Selling a house in Bologna? Here’s the checklist to avoid mistakes
Necessary documents to sell a house: checklist to avoid bureaucratic problems
Are you thinking of selling your home but don’t know where to start?
One of the first things to consider is the large amount of paperwork required to proceed with the sale. Bureaucracy, in fact, is one of the most complex aspects of a real estate transaction.
Being properly prepared with all the necessary documents will help you avoid delays, legal issues, or — in the worst-case scenario — the failure of the entire operation.
In this complete guide, we will explain step by step which documents are necessary to sell a house, what they are for, and how they can affect the transaction.
Having everything in order not only makes the sale smoother, but also allows you to approach the process with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Why it’s important to have the documents in order
Selling a house is an operation that requires precision and care, especially from a legal standpoint.
Without the necessary documents, your home cannot be sold: the notary won’t be able to draw up the deed, and the buyer may withdraw from the agreement. These documents are essential to prove that you are the rightful owner, that the property complies with regulations, and that there are no restrictions or encumbrances that could prevent the sale.
Let’s look together at which documents are necessary and why they are so important.
1. Title deed
The title deed is the document that certifies how you acquired ownership of the property. This could be a deed of sale, a donation, an inheritance or a court ruling. The title deed is usually drawn up by a notary and is essential to prove that you are the rightful owner of the house.The deed of origin is the document that certifies how you acquired ownership of the property. This could be a deed of sale, a donation, an inheritance, or a court judgment. The deed of origin is usually drawn up by a notary and is essential to prove that you are the rightful owner of the property.
Why is it necessary?
The notary and the buyer must be sure that you are the legitimate owner of the property. Without this document, the sale cannot go ahead because you cannot prove your ownership of the property.
2. Updated cadastral certificate
The cadastral certificate is a document that shows the identifying data of the property (cadastral municipality, map sheet, parcel), the cadastral income and the cadastral category. The certificate must be up-to-date and can be requested at the Revenue Agency or through a qualified technician.
Why is it necessary?
The cadastral certificate is useful to verify that the property is correctly registered in the cadastre. Any errors or inconsistencies could delay or block the sale. The cadastral income is also used to calculate taxes on the sale.
3. Cadastral floor plan
The cadastral floor plan is the technical drawing of the property, representing the layout of the interior spaces. It must be updated and match the current state of the property.
Why is it necessary?
The buyer and the notary must ensure that the layout of the property matches what has been declared. If there are differences between the floor plan and the actual condition of the house, a regularization might be needed before proceeding with the sale.
4. Certificate of occupancy or habitability
The certificate of occupancy (or habitability) is a document certifying that the property complies with health, safety and energy efficiency regulations. It is issued by the municipality where the property is located and ensures that the house is fit to be inhabited.
Why is it necessary?
The absence of this certificate can be a serious obstacle to the sale. Without it, the property may be non-compliant with regulations, discouraging potential buyers or reducing the property’s value.
5. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC, or APE in Italian) is mandatory for the sale of any property. This document classifies the building based on its energy efficiency, indicating its class from “A” (very efficient) to “G” (less efficient).
Why is it necessary?
The EPC is legally required and must be presented even during the promotion of the property. The energy class can influence the sale price, and a buyer will want to know in advance how efficient the heating and cooling systems are.
6. Urban and cadastral compliance
Urban and cadastral compliance certifies that the property was built according to the current building regulations and that any modifications made have been properly authorized.
Why is it necessary?
If the property has urban or cadastral discrepancies, a compliance process may be required before proceeding with the sale. These aspects can block the transaction or significantly reduce the property’s value.
7. Zoning certificate
This document is required if you are selling land or a house with agricultural outbuildings. The zoning certificate (CDU) is issued by the Municipality and certifies the land or property’s intended use.
Why is it necessary?
The buyer needs to know the property’s zoning to avoid legal restrictions or the impossibility of using the land or building as desired.
8. Certificate of compliance of systems
If your home has been recently built or renovated, you must present the certificate of compliance for the electrical, plumbing and gas systems. This certificate ensures that the systems were installed in accordance with current regulations.
Why is it necessary?
A non-compliant system may pose a safety risk and scare off buyers. The absence of this certificate could delay or block the sale.
Why rely on a real estate agency
As you can see, selling a house requires the management of many complex documents, each playing a fundamental role in the process. Handling the bureaucracy on your own can be stressful and lead to costly mistakes.
For this reason, we recommend relying on industry professionals.
Ibi Curti, our real estate agency, offers you complete and personalized assistance. From gathering the documentation to managing the sales process, we take care of every detail to ensure you a smooth transaction
Don’t let bureaucracy slow down the sale of your house.
Book an introductory meeting with us and discover how we can help you sell your home as quickly and safely as possible.
Contact us now to get more information from real estate professionals.
