special complication, sellers may spend roughly €100–€250 on the core documents. This is only an estimate and excludes legal, tax, mortgage cancellation, rectification or specialist technical costs.

Does the Land Registry extract expire?

There is no single fixed expiry period for every purpose, but it should be recent enough to reflect the current registry position. A fresh copy may be requested shortly before contracts or completion.

Is a licence of occupancy always required?

Not for every ordinary resale in Andalusia. However, the purchaser, legal adviser or mortgage lender may request occupancy, planning or technical documentation depending on the property. This should be checked case by case.

Prepare your sale with local support

Bonillo Real Estate has helped owners sell property in Almuñécar and the Costa Tropical since 1975. We can review the documents you already have, identify the missing items and coordinate the sale with the professionals involved.

Thinking of selling? Contact us about your property for an initial conversation and valuation guidance.

This article provides general information and does not replace legal, tax, notarial or technical advice for an individual transaction.

Author: Jorge Bonillo · Bonillo Real Estate, Almuñécar