Selling a home is a major life event, often connected with important decisions and hopes for the future. That is why understanding exactly what you are selling matters: checks made early can prevent problems later.
The original article estimated that around 80% of Italian homes had some form of irregularity, whether minor or substantial. That estimate is not a newly verified statistic. Its broader point is that a property's most important issues may concern documents and approvals rather than visible defects.
The essential question is: who should check the property, and what should they check?
Several professionals take part in a sale, each with a different role. Checks can fall between them, while sellers may remain responsible for inaccurate declarations or unresolved problems. A seller trying to save money by avoiding an initial inspection can face unexpected regularisation costs, even before completion. Compared with those risks, a proper technical check can be a worthwhile investment.
The notary prepares and checks the legal deed; technical building checks require a suitably qualified professional. An estate agent also markets the property, assesses prospective buyers and mediates impartially between the parties. In my view, a prepared agent should recommend checks before marketing, rather than postpone them until a buyer appears. Delaying can create difficulties for everyone involved.
Imagine two agents: one offers simply to take photographs and advertise; the other recommends technical checks before listing. The first may seem cheaper and easier, but my experience is that early checks buy reassurance and can protect the sale's financial outcome. Knowing a home has been checked by a qualified professional is far more valuable than relying on informal assurances.
Your trusted technical professional is the right person to assess the building documents and identify what is compliant and what needs attention. Establishing this early can save both parties time and money: some issues are straightforward to resolve, others are complex or impossible to regularise. If you have decided to sell, arranging checks before marketing is a sensible way to reduce surprises and prepare for the sale you want.
