What documentation is crucial when buying investment property in Costa del Sol?

When purchasing an investment property on the Costa del Sol, several key documents are crucial to ensure a smooth and legally sound transaction. Firstly, you will need a NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) or NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is a tax identification number essential for all financial and legal activities in Spain. Your passport or national ID card will be required for identity verification throughout the process. A Spanish bank account is vital for handling payments related to the property, including deposit, purchase price, taxes, and ongoing utility bills. You'll also need to carefully review the 'Nota Simple' from the property registry, which provides vital information about the property's legal status, ownership, liens, and charges. The 'Contrato de Arras' or private purchase agreement, outlining the terms of the sale and deposit, is another critical document. Finally, the 'Escritura Pública de Compraventa' (public deed of sale) executed before a Spanish notary, officially transfers ownership, and subsequently, proof of registration in the Land Registry will be required. For investment purposes, obtaining a detailed valuation report and a comprehensive legal due diligence report from an independent lawyer is highly advisable to assess the property's true market value and identify any potential legal issues or urbanistic discrepancies.