Required Documents to Sell a House in 2025: Complete and Updated Guide

1. Title Deed

The title deed is the official legal document that certifies how you became the owner of the property. It is a crucial element in any real estate transaction, as it proves your rightful ownership.

The title deed can originate from various sources, such as:

• a notarial deed of sale, if you purchased the property from a previous owner,

• a deed of donation,

• an inheritance deed,

• or a court ruling, in more complex cases (e.g., legal disputes or adverse possession).

The notary responsible for drawing up the new deed of sale must examine the title deed to ensure there are no restrictions, mortgages, third-party rights, or other issues that might affect the property's free availability.

The absence of the title deed, or any irregularities in its registration, can either block the sale entirely or cause significant delays.

How to Obtain It:

If you don’t have a paper copy of the title deed, you can request it from the District Notarial Archive (Archivio Notarile Distrettuale) if the deed is over 20 years old, or directly from the notary who drafted it. Alternatively, you can obtain it through the Land Registry Office (Conservatoria dei Registri Immobiliari) by performing a land registry search (visura catastale) or a mortgage inspection (ispezione ipotecaria). These services are often available online or with the assistance of a qualified professional.

2. Land Registry Extract and Floor Plan

The land registry extract contains the property’s identifying information—such as map sheet (foglio), parcel (particella), subunit (subalterno), and cadastral value (rendita catastale)—which is essential for determining the fiscal value of the property. The floor plan, on the other hand, illustrates the internal layout of the property. It must accurately reflect the current condition of the home. If there are any discrepancies, the records must be updated before the sale, as inconsistencies can delay or invalidate the transaction.

3. Certificate of Habitability

The certificate of habitability, also known as the certificate of occupancy, is a document that certifies the property meets the required hygienic, sanitary, safety, and energy efficiency standards. In other words, it confirms that the building complies with current regulations and is safe and suitable for residential use.

When It Is Required:

It may be required in the case of the sale of residential properties (but also commercial or office ones) to be presented at the time of the notarial deed.
In its absence, however, the notary may still proceed with the execution of the deed.

Who Issues It:

The certificate is issued by the Municipality where the property is located, upon submission of a specific certified notification (S.C.A.G.I. – Segnalazione Certificata di Agibilità) by a qualified technician (such as a surveyor, architect, or engineer) who certifies that the property complies with legal requirements.

How to Obtain It:

If the property is recent, the certificate might already be included among the documents provided by the builder or the first owner. Otherwise, you can hire a qualified technician to:

• carry out the necessary inspections and checks,

• gather the technical documentation (such as testing reports, system certifications, floor plans, etc.),

• submit the S.C.A.G.I. to the Municipality.

Typically, the Municipality does not perform direct inspections but relies on the professional responsibility of the technician. The certificate of habitability is not retroactive: if it was never requested before, the procedure must be started from scratch.

4. Energy Performance Certificate (APE – Attestato di Prestazione Energetica)

The APE is a mandatory document from the moment the property is put up for sale, as the energy class must be indicated in every listing. The certificate is valid for 10 years (unless there are changes to the building) and must be prepared by a qualified technician.

5. Urban Planning Documentation and Building Compliance

To sell a property, it is essential to prove its urban planning compliance, meaning it was built and modified according to the municipal building regulations.

You need to provide:

• the original building permit or construction concession,

• any building amnesties (such as condoni) if works were carried out without authorization,

• a declaration of urban compliance prepared by a qualified technician (surveyor, architect, or engineer), certifying that the actual state matches the plans filed with the Municipality.

This documentation is indispensable: if the property has unresolved irregularities, the sale cannot be finalized, or the buyer may request a price reduction.

6. Condominium Documentation (if applicable)

If the property is part of a condominium, it is necessary to provide:

• the condominium regulations,

• a breakdown of ordinary and extraordinary condominium fees,

• a statement from the administrator confirming the absence of outstanding debts or disputes.

This helps prevent disputes and clearly informs the prospective buyer about the expenses they will incur.

7. Identity Document and Tax Code

Finally, the seller’s personal documents are always required: a valid identity card and tax code, which are necessary for every legal and notarial step of the sale process.

8. Conclusion

Carefully preparing all the necessary documents to sell your home in 2025 is the first step to avoid delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and potential disputes. Engel & Völkers supports you throughout the entire process with a comprehensive and professional service: from the assistance of our Legal team, who verify document compliance, to the advice of our Finance department, which helps plan the financial aspects of the sale.

Thanks to our international network, deep knowledge of the local market, and widespread presence across the territory, we offer a tailored service to maximize the value of your property.

Want to find out how much your home is worth today? Try our online valuation tool now and get a free estimate in just a few clicks.