Documents to Prepare Before Buying Property
Disclaimer: This checklist includes the main documents generally required for a real estate transaction in Italy and may therefore not be exhaustive. The documentation needed may vary depending on the property, the parties involved and the structure of the transaction.
This guide to property purchase documents in Italy helps you prepare an initial discussion with your lawyer and notary. Some documents are provided by you, others by the seller or the professionals involved.
For guidance on your specific case, you may contact Avv. Marco Buccilli, real estate lawyer, to review your situation, identify the documents relevant to your purchase and coordinate, where necessary, with the notary and the other professionals involved.
Documents for the Buyer
Individuals
- Identity document, indicating any changes of residence;
- Italian tax code (codice fiscale);
- Extract of the marriage certificate, certificate of stato libero (civil status certificate), or registered partnership certificate;
- Copy of any matrimonial property agreements or registered partnership agreements;
- For non-EU citizens: residence permit or entry visa, where applicable. Ask the notary which documents are required for your circumstances.
Companies and Other Legal Entities
- Copy of the identity document of the legal representative;
- Legal name, registered office and tax code, possibly supported by a Business Register certificate;
- Any resolution or decision concerning the delegation of powers.
If You Are Applying for Prima Casa Tax Benefits
- Where relevant, copies of previous purchase and sale deeds and invoices showing taxes paid, so that the notary can assess any available tax credit. Eligibility for prima casa tax benefits must be checked separately.
If You Are Buying an Accessory Unit (Pertinenza) With Prima Casa Tax Benefits
- Copy of the purchase deed for the home to which the appurtenance relates.
Other Documents
- Copies of the means of payment for any amounts already paid;
- Details of the real estate agent, including the agreed fees and copies of the means of payment for any amounts already paid;
- Copy of the preliminary purchase agreement.
In Case of Mortgage Application
- Information relating to the bank granting the loan.
Documents to Request From the Seller
Individuals
- Identity document, indicating any changes of residence;
- Italian tax code (codice fiscale);
- Extract of the marriage certificate, certificate of stato libero, or registered partnership certificate;
- Copy of any matrimonial property agreements or registered partnership agreements;
- For non-EU citizens: residence permit or entry visa, where applicable. Ask the notary which documents are required for your circumstances.
Companies and Other Legal Entities
- Copy of the identity document of the legal representative;
- Legal name, registered office and tax code, possibly supported by a Business Register certificate;
- Any resolution or decision concerning the delegation of powers.
Other Documents
- Copy of the purchase deed and of any tax declaration relating to succession, as well as, in general, any documents concerning transfers mortis causa, including wills, acceptance of inheritance and European Certificate of Succession;
- Copy of the plans filed with the Cadastre and any other cadastral documentation;
- Copies of the means of payment for any amounts already received;
- Copy of the preliminary purchase agreement;
- If the buyer pays the price by taking over an existing mortgage, a copy of the payment receipt for the latest mortgage instalment;
- If there is an outstanding mortgage on the property, a copy of the mortgage cancellation payment receipt and a copy of the authorisation to cancel the mortgage, or a letter from the notary in charge of the cancellation, or a certificate from the bank confirming the electronic submission to the Tax Agency;
- Copy of the condominium regulations and a declaration from the condominium administrator certifying payment of all condominium expenses, together with an indication of any extraordinary expenses and/or ongoing disputes;
- Copy of the certifications relating to the construction of the property, including building permits and any relevant administrative procedures;
- Copy of the habitability certificate, or documentation proving that it has been requested;
- In case of transfer of land, or where the appurtenant area exceeds 5,000 m²: urban planning certificate;
- In case of business premises, agricultural land, or rented apartment pursuant to Law 431/1998: documentation concerning any possible pre-emption rights;
- Energy Performance Certificate, known as APE — Attestato di Prestazione Energetica.
Need Help Reviewing the Property Documents?
Send Marco Buccilli the listing, the documents already available and any signing deadline. You do not need to have every document ready before making an initial enquiry. Learn about property due diligence in Italy.
Further information: Italian Notariat checklist on which this document overview is based. This article provides general information; the documents and advice required depend on your circumstances.
