Finding a notary in Mallorca for a property purchase

When buying property in Mallorca, the notary appointment is when the preparations become a public deed of sale. The buyer and seller sign the Escritura Pública de Compraventa; the tax formalities and Land Registry registration still need to be dealt with afterwards. Leaving questions about identity documents, powers of attorney or the agreed payment method until the day of signing makes this important appointment unnecessarily difficult.

Here you’ll find out how to find a notary and arrange a suitable appointment, which documents should be checked beforehand and what happens at the signing. We’ll also cover common questions about opening hours, Saturday appointments and finding the nearest notary’s office. Finally, we’ll look at what happens afterwards: which copy of the deed you need, how to request a copy of an older deed and why you shouldn’t confuse signing before the notary with subsequent registration at the Land Registry.

What is the notary’s role when buying property in Mallorca?

The Spanish notary formalises the purchase in a public deed. At the appointment, the notary establishes, among other things, the identity and authority of those involved and checks key details against the documents provided. The notarised deed of sale forms the basis for registering the purchase in the Spanish Land Registry.

This does not replace checks on the property before purchase. You should separately establish, for example, whether a finca may be used as you intend and whether building alterations are permitted. The starting point for checking ownership and registered charges is the Nota Simple. You can read more in Checking the Land Registry in Spain; for guidance on the legal checks, see Hiring a lawyer when buying property in Spain.

Important: Signing before the notary and subsequent registration at the Land Registry are separate steps. Before the appointment, establish who will handle the formalities after the deed is signed.

How do you find a notary and arrange an appointment?

You can choose a notary’s office in Mallorca and contact it directly about completing a property purchase. Often, the buyer, seller and their respective representatives arrange the appointment together. If someone will sign under a power of attorney or financing is involved, factor this into the scheduling early on.

To find a notary’s office near you, the Spanish notarial organisation is an official starting point. The Balearic Islands’ notarial association is another source of contact details. The following information about the association will help you get started; confirm its address and how to contact it before visiting.

Don't just ask your chosen notary's office for the next available appointment. Also request a list of the documents you need, an outline of the process and the opportunity to review the draft purchase deed before signing.

When are notaries' offices open – and are Saturday appointments available?

Opening hours and available appointments for signing deeds vary by notary's office. So don't rely on general information about “notaries in Mallorca”, or assume that an office that's open can handle a property purchase at short notice. Ask the office about its opening hours and an appointment to sign the Escritura de Compraventa.

You can't assume there will be a notary available for property purchases on a Saturday, either. If that's the only day you'll be on the island, ask the notary's office specifically whether it can offer a suitable appointment. If attending in person is difficult, a notarised power of attorney for Spain may be an alternative.

The number of notaries currently practising in Mallorca, and which office is closest to you, depend on up-to-date directory listings and where you're staying. When choosing an office, also consider whether it can prepare and schedule the specific purchase with everyone involved.

What needs to be ready before the notary appointment?

Ask for the draft deed as early as possible and check that it matches the agreed purchase. Pay particular attention to the parties involved, the property description, the purchase price, payments already made, the remaining balance and how any existing charges will be dealt with. If you're buying furniture or other contents too, check that the agreement covering them is reflected in the draft.

Check with your legal adviser which originals, copies and other documents the notary’s office requires in your case. This is particularly important for a power of attorney and proof of the source of the purchase funds. If you do not yet have your NIE, the guide to the NIE number in Mallorca.

Note: Do not sign a draft if you cannot verify its details about the property, payments or charges. Resolve any outstanding points before the notary appointment.

What happens when you sign the purchase deed?

The exact process depends on the transaction. As a practical guide, remember these steps:

1. Confirm who is involved: The buyer and seller attend in person or are represented by someone with the necessary authority. The notary’s office checks their identities and the representation documents provided.
2. Review the deed: The details in the Escritura Pública de Compraventa are reviewed with those involved. Raise any questions before signing.
3. Make the payment: The outstanding balance of the purchase price is paid using the previously agreed method; any payments already made must match the deed.
4. Sign the deed: Those involved sign the public purchase deed before the notary.
5. Arrange the next steps: Confirm who will receive copies of the deed, handle the tax formalities and follow up on registration in the Land Registry.

A representative can save you the trip to the appointment, but the arrangements must be made in good time. Agree the details with the notary handling the deed.

How much does the notary appointment cost?

Spanish notary fees are set by a binding fee schedule; the amount billed depends on the specific deed. Flat-rate percentages quoted in property adverts or purchase-cost breakdowns are therefore not reliable fee estimates. Published cost examples for Mallorca give the following notary fees:

These examples are not a notary’s price list. Ask for a breakdown of costs specific to your purchase, and enquire about the cost of any copies you need. Notary fees, taxes and Land Registry charges are separate items; the wider picture is explained in our guide to the additional costs of buying property in Mallorca.

How do you get a copy of the purchase deed?

Agree at completion which version or copy you will receive and who needs further copies. A plain copy and a certified copy do not necessarily serve the same purpose. So tell the notary’s office what you need the document for, rather than simply asking for ‘a copy’.

For an older deed, it helps to provide the place and date of signing, the name of the notary at the time and, if available, the protocol number. You may also be able to find details of the deed in a Land Registry extract. Contact the relevant notary’s office with this information, or ask the notaries’ association where to direct your enquiry.

There is no reliable standard price for a certified copy: the type and length of the document, and the nature of your request, can affect the cost. Before ordering, ask what type of copy you need and what the fee will be. If, by ‘certified copy’, you instead mean certification of a different document, describe that document explicitly – it is not the same as a certified copy of your purchase deed.

Most common mistakes at the notary appointment

• Reading the draft only when it is time to sign: The purchase price, property description and payments should be settled beforehand.
• Treating the Nota Simple as a complete property due-diligence check: Land Registry information does not answer every question about building regulations or permitted use.
• Leaving the power of attorney or payment arrangements until too late: Either can affect whether the planned appointment can go ahead.
• Confusing opening hours with available notary appointments: Especially if you are making a short trip, make sure you confirm availability.
• Equating signing with Land Registry registration: Keep track of the process after the appointment.
• Requesting ‘a copy’ without explaining its purpose: Check whether a plain copy or a certified copy is required.

What happens next?

After the deed has been signed before the notary, you need to arrange payment of the taxes associated with the purchase and registration in the Property Register. Decide who will handle these steps and what documents they will need before you sign. Keep your copy of the deed and the supporting documents for the remaining steps organised.

Check later that the registration has actually been completed. You can obtain information from the Property Register through the Spanish Registradores. If you are still preparing for the purchase, the overview of buying property in Spain explains the notary’s role throughout the process.

Checklist for completing your purchase

• Choose a notary’s office and arrange an appointment with everyone involved.
• Confirm opening hours and appointment availability directly with the office.
• Request the notary’s list of required documents.
• Have your identity documents, NIE and, if applicable, power of attorney ready.
• Have the current Nota Simple and the seller’s documents checked.
• Read the draft Escritura in advance and resolve any outstanding questions.
• Check that the balance due and proof of payment match the agreed arrangements.
• Agree who is responsible for taxes, copies of the deed and registration in the Property Register.

Conclusion

A successful notary appointment starts before you enter the signing room, with a reviewed draft deed and clear arrangements. Choose a notary’s office you can reach, confirm that an appointment is actually available, and settle questions about documents, representation and payment before you travel. After signing, keep track of your copies, the tax formalities and registration in the Property Register.

Not legal or tax advice. Questions about your purchase contract, representation or tax treatment require an individual assessment.

Official sources

• Spanish notarial organisation – Notariado
• Spanish Property Registers – Registradores