Winkworth Spain Real Estate Blog

What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell Your Property in Spain?

Thinking of selling your home in Marbella, Guadalmina or San Pedro? Before the ‘For Sale’ sign goes up, there’s an important step that every seller needs to take: getting your paperwork in order.

Providing the right documentation from the start helps us market your property accurately, ensures legal compliance, and avoids costly delays later down the line.

At Winkworth Spain, we work closely with homeowners to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, but to help you get a head start, here’s a breakdown of the essential paperwork you’ll need to sell your Spanish property.

Why Preparing Your Paperwork Matters

Supplying up-to-date documentation gives potential buyers confidence and allows us as agents to create a complete and accurate listing – everything from confirming the size of your property, to verifying legal status, and showcasing that everything is in order.

Buyers today are well-informed, and they expect full transparency, particularly when it comes to property on the Costa del Sol. With so many agents around, buyers are sceptical and want to ensure that everything is above board before they proceed.

Key Documents You’ll Need to Sell Your Property in Spain

Below are the core documents we’ll need at Winkworth to begin listing and promoting your home:

  1. Nota Simple (Land Registry Extract)

The Nota Simple is an official document that provides a legal snapshot of your property. It confirms:

  • Ownership details
  • Property boundaries and size
  • Any charges, debts, or mortgages registered

This document must be recent (ideally issued within the last three months). If you don’t have one, we can help you request it from the Registro de la Propiedad (Land Registry).

  1. Latest IBI Receipt (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles)

The IBI is Spain’s annual property tax, issued by the local town hall. It’s most commonly compared to Council Tax in the UK. You’ll need to provide the latest paid receipt as proof that your municipal taxes are up to date.

This also shows:

  • The cadastral reference number
  • The property’s assessed value

This is important for legal checks and calculating certain costs.

  1. Latest Basura Receipt (Waste Collection Tax)

This receipt confirms payment of your Basura – the annual rubbish collection fee. It’s typically issued by the town hall (Ayuntamiento) or local municipal service. Buyers want reassurance that no small debts will follow them post-sale, so you’ll need to ensure that these are up to date.

  1. Latest Community Fees Receipt (if applicable)

If your home is part of a community of owners (urbanisation or complex), you’ll need to provide the latest community fees receipt to prove that you’re up to date with your shared costs.

This is crucial for buyers purchasing apartments or homes with communal amenities and allows us to provide accurate monthly cost estimates so there are no surprises for the new owners.

Thinking of Selling Your Home in Marbella or Guadalmina?

At Winkworth Spain, we specialise in helping homeowners navigate the local selling process, with British agency standards, deep market knowledge, and a friendly attitude you can rely on.

We’ll walk you through every step, help you gather what’s needed, and ensure your home is presented in the best possible light to our network of serious buyers.

Let’s Get Your Property Ready for the Market

Selling your home on the Costa del Sol starts with the right preparation, and that includes your paperwork.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a free valuation, chat about your options, or simply ask for help getting organised.