Gathering the documents before listing shortens a sale by weeks. This is the base list; your notary will tell you if your case needs more.
About the property
- The acquisition deed recorded at the Instituto de la Propiedad.
- A recent registry certificate (ownership and freedom from liens).
- A survey or cadastral record with measurements and boundaries.
- Municipal tax clearance for property tax.
- Recent power and water bills.
- In condominiums: the rules and proof that fees are paid.
About the seller
- Valid ID and RTN (tax number).
- If married or in a common-law union and the property is marital property, the spouse's or partner's consent.
- If someone else signs, a sufficient notarised power of attorney.
- If a company sells: its articles of incorporation, the representative's appointment and any authorisation its bylaws require.
Special cases
- Existing mortgage: bank statement and payoff letter; the release is recorded together with the sale.
- Inheritance: the estate must be settled and recorded in the heirs' names before selling.
- Seller abroad: an apostilled or consularised power of attorney.
And taxes
The sale triggers the transfer tax (1.5%) and may trigger the capital gains tax (10%) payable by the seller, unless an exclusion applies. See Closing costs.