Escritura pública
The public deed of sale, signed before a Spanish notary, that legally transfers ownership of a property.
The escritura pública is the formal deed of sale that transfers legal ownership of a property in Spain. It is signed in person by both buyer and seller (or their attorneys-in-fact under power of attorney) before a Spanish notary (notario), a public official whose role is to witness and authenticate the transaction.
The escritura contains the property's legal description, the agreed price, payment confirmation, the seller's declaration of ownership and freedom from undisclosed charges, and the buyer's acceptance of the property. Once signed, the notary issues a certified copy.
Following signing, the lawyer (or gestoría) files the deed with the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) within the following weeks to complete the public registration of the buyer as the new owner. The registry filing is what perfects the title transfer in public records.
Keys are typically handed over at the escritura signing, on the day. Payment of the balance happens at this stage via banker's draft or wire confirmation.