Selling a finca in Ibiza is not always as straightforward as finding the right buyer. Even when all the property’s documentation has been reviewed, unexpected issues can arise during the mortgage valuation process, complicating financing and delaying completion.

Today, we are sharing a recent experience at Solana Ibiza that highlights an important part of our work that often goes unseen

Selling a Finca in Ibiza with Its Documentation in Order

The property was an old rural finca with no recent extensions, all its built areas duly registered with the Land Registry, a topographical survey, floor plans and a recently renewed Certificate of Occupancy (Cédula de Habitabilidad).

In short, we thought we had done all our homework.

But then came the mortgage valuation… and the complications began.

Discrepancies Between the Cadastre and the Land Registry

Although the topographical survey matched the land area recorded in the Cadastre, the Land Registry showed an area approximately 14% smaller.

This discrepancy, which initially seemed unlikely to present a significant obstacle, ended up complicating the buyers’ mortgage financing.

The valuation companies we consulted were prepared to issue reports, but only on the condition that the correct land area was formally registered with the Land Registry.

Faced with this situation, we contacted numerous valuation companies officially approved by the Bank of Spain, including firms without offices in Ibiza.

We explained the property’s circumstances and explored possible alternatives to simplify the process.

Eventually, we found a valuation company that proposed a more straightforward way forward.

Correcting the Registered Land Area: Months of Administrative Work

Even so, it was necessary to formalise a notarial deed correcting the registered land area, submit the documentation to the Land Registry, complete the procedure for notifying neighbouring landowners and ultimately obtain the updated registration.

All this was in addition to meeting further documentary requirements imposed by the lending bank.

And what was the difference? Approximately 600 m² of rural land.

An additional area whose contribution to the property’s overall valuation was relatively limited compared with other factors, such as the existing buildings and their compliance with planning regulations — aspects that usually receive much of our attention when reviewing a property.

Yet this discrepancy in the registered land area ended up having a considerable impact on the mortgage financing process.

It may sound straightforward when summarised like this, but resolving it took months.

Months of emails, phone calls, documentation, administrative procedures and coordination between different professionals, until we finally secured a valuation acceptable for mortgage financing and successfully completed the sale.

Selling a Property in Ibiza Also Means Anticipating Obstacles

This experience reminds us that, before selling a finca in Ibiza, it is essential to review the property’s documentation carefully.

Checking the registered and cadastral land areas, technical documentation, the planning status of existing buildings and the validity of relevant certificates can help prevent difficulties during the sale process.

But this case also shows that, even when all the groundwork has been done, additional requirements can arise during the valuation and financing process.

At Solana Ibiza, we believe our work goes far beyond simply finding a buyer. It also involves supporting sellers and buyers throughout the process, coordinating the professionals involved and finding solutions when unexpected difficulties arise.

Because selling a property involves much more than finding a buyer. It also means knowing how to overcome the challenges along the way.