What does a notary (notario) do in a property sale?
In Latin America and much of Europe, a notary (notario, notário) is a legal professional with public authority to draft, certify and record deeds, including the deed for a property sale — a far larger role than a notary public in the United States.
Last updated · Buying & ownership glossary
About Notary (notario)
In most of these countries a property sale is formalised before a notary, who prepares or certifies the escritura and in many places sends it for registration. Notaries are typically required to be impartial between buyer and seller.
Because the notary acts for the transaction rather than for you, many foreign buyers also hire their own lawyer to review the deal.
- Also called
- notario, notario público, notário
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with a licensed local attorney before you buy.
Related terms
- Escritura pública
- An escritura pública is a public deed: the formal document, drawn up and certified by a notary, that transfers ownership of real estate in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. It is then recorded in the public property registry.
- Public property registry
- The public property registry is the government record of who owns each parcel of land and of the mortgages, liens and easements attached to it. A buyer's title search starts there.
- Due diligence
- Due diligence is the set of checks a buyer makes before committing to a property: the registry title and any liens, the survey and boundaries, zoning and coastal rules, permits, access, utilities and unpaid taxes.