What land book registration is and why it matters

Many buyers think that once they have signed at the notary, the apartment is theirs. In reality, an equally important step comes afterwards: registering the right in the land book, called tabulation.

What the land book is

The land book is the public register where properties, their owners and the encumbrances on them are recorded. Each property has a cadastral number and its own land book entry, kept by the cadastre offices.

What tabulation means

Tabulation is the registration of the ownership right in the land book, based on a valid deed, usually the authentic contract signed at the notary. As a general rule, ownership of real estate is acquired through this registration.

Why it matters to you

• You appear as the owner in the public register that everyone else can see.
• You are protected if the seller tries to sell the same property to someone else.
• Selling, mortgaging or inheriting becomes simpler, with clear documents.
• Banks usually require the property to be registered before granting loans secured by it.

How it works, in short

After the contract is signed, the notary or you file the registration request at the cadastre office, with the deed and the required documents. The request is paid with official fees and is handled within a period set by the office. At the end you get a land book extract showing you as the owner.

Common mistakes

• Postponing the registration because you already have the contract.
• Buying a property that is not itself registered or has area differences.
• Not providing the documents the office asks for in time, which prolongs the procedure.

The information above is general. For your specific case, a notary or a lawyer can tell you exactly which documents and steps are needed.