You cannot purchase a property in Spain without a Notary.
Notaries are independent officials that draw up the Title Deeds of purchase/sale. Their qualifications are above a Lawyer. Notaries are completely unbiased towards buyers and sellers. They also make sure both buyers and sellers are, who they claim to be. The Notary certifies private documents and brings them into public domain. For example, the Notary will sign and verify the Title Deeds of purchase/sale then send them to the Land Registry for public registration.
The difference between a Notary and a Lawyer; The Lawyer prepares the documents and the Notary verifies them. Lawyers look after their own clients and are completely biased to their interests. They check to make sure a property is legal and has no debts.
You’re only in the presence of the Notary for a short time. They’ll read your Deeds aloud then sign on the imaginary dotted line.
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