Sign the deed (escritura)
Signing the public deed in which the seller transfers the property to the bank as trustee for your benefit, and the trust contract is formalized.
Why it matters
This is the legal transfer.
Who helps
The notario, the seller, the bank's trust officer, and you. You can sign in person or through a properly granted power of attorney (step 2.16).
What to do: Sign the deed before the notario, in person or through your power.
Documents
- Original passports (they must match exactly), the SRE permit, the trust terms, and the substitute beneficiaries.
Co-buyer agreement (box)
if two or more people buy together, agree in writing before the deed:
- percentages for each beneficiary (they go in the deed);
- substitute beneficiaries for each co-buyer (step 5.1), so one person's death doesn't freeze the trust;
- who can instruct the bank (all together, or any one), and whether one co-buyer holds powers for the others;
- cost sharing for the annual trust fee, predial, insurance, utilities and repairs, and what happens if someone doesn't pay;
- a buy-out clause: price method (appraisal), right of first refusal among co-buyers, and timeline;
- what happens on divorce, death or a co-buyer wanting to sell.
- A private co-ownership agreement among the beneficiaries isn't part of the trust, so have your attorney make it consistent with the trust deed.
- "Each beneficiary's percentage, please." → "El porcentaje de cada fideicomisario, por favor."
Common mistakes
- Make sure the trust clause on construction is clear (permits are issued in the bank's name; see step 4.3).
- Agree the ownership percentages among co-buyers before the permit is filed. Changing them later is an amendment with bank fees.
- Leave with a simple copy and a written list of next steps (RNIE, predial account, trust-fee due date).
Say it in Spanish
- Antes de firmar, quiero confirmar la ortografía de todos los nombres contra los pasaportes.
Before signing, I want to confirm the spelling of all names against the passports. - Necesitamos un intérprete para la firma.
We need an interpreter for the signing.
Terms
Confirm the details for your case with your notario or attorney.
Common questions
How long does closing take?
Often about 1–3 months after the promise to purchase, depending on the trust permit, certificates and the notario's schedule (estimate).