Documents needed to sell a home
The full list of documents to request, where to get them and in what order, so signing at the notary is not delayed.
Ioana Pătrașcu3 min read
Most delays at the notary are caused by a missing or expired document, rather than the buyer. If you start two or three weeks before the preliminary sale agreement, you have time to obtain everything without rushing.
1. The title document
The sale and purchase contract, deed of gift, inheritance certificate or court judgment through which you became the owner. The notary needs the original.
2. Cadastral records and land registration
The home must have a cadastral number and be entered in the land register in your name. If you have made internal alterations, such as joining the kitchen and living room, they must appear on an updated floor plan. Otherwise, the buyer’s bank valuer will flag them and the mortgage process will stop.
3. The land register extract
This shows who owns the property and whether there are any mortgages, restrictions or disputes. The notary requests the extract for authentication shortly before signing. You can request an extract for information at any time to check that everything is up to date.
4. The energy performance certificate
It is mandatory when selling or renting and is valid for ten years. An accredited energy auditor issues it after a one-hour visit. The energy rating must also appear in the listing.
5. The tax clearance certificate
The local council’s tax department issues this certificate to show that you have no outstanding building or land tax. You need it for the day of signing, so ask how long it is valid in your locality.
6. The homeowners’ association certificate
For apartments, this certificate shows that maintenance charges are paid up to date. The administrator requests it, with the signature of the association’s chairperson.
7. Personal documents
All owners’ identity cards and, if the home is jointly owned marital property, the marriage certificate. If one spouse cannot attend the notary appointment, they must give a notarised power of attorney.
If you still have a mortgage on the home
Ask the bank for a letter stating the outstanding balance and its consent to the sale. At the notary, part of the price pays off the loan and the bank releases the mortgage.
Tax on the sale
The tax is calculated on the price in the contract and depends on how many years you have owned the home. You do not pay it separately: the notary withholds it at signing. We tell you the exact amount before the preliminary sale agreement.
If you would like us to check the documents before you put your home on the market, write to us. The check is included in our paperwork assistance.
