In most countries, except the UK and other ‘common law’ jurisdictions, the Notary plays a major part in the process of buying and selling real estate.

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 or her presence and understood by the parties concerned.

If  the Notary makes any checks as to the status of the property these are usually very limited.