Getting a property survey in Italy
It is not mandatory to get a property survey on a resale property in Italy. However, some international buyers choose to employ a surveyor for their own peace of mind, to check for any structural issues that may arise or already be present in the property.
In Italy, the professional to seek out is a ‘geometra’. The role is a little more complex than the English word ‘surveyor’ conveys.
Unique to Italy, the geometra is a cross between a land surveyor and a junior architect. Their role is to look at the building and utilities to ensure everything is up to scratch and in safe and working order.
How do you get a building survey in Italy?
A technical survey is not a mandatory document to buy a house in Italy. However, some mortgage lenders will insist on a survey by an expert before approving a loan. The lender will mainly want to know that the valuation shows that the property is worth the asking price. Therefore, for your own peace of mind, it’s a good idea to have a detailed structural survey done.
As building materials, ground conditions and building regulations can vary from region to region, it’s a good idea to hire a local qualified expert to give you their opinion before proceeding to buy. When you put an offer on a house in Italy, make sure that any pre-contract agreement states that it is conditional to the survey. This is especially important if you are taking advantage of one of the many cheap deals on derelict Italian homes.
Inspection by a geometra
Many people get a geometra to do the survey and value the property. They will also provide a quote for getting planning permission and an estimate of the restoration costs.
The geometra will also check if the property is registered correctly with the land registry and that the cadastral data is correct. In Italy it is not uncommon for there to be parts of the property that were built without permission. They will even check that the seller had certificates showing that the gas, water and electricity are up to standard.
The cost of a geometra can vary greatly depending on how much work is involved after you’ve made the purchase. They may do an initial free visual inspection in the belief that you will then feel obliged to give them further work. They will then charge you down the line. Ask other buyers in the area for recommendations and get a few quotes in writing. Make sure the quotes detail everything to avoid extra being added later.
Inspection by an engineer
You may want to request an inspection by an engineer (ingegnere) if you are looking at an old building. This is especially important if it’s located in an area that has a history of earthquakes or landslides, as some parts of Italy do.
The engineer should be able to tell you if the building has new standards of earthquake protection or, indeed, has defects that may be costly to put right.
Inspection by an architect
An architect (architetto) may be the person to go to regarding construction quality and compliance to building regulations when looking at a new/modern building. Also, it’s worth speaking to one if you hope to extend the property extensively or build further buildings.
Get your inspection results in writing
Many older properties will have some defects due to their age and it’s important to be aware of these before you buy. You can then work it into your budget, as well as using them as a good bargaining point when making an offer that reflects the true value of the property.
Repairs like seismic reinforcements, a new roof, replacement windows or rebuilding a cracked wall are all big expenses. Make sure that you get all the findings and quotes are in writing, with itemised listings for every detail of work to be carried out. Many buyers underestimate the cost of renovating a property and rely on guessed estimates by estate agents and the seller.
Types of survey
Perizia tecnico: This is a survey that reports on the condition of the structure, plumbing, electrics etc. It can be carried out by a registered architect, geometra or engineer. It will determine whether the property is worth the asking price and will be stamped and signed.
Perizia asseverate (expert sworn): In this type of survey, the surveyor will take responsibility for the contents of the survey. It will include the phrase “sotto la propria personale responsabilità”.
Perizia giurata: This goes one step further, whereby the “perizia asseverate” includes an oath made in front of a registrar and notary. The surveyor is swearing to the truthfulness of the survey.