Are Notaries Open During Lockdown?

In the midst of the current State of Alarm declared in Spain, these are difficult times to do business, even more so now that only those who are considered to be carrying out essential professions, are able to continue to work.

For clients who are in the process of completing on their property in Spain with a mortgage, there is good news. The role of the notary is considered to be an essential profession. The General Body of Notaries in Spain has informed all notaries throughout Spain, along with their 17,000 employees that they are to continue to provide services to the public. Although this should be limited to urgent cases only.

The next question is what is to be described as an urgent case?

The definition of urgency is a difficult one to be precise on. Following a memo issued to all the notaries throughout Spain, the government has included a list of examples of urgent transactions, along with the provision of services by financial institutions considered to be an urgent transaction.

In other words if you are completing on a property with a mortgage, this is considered to be an urgent case and so the notary is obliged to continue to carry out these transactions. Your lawyer will be able to make an appointment on your behalf to complete on the purchase of your Spanish property, although understandably access to the notary’s office, will be strictly limited to interested parties only. This is to ensure regulations on social distancing is upheld, and health and safety standards are maintained for those involved.

If you have any questions regarding the proceeding of your mortgage, or perhaps you have found your property but not sure where to go next, then do drop us an email. You can stay up to date with all the latest news on Spanish Government announcements during Covid-19 here.

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