Frequently Asked Questions
Real Estate FAQs
Browse our collection of real estate FAQs to find clear, up-to-date, and professional answers regarding key aspects of buying, selling, and renting property. From purchase offers and property sales to market valuations, required documentation, lease agreements, and regulatory compliance, we provide reliable information to help you navigate every stage of the transaction with greater confidence and understanding.
Property purchase and sale
Useful information for anyone buying or selling a property, from the purchase offer to the notarial deed.
A purchase offer is the document through which a potential buyer formally expresses the intention to purchase a property at a specific price and under specific conditions. Once signed by the seller, it becomes contractually binding and commits both parties. It usually includes the offered price, payment methods, timing of the sale, any deposit and any suspensive conditions, such as obtaining a mortgage.
Yes. From the moment the offer is accepted by the seller and the buyer is informed of the acceptance, the proposal produces binding legal effects. For this reason, it is essential that it is prepared carefully and only after all property documents have been checked.
The purchase offer represents the buyer's offer. When accepted by the seller, in most cases it becomes a real preliminary contract, with which both parties undertake to complete the final notarial deed under the agreed conditions.
A confirmatory deposit is an amount paid by the buyer as a guarantee of the commitment made. If the buyer fails to comply with the contract without justified reason, the deposit is lost. If, on the other hand, the seller fails to comply, the buyer may request the return of double the amount paid, without prejudice to any further damages.
Generally, no. The cheque remains deposited with the real estate agency until the offer is accepted or according to what the parties have agreed. If the offer is not accepted or the required conditions are not met, it is returned in full to the buyer.
It is a clause that makes the contract effective only when a specific event occurs, such as mortgage approval by the bank. If the condition is not met within the agreed deadline, the offer loses its effectiveness without penalizing the parties.
There is no standard timeframe that applies to every situation. The correct price, presentation quality, market demand and the characteristics of the property all have a significant impact. A professionally presented property offered at the right market value is generally sold much faster.
Yes. The remaining mortgage can be paid off at the same time as the notarial deed or, in some cases, taken over by the buyer. The bank will provide the settlement amount and the notary will coordinate the entire operation during the deed signing.
Yes. A mortgage lien does not prevent the sale. In most cases, it is cancelled at the time of the notarial deed by paying off the secured debt, allowing the buyer to purchase the property free from encumbrances.
No. The mandate can be granted either exclusively or non-exclusively. However, exclusivity generally allows the real estate agency to invest more in the promotion of the property and to develop a more effective sales strategy.
It depends on what is stated in the agency mandate. If an exclusive mandate has been signed, commissions may still be due even if the buyer is found directly by the owner.
Ordinary expenses accrued up to the date of the notarial deed are normally paid by the seller. Extraordinary works approved before the sale also remain, unless otherwise agreed, the responsibility of the seller.
The main documents include:
- title deed;
- cadastral floor plan;
- cadastral certificate;
- Energy Performance Certificate;
- urban planning documentation;
- system certifications, where available;
- condominium regulations and statement of expenses, where necessary.
A preliminary check helps avoid delays during the sale process.
It is a document prepared by a qualified technician that verifies the urban planning, building and cadastral compliance of the property. It is an essential tool to ensure a transparent sale and reduce the risk of disputes.
Yes. The Energy Performance Certificate is required for the sale and rental of most properties. It shows the energy class and estimated consumption of the building and is already necessary during the property advertising phase.
Unless otherwise agreed, notarial costs relating to the sale deed are paid by the buyer, while the seller remains responsible for the costs required to make the property compliant for sale.
Taxes vary depending on the type of property, the seller and whether the buyer qualifies for first-home benefits. The final amount is determined by the notary according to the regulations in force.
Those who meet the legal requirements may benefit from reduced taxation and, if a mortgage is taken out, from specific tax deductions on mortgage interest within the limits set by law.
Yes, but it is advisable to carry out some preliminary checks. In certain situations, specific insurance protections may be recommended to provide greater guarantees to the buyer and the lending institution.
Certainly. The sale of the property does not automatically terminate the lease agreement. The buyer takes over the rights and obligations of the landlord, unless otherwise agreed or provided for in the contract.
The right of first refusal gives a specific person the right to be preferred in the purchase of a property under the same conditions offered by third parties. It may arise from the law or from an agreement between the parties.
Property valuation
Frequently asked questions about estimating a property's value and choosing the right sales strategy.
A valuation takes into account many factors: location, construction characteristics, state of maintenance, commercial surface area, energy class, exposure, services in the area and the trend of the local real estate market. A professional estimate combines objective data and comparative analysis.
It depends on the type of service requested. Many real estate agencies offer a free preliminary valuation as part of the sales mandate, while a detailed technical appraisal may involve a professional fee.
Market value represents the objective estimate of the property. The sale price, on the other hand, is the price agreed between seller and buyer. A correct commercial strategy aims to minimize the gap between these two values.
Rental agreements
Answers to the main questions about rental contracts and lease registration.
The flat-rate tax regime is an optional tax regime that, when the legal requirements are met, replaces personal income tax and related surcharges on rental income, also eliminating some taxes normally due for the registration of the lease agreement.
The most common types are:
- free-market rental agreement (4+4);
- agreed-rent agreement (3+2);
- temporary rental agreement;
- rental agreement for university students.
The choice depends on the needs of the owner and the tenant.
Registration can be carried out directly by the parties or through an authorized intermediary, such as a real estate agency, which can also handle the required tax obligations.
General questions
Useful advice to approach a sale, purchase or valuation with greater peace of mind.
A real estate professional coordinates all stages of the sale: valuation, document checks, promotion, negotiation, contract assistance and support up to the notarial deed. This reduces risks and allows you to approach the sale or purchase with greater peace of mind.
A preliminary check makes it possible to identify any urban planning, cadastral or documentary irregularities before the property is marketed. Acting promptly helps avoid delays, interrupted negotiations and problems during the notarial deed.
Simply contact our real estate agency to schedule an appointment. After an on-site visit and an analysis of the available documentation, we will prepare a professional valuation and a personalized strategy to make the most of your property.
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