The Notary is a public official who is there simply to put on the public record the fact that the title deed recording the sale/purchase has been signed in his presence and understood by the parties concerned.

He is not there to advise or to protect either your interests or the interests of the person selling the house.

When the Escritura is signed in front of the Notary either the purchase price is, in his presence, handed over to the person selling the property or the seller confirms that the money has already been handed over. Proof of such payment is then incorporated into the title deeds of the property.

In certain cases the price may be paid wherever in the world the parties wish. In others, it must be paid in Spain. It is usually necessary that the importation of the funds used to buy the property be recorded with the authorities in Madrid. Your legal representative will deal with this for you.