After completion: what happens after signing a property deed in Italy?

What the Notary Does After Completion

Although the parties leave the office once the deed has been signed, the Notary's work continues.

Several legal formalities must still be completed before the transaction is fully concluded.

These normally include:

• registration of the deed for tax purposes;
• payment of the taxes due on the transaction;
• recording of the transfer in the Italian Land Registry;
• updating the Italian Cadastral records;
• preservation of the original deed in the Notary's official collection;
• preparation and issue of the certified copies requested by the parties.

These formalities are not optional administrative steps.

They form an essential part of the legal protection provided by the Italian notarial system. Registration fulfils the relevant tax requirements; recording in the Land Registry gives the transfer the effects against third parties provided by Italian law; and the cadastral update aligns the Cadastral records with the transfer.

Receiving Your Certified Copy

The certified copy is normally issued once the principal post-completion formalities have been completed.

Today, many certified copies are delivered electronically with the Notary's qualified digital signature, allowing clients to receive them anywhere in the world.

Where necessary or requested, certified paper copies continue to be available.

Our office is also happy, whenever useful, to provide courtesy copies of the deed or other documentation that may help clients complete their subsequent administrative formalities.

Taking Possession of the Property

Unless otherwise agreed between the parties, possession of the property usually passes upon completion of the deed.

The practical arrangements for handing over the keys, any alarm systems, access codes, remote controls and other items should already have been agreed between the buyer and the seller.

If furniture or other movable items are included in the sale, the parties should verify that everything corresponds to their agreement before or immediately after completion.

Utility Contracts

One of the first practical matters for the new owner is arranging the electricity, gas, water, internet and any other utility services.

Depending on the circumstances, the existing contracts may be transferred into the buyer's name or replaced by new supply agreements.

These arrangements are normally made directly with the utility providers.

Although the Notary does not carry out these procedures, our office is often able to provide courtesy copies of the deed that may assist clients when contacting the various service providers.

Condominium Matters

Where the property forms part of a condominium, it is advisable for the new owner to establish contact with the condominium administrator shortly after completion.

Italian law attaches a specific consequence to the communication of the transfer to the condominium administrator: the seller remains jointly liable with the buyer for condominium contributions accrued until an authenticated copy of the deed transferring the right is delivered to the administrator. The buyer may also make direct contact immediately after the purchase.

Doing so allows the new owner to introduce themselves, obtain practical information regarding the management of the building, receive details of ordinary and extraordinary service charges, understand the internal regulations and identify the person responsible for the administration of the condominium.

This simple step often helps avoid misunderstandings during the first months of ownership.

Local Taxes

After purchasing a property, the new owner should ensure that their position is correctly recorded with the competent municipal tax office.

Depending on the characteristics and use of the property, local taxes such as IMU or the waste collection charge (TARI) may become payable.

The applicable rules depend upon the nature of the property, its intended use and the buyer's individual circumstances.

For this reason, the buyer should contact the relevant municipal office to obtain confirmation of any declarations or payments that may be required.

These obligations do not normally fall within the legal responsibilities of the Notary.

Keeping Your Documentation

The certified copy of the deed, together with any plans, certificates, payment confirmations and tax documentation, should be retained carefully.

These documents may be required in the future when selling the property, applying for a mortgage, carrying out major renovation works or dealing with public authorities.

Keeping both electronic and paper copies in a secure place is generally advisable.

After the Main Formalities, Assistance Continues

The legal responsibilities of the Notary are primarily concerned with preparing, receiving and completing the deed in accordance with Italian law.

The practical management of the property after completion generally belongs to the new owner.

Nevertheless, international clients often require assistance during the first weeks following the purchase.

Whenever possible, our office is pleased to provide practical guidance, courtesy documentation and general assistance to help clients deal with the administrative steps that commonly arise after completion.

While these activities fall outside the formal legal duties of the Notary, they often make the transition to property ownership in Italy considerably easier.

Buying a property does not end when the deed is signed.

It continues through a series of practical steps that gradually transform a successful legal transaction into the peaceful enjoyment of a new home or investment in Italy.