What Documents Do You Need to Sell Your House
What Documents Do You Need to Sell Your Country Home in the Guadalhorce Valley?
Selling a country home in the beautiful Guadalhorce Valley is an exciting journey, and at Sol Sereno Estates, we’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. One of the most important steps in selling your property is gathering the necessary documents. To help you out, we’ve put together a simple guide on what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Documents: Let’s Get These in Order First
These are the must-have documents that you’ll need to ensure a successful sale. Without them, it’s difficult to move forward, so it’s best to have these ready early on.
1. Title Deed (Escritura de Compraventa)
The Title Deed is your property’s birth certificate, proving that you are the rightful owner. It also outlines important details about the property, such as its size and boundaries. It’s vital to check that the details in the Title Deed match what’s on the ground. If there are any discrepancies, these should be sorted out before you list your property.
- Where to Check: You can verify the information in the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). If you need help with this, we’re happy to guide you.
2. Nota Simple
The Nota Simple is a brief document that provides essential information about your property. It confirms who owns the property, describes its main characteristics, and lists any debts or charges, such as a mortgage. Notaries and buyers often request this to ensure everything is in order before proceeding with the sale.
- Where to Get It: You can request the Nota Simple from the Property Registry online or in person. It’s a good idea to obtain this document early in the process, as it can reveal any issues that might need to be addressed before selling.
3. Cadastre Document (Certificado Catastral)
The Cadastre Document offers a snapshot of your property, detailing its exact boundaries, dimensions, and any buildings on it. This is especially important for country homes where boundaries might be less obvious.
- Where to Get It: You can obtain the certificado catastral from the Catastro office or online. It’s a quick and inexpensive process.
4. Building License (Licencia de Construcción)
If you’ve done any building or renovations on your property, you’ll need the Building License. This document proves that all construction was done legally and with the necessary approvals from the local authorities.
- Where to Check: Your local town hall (ayuntamiento) is the place to start. If you’re unsure whether you have this, don’t worry—we can help you figure it out.
5. Authorization of Water Use (Autorización de Uso de Agua)
If your property uses water from a well or borehole, it’s essential to have the Authorization of Water Use. This shows that your water source is legally registered, which is a key point for many buyers.
- Where to Get It: Contact the local water authority or Confederación Hidrográfica to get this document.
6. Energy Performance Certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energética)
This certificate is a must-have for any property sale in Spain. The Energy Performance Certificate tells buyers how energy-efficient your home is, which is a standard requirement for all real estate transactions.
- Where to Get It: You’ll need to hire an authorized technician to inspect your property. The process takes about a week and costs between €100-€140.
7. Identity Documents (ID, NIE)
You can’t forget your ID—whether it’s a Spanish DNI or a foreign NIE. These are crucial as they confirm who you are and are required at multiple stages of the selling process.
- What You Need: A valid ID card (DNI for Spanish nationals) or NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) for non-Spanish residents.
Additional Documents: Nice to Have, But Not Always Necessary
While the documents above are essential, having the following can really help streamline the process and make your property more attractive to buyers. They’re not strictly required, but they’re definitely helpful!
- Updated Floor Plans: Floor plans give potential buyers a clear picture of your home’s layout.
- Recent IBI Receipt: Proof that your property taxes (IBI) are paid up to date.
- Utility Invoices: Recent bills for water, electricity, and gas can give buyers a sense of what to expect in terms of running costs.
- Well Licenses: If you have a water well, the license showing it’s legally registered can be a big plus.
- OCA License: Necessary if your property involves horses.
- Agricultural or Farming Permits: Relevant if your property is used for agricultural purposes.
- Tourism Registration: If your property is used for rentals, having this registration ready can be a bonus.
We’re Here to Help Every Step of the Way
Selling a country home in the Guadalhorce Valley involves some unique challenges, but with the right documents in hand, the process can be much smoother. At Sol Sereno Estates, we’re here to help you gather all the essential paperwork and guide you through any complexities that arise.
If you’re ready to sell or just want to chat about your options, feel free to reach out to us. We’re always here to help make your property sale in the Guadalhorce Valley a success!