Index
Buying a home is a big step, full of excitement but also crucial details to pay attention to. To ensure a smooth experience, it's essential to know what to look for when buying or selling a home. From paperwork to land registry and urban planning compliance, this practical guide walks you through every step of the process, indicating what to check: from checking the cadastral plan to the presence of a certificate of habitability. Discover everything you need to pay attention to to make a safe purchase without surprises, and enjoy the pleasure of finding your new home.
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Preliminary phase: where to start?
Analysis of the real estate market
Understanding the real estate market in the area you're interested in is a crucial first step. Researching average prices and the time it takes for similar properties to sell for helps you understand if you're getting a good deal and what to expect. Another important element is evaluating future projects in the area, such as new infrastructure or services, which could increase the value of the home over time. This type of analysis is useful for both the buyer and the seller: the former can avoid overpaying, the latter can set a competitive price.
Area Evaluation
Each neighborhood has unique characteristics that influence the livability and value of your future home. Examine available amenities, safety, and accessibility to transportation and key facilities. Zoning compliance and future development projects are also factors that impact quality of life and market value. These details are relevant for both buyers and sellers, influencing the property's appreciation potential and the area's attractiveness.
Definition of needs
Before starting your search, it's essential to clarify what you want: number of rooms, presence of a balcony or garden, proximity to schools or work. Having clear priorities helps you focus only on properties that meet your needs. Even for the seller, highlighting aspects that could be attractive to a potential buyer can make the difference in presenting the house.
Verifying the documentation

Checking the property titles
One of the main aspects is checking the ownership documentation, making sure there are no mortgages or liens on the property. An experienced notary or lawyer can help you avoid any legal issues, thus ensuring a risk-free purchase. From the seller's perspective, it's essential to have all the documentation up-to-date and resolve any outstanding obligations that could slow down the sale.
Condominium and Condominium Fees
When buying an apartment, be sure to check the condominium fees and any expected extraordinary costs. These costs can impact your finances, and if the seller has outstanding payments, they could be passed on to the buyer. Being transparent about condominium fees even when selling helps build trust with the buyer and simplify the negotiation.
Energy certifications and compliance
Make sure the property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a certificate of habitability. These documents are essential for both the energy efficiency of the house and for safety, and can affect future management costs. Even from the seller's point of view, having the certifications ready makes the property more attractive and speeds up the sale, eliminating possible complications.
Property inspection
Structural conditions
Before proceeding, check the structural conditions of the house, such as the foundation, roof and attics. An expert, such as a structural engineer, can identify any hidden problems that may require costly repairs. Even from the seller's perspective, addressing these issues before putting the property on the market can increase the value of the property and attract more buyers.
Necessary Renovations
Carefully evaluate any necessary renovations, such as improvements to thermal or acoustic insulation. Relying on a professional will help you estimate the costs and timeframes of the work, allowing you to set a realistic budget for your new home. From the seller's perspective, even small renovations can make a big difference, making the property more attractive. Casavo is at your side to make buying a home simpler and safer. Thanks to its innovative platform and up-to-date real estate market data, Casavo guides you step by step, offering professional and transparent support at every stage of the process.
Financial aspects and additional costs
Budget and mortgage
Define a clear budget and compare the most advantageous mortgage offers. Establishing a realistic spending limit allows you to search for homes that are truly within your reach, making the buying process more peaceful.
Extra costs
In addition to the purchase price, consider other expenses such as notary fees, agency fees, maintenance, and moving costs. Expenses for furnishings and small repairs are also things to consider to avoid surprises.
The purchasing process

Negotiation and compromise
Negotiation is a delicate phase that requires attention. Presenting a realistic offer and agreeing on delivery terms can make all the difference. The preliminary sales agreement (preliminary or preliminary sales contract) is an agreement that establishes the details of the transaction. Relying on an expert real estate agent helps you protect your interests and manage the negotiation professionally. From the seller's point of view, a well-managed negotiation allows the deal to be concluded in a manner satisfactory to both parties.
Closing the transaction
The notarial deed is the final act of the sale. In this phase, the notary verifies the documents and formalizes the transfer of ownership. Choosing a reliable notary ensures that the process is compliant with the law and that the purchase is risk-free.
Conclusion
Buying and selling a home are complex processes that require care and attention to detail. From the initial check of documents to the verification of structural conditions, everything helps you protect your investment and experience this with peace of mind. Whether you are a buyer or seller, this article provides practical guidance: an informed and organized approach is the key to tackling every part of the process with peace of mind.
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