Last checked against the sources: 12 November 2026.

In short: the most important rule is not to pay anything until you, or someone you trust, have seen the property and checked who the owner is. A nota simple (an extract from the Land Registry) costs €9.02 + VAT online and says who the owner is. People searching from another country are a common target for these frauds.

The typical script

A listing on a well-known portal, with good photos and a price a little below the going rate for the area. The «owner» lives abroad, cannot show the flat and offers to send you the keys once you transfer the deposit and the first month. Sometimes they copy a real listing and change only the contact details.

12 red flags

  1. You are asked for a reservation, deposit or monthly rent before viewing the flat.
  2. The price is far below similar flats in the same area.
  3. The advertiser is abroad and «cannot» show it.
  4. They offer to send you the keys by courier or through «a booking platform».
  5. They will not do a video call from inside the property.
  6. You are asked to pay by money transfer service, cryptocurrency or «friends and family» payments.
  7. There is pressure to hurry: «I have other interested people, decide today».
  8. You receive an email imitating a portal from an address that is not the official one.
  9. The owner’s name does not match the one on the nota simple.
  10. You are asked for copies of your documents before any viewing or contract.
  11. A temporary or tourist let advertised on a platform without a registration number (NRUA). Since 1 July 2025 it is compulsory to show it in those listings.
  12. There is no written contract, or you are asked to sign it without reading it.

No single sign proves fraud, but two or three together are a reason to stop.

How to check

What you are checking How
Who the owner is Nota simple on the Colegio de Registradores website: €9.02 + VAT online, normally in under two hours. You can search by address.
That the person signing is the owner or represents them Ask for their DNI or NIE (Spanish national ID or foreigner’s identity number) and compare it with the nota simple. If it is an agency, ask for the owner’s instruction.
That the flat exists and is that one Visit in person or with someone you trust. If you cannot, do a live video call walking through the home and the entrance hall.
That the listing is original Run a reverse image search on the photos to see whether they appear in other listings.
Registration of the temporary or tourist listing Look for the NRUA in the platform’s listing.

How to pay without unnecessary risk

  • Pay after signing the contract, and by bank transfer to an account in the name of the owner or the agency.
  • Ask for a receipt for every payment, including the deposit.
  • The one-month deposit (fianza) must end up lodged with the Generalitat (how to check).

If it has happened to you

  • Keep the messages, the listings (dated screenshots) and the payment receipts.
  • Call your bank as soon as possible in case the transfer can be held.
  • Report it to the Policía Nacional or the Guardia Civil.
  • Tell the portal where you saw the listing.

Why it helps to have someone in the city

Many scams work because you are searching from afar and in a hurry. Someone who visits the flat for you, checks the nota simple and reads the contract with you removes most of these risks. If you are in that situation, write to us.

Keep reading

Sources

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