Buying an Apartment: 5 Mandatory Checks Before Signing

The complete real estate due diligence checklist: land register extract, planning, debts, pending litigation, seller identity.

1. Updated land register extract (max. 30 days old)

Verify: actual owner, surface area, easements, active mortgages.

2. Building permits + completion certificate

Without a final completion certificate, the apartment may be classified as an unauthorised structure (demolition risk).

3. Urban planning certificate + General/Zonal Urban Plan

Verify the zone designation (residential, mixed use) and restrictions (height, density).

4. Residents' association debt history + utilities

Request:

• Debt-free certificate from the residents' association
• Utility bill check (electricity, gas)
• Local taxes paid

5. Seller identity and capacity

• National ID + verifiable personal identification number
• Notarised power of attorney (if selling through an agent)
• Absence of guardianship or curatorship
• Spouse's consent (matrimonial property regime)

We handle all pre-contractual checks for a fixed fee.