What to Check at the Land Registry Before Buying a Home

The first aspect to check is the actual ownership of the property. A simple land registry extract allows you to verify who the current owner is and whether they are the same person selling the property. This step prevents fraud and illegitimate sales.

Secondly, it is essential to verify if the property has any liens or encumbrances. Active mortgages, foreclosures, easements, or urban planning restrictions can directly affect the use or value of the property. Although these encumbrances are often canceled during the purchase process, they must be clearly identified and agreed upon before signing.

Another crucial aspect is the property's registered description, as the surface area, use (residential, commercial, or mixed), and any discrepancies with the physical reality can lead to problems later on, especially with appraisals or mortgage applications.

It's also important to check for legal restrictions, such as subsidized housing, rights of first refusal and redemption, or municipal or regional urban planning restrictions, which are particularly relevant in Catalonia, where housing regulations are especially stringent.

Furthermore, Immosegur recommends verifying the consistency between the Land Registry and the Cadastre, as discrepancies in square footage or boundaries can cause future disputes.

Finally, it's essential to analyze any existing leases, as in some cases, buyers acquire properties with tenants holding protected rights. The Land Registry is not just a formality; it's a comprehensive legal overview of the property. A thorough review, accompanied by professional advice like that offered by Immosegur, reduces risks and guarantees a secure, transparent, and surprise-free purchase.