In real estate, we often assume that deals are blocked by major legal issues or negotiations breaking down.
But in practice, it’s often much simpler than that.
A few years ago, while working at another firm, I handled a transaction between Marbella and Alfaz del Pi. Everything was ready for signing, the operation was fully coordinated, and there were no expected issues.
Until one of the parties arrived at the notary’s office with a damaged ID card.
Not missing. Not incorrect. Just physically deteriorated enough that the notary could not rely on it for full identification.
And at that point, everything stopped.
The solution came through a rarely used but legally valid mechanism in Spanish notarial practice: identification by witnesses.
Two individuals who personally knew the signer — and were known to the notary — were able to confirm their identity and take responsibility for it, allowing the signing to proceed that same day.
It’s not a common procedure, and it’s only used when strict legal conditions are met.
But it avoided what could have been a delay in an otherwise ready transaction.
And the takeaway is simple:
👉 in real estate, it’s not always the big legal problems that cause delays, but small practical issues that can stop everything if you’re not familiar with the available solutions.
Have you ever seen a deal delayed by something this simple?