Start with the owner and property records
Ask for documents identifying the seller and their ownership title, then have the information checked against the property registers. The Italian Revenue Agency notes that the notary carries out mortgage and cadastral checks before the deed.
Collect the cadastral details and filed floor plan, along with available records for the property. The cadastre is an important step, but by itself it does not replace a technical review of the building’s planning history.
Compare the actual property with its records
Ask an independent qualified technician—not one acting for the seller—to compare the property as it stands with the filed plan and the building permits and applications held by the municipality. This is particularly useful for homes renovated or extended over time.
The National Council of Notaries describes the Integrated Urban-Planning and Cadastral Report as an optional instrument under current law, prepared by a technician. Do not treat it as a universal legal requirement; ask the professional which checks suit the specific property.
Understand what cadastral checks cover
The Revenue Agency says the deed must include cadastral details and refer to the filed floor plans, as well as the legally required declaration of cadastral conformity. The notary also checks that cadastral ownership details match the property registers.
A cadastral check does not automatically amount to a comprehensive certification of planning compliance. If a technician finds differences, ask for them to be documented and explained before committing, with support from the professionals you appoint.
Set out the preliminary contract and next steps
The preliminary contract should clearly identify the parties and property, the agreed price and the intended date of the final deed. The Notaries’ Council also explains that registering the preliminary contract in the Property Registers can protect against later acts involving the same property.
Before signing or paying significant sums, agree with the notary and technician which documents are missing, who will obtain them and how any issues affect the timetable or terms. This is general information, not legal or notarial advice.