Most delayed completions on the Costa del Sol are caused not by financing but by missing paperwork. Gathering these documents before you list — not after you accept an offer — can shorten your sale by weeks.
The essential checklist
Nota simple: the land registry extract proving ownership, boundaries and any charges. Your agent or lawyer obtains it in a day or two.
Escritura (title deed): your original purchase deed from the notary.
Energy performance certificate (CEE): legally required before advertising. A technician visit costs little and takes about a week.
IBI receipts: the last annual council tax receipt — it also carries the cadastral reference and values needed for the Plusvalía calculation.
Community certificate: issued by the administrator confirming you are up to date with fees. Requested just before completion.
Licence of first occupation (LPO): important for buyers who plan to rent the property out; ask your town hall for a copy if you cannot locate yours.
Utility bills: recent electricity and water bills so contracts can be transferred rather than newly registered.
If any document is missing
Missing LPOs, unregistered extensions or discrepancies between the deed and the cadastre are common in older coastal properties — and almost always solvable. What matters is discovering the issue at listing stage, when there is time to regularise it, rather than at the notary's table with a nervous buyer.
Non-resident sellers
Make sure your NIE certificate is current and decide early whether you will attend completion or grant power of attorney to your lawyer — arranging a POA from abroad through a consulate or with an apostille can take several weeks.
Unsure whether your paperwork is complete? Send us a note and we will run through the checklist with you, item by item, at no cost.
