The Essential Checklist Before Buying in Sicily

Buying a house in Italy involves a lot of paperwork. Missing one document can delay your purchase by months or lead to legal issues.

As architects, we perform "Technical Due Diligence" for our clients. Here is the checklist of documents we demand from the seller before our client signs the preliminary contract.

1. Visura Catastale (Cadastral Document)

This shows who officially owns the property and its tax value. It ensures the person selling it actually has the right to sell it.

2. Titolo di Provenienza (Title Deed)

How did the seller get the house? Bought it? Inherited it? If it was a donation or inheritance, there could be other heirs claiming rights. This is crucial.

3. Concessione Edilizia / Sanatoria (Building Permit)

The most important one. Does the house exist legally? Many older houses in Sicily have unauthorized extensions. You need to see the original permit or a "Sanatoria" (amnesty certificate).

4. Certificato di Agibilità (Habitability Certificate)

Without this, you technically cannot live in the house. While you can buy a house without it (if you plan to renovate), you must know this in advance to negotiate the price.

We verify every document at the local "Comune" offices.