RESEARCH COUNTRY
Real estate investigation in Spain
Bureaubuitenland België supports competent organisations in investigating possible real estate in Spain. For each case, we assess which investigative options match the question at hand and the available data. We make clear agreements in advance on the scope, the expected lead time and the costs.
- pre-checkinitial picture, you decide on any follow-up
- lead timecommunicated in advance for each case
- reportin English, with findings and substantiation
- in advanceclarity on scope and costs
Our services in Spain
In Spain, we offer the following services. The precise options, research questions and work involved vary by case; we inform you about this in advance. The expected lead time is communicated in advance for each case. More on our approach for each client group: investigations for OCMWs and investigations for housing companies.
- Pre-check: an initial investigation into possible leads for real estate registered in the name of the person concerned in Spain.
- Full in-depth investigation: if, after a pre-check, you require further information and substantiation, with the available property data and official documents.
- Reporting in English: tailored to the assignment and the available information.
- Valuation and translation: if your case requires a valuation or a sworn translation, we discuss the options, conditions and costs in advance.
For whom and for which questions
OCMWs
When assessing entitlement to a living wage (leefloon) or other social assistance, where there are indications of real estate in Spain.
Housing companies
When checking the property ownership condition for a social housing unit, where a tenant may own a house or land in Spain.
Municipalities and social inspection services
When investigating assets abroad within a case, as part of the commissioning party's own powers and decision-making.
Lawyers and bailiffs
When preparing a legal case file or assessing recovery options in respect of real estate in Spain.
Documents and language in Spain
Source documents from Spain are in Spanish; in some regions also in Catalan, Basque or Galician. If your case requires a sworn translation, we discuss the options, conditions and costs in advance. The nature and availability of documents vary by case. Depending on the document and its intended use, we assess whether a sworn translation, apostille or other formality is required. For each case, we indicate which documents are available and what additional data we need to assess your research question.
Practical information for your case in Spain
The data we need
Full name, date of birth and place of birth. You may additionally state a known municipality or region. If available, you may also state the Spanish identification number (NIE or DNI). We assess in advance whether the data provided are sufficient to start the investigation.
Name variants
In Spain, people have two surnames, and the order or spelling may differ from the Belgian registration. We agree the variants with you in advance.
Co-ownership and inheritance
In the case of co-ownership or acquisition by inheritance, it may be important to examine more closely both the ownership share and the date and manner of acquisition. If the municipality or region is known, we can carry out the investigation in a more targeted way.
Recovery and seizure
Seizure and enforcement constitute a separate legal procedure. The options and requirements are assessed for each case by competent legal professionals. An investigation report does not in itself constitute seizure or debt collection.
Pre-check and possible follow-up investigation
Pre-check
lead time communicated in advanceAn initial picture based on the data and options available for the case. You receive an overview of the findings and our advice on any follow-up.
Your decision
you decideThe outcome of the pre-check provides a starting point for determining whether a follow-up investigation is desirable. We confirm the costs of any follow-up in writing in advance.
In-depth investigation
scope agreed in advanceAn in-depth investigation into the real estate found in Spain, with the available property data and official documents. The scope and the expected lead time are agreed with you in advance.
Reporting, options and limitations
You receive a report in English with the findings, the available substantiation and any limitations of the investigation. A finding of ownership does not in itself mean that fraud has occurred. In the event of a negative outcome, we explain the scope of the investigation. Assessment and decision-making remain with the commissioning party. You can still contact us with questions about the report after delivery.
See also
When may you start a property investigation? Suspicion, GDPR and case building
When may you start a property investigation? Which suspicion is sufficient, what the GDPR requires, what is not allowed and how to build the case file.
Read more
Pre-check
Pre-check: an initial investigation into real estate abroad in the name of the person concerned. Usually 1 to 2 weeks, quotation in advance.
Read more
Portugal
Real estate investigation in Portugal for OCMWs, housing companies and municipalities: pre-check, report in English, costs agreed in advance.
Read more
Italy
Real estate investigation in Italy for OCMWs, housing companies and municipalities: pre-check, report in English, costs agreed in advance.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
Yes. Spain is one of our research countries. For each request, we assess which investigative options are available and agree in advance on the scope, the expected lead time and the costs.
A pre-check gives an initial picture of possible leads. A full in-depth investigation goes further into the real estate found, with the available property data and official documents. We discuss any follow-up with you in advance.
The full name, date of birth and place of birth of the person concerned. You may additionally state a known municipality or region. We agree possible spellings of the name with you in advance.
Yes. The report is in English. The source documents are in Spanish; if your case requires a sworn translation, we discuss the options and costs in advance.
Discuss your case
Do you have a question about real estate abroad? We are happy to discuss which service suits your case. You receive clarity in advance about the assignment, the lead time and the costs.