From Purchase Offer to Final Deed: What Really Happens Before the Sale Is Completed
From Purchase Offer to Final Deed: What Really Happens Before the Sale Is Completed
The least visible stage of a property transaction
When a purchase offer is accepted, many people believe that the most complex part of the property transaction is already behind them.
In reality, this is precisely the moment when one of the most important phases of the process begins.
Between the accepted offer and the final deed before the notary, several technical, legal and administrative checks must be carried out to ensure that the property can be transferred safely and correctly.
This period is often less visible to buyers and sellers, yet it is essential for turning an agreement into a legally secure transfer of ownership.
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The main stages between the accepted offer and the final deed
1. Technical checks on the property
One of the first steps involves the technical verification of the property.
A qualified professional — such as a surveyor, architect or engineer — examines the property documentation to ensure that it complies with the records filed with public authorities.
The most common checks include:
• verification of urban planning compliance
• review of the cadastral floor plan
• analysis of the building permits
• identification of any urban planning irregularities
In many cases, the professional also prepares a Building Compliance Report (RRE), which certifies the technical status of the property.
This step is particularly important because any irregularities could delay the transaction or require legal regularisation before completion.
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2. The mortgage process for the buyer
If the purchase depends on a bank loan, the mortgage procedure usually begins in the weeks following the accepted offer.
The bank carries out several key evaluations.
Financial assessment
The lender reviews the buyer’s financial situation to determine whether the loan can be approved.
Property valuation
A surveyor appointed by the bank inspects the property to verify:
• the condition of the property
• its legal and planning compliance
• its market value
The valuation is essential because the bank bases its lending decision partly on the value assigned to the property.
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3. Preparing the documentation for the final deed
During the same period, the documentation required for the final deed is collected and organised.
The main documents usually include:
• updated cadastral records
• the title deed of the property
• the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• urban planning documentation
• any available system certifications
• condominium documentation (if applicable)
Ensuring that this documentation is complete is crucial for avoiding delays before the signing of the final deed.
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4. Notarial checks
At the same time, the notary responsible for the transaction carries out a series of legal checks.
These include:
• verifying the legal ownership of the property
• checking for the absence of mortgages or legal encumbrances
• confirming the continuity of property registrations
• reviewing the urban planning and cadastral documentation
These checks ensure that the property can be transferred safely and that the buyer acquires full legal ownership.
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5. Signing the final deed
The final stage of the process is the signing of the notarial deed.
During this meeting, the notary:
• reads and explains the content of the deed
• verifies the identity of the parties
• confirms the transfer of ownership
• registers the deed in the official property registers
Once the deed is signed and the balance of the purchase price is paid, the ownership of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer.
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The point of view of LT Immobili & Design
In our daily work we believe that the quality of a real estate transaction depends largely on how the weeks before the final deed are managed.
It is during this period that the solidity of the entire operation is built.
Accurate technical checks, complete documentation and clear communication between all parties involved allow the transaction to proceed smoothly.
Because a property sale is not simply a signature before a notary.
It is the result of a process carefully prepared with attention, method and professionalism.
