Blog · October 14, 2026
Why does the floor plan have to match the land registry?
Ask the Scout · Episode 4
The short answer
EP04 · Why does the floor plan have to match the land registry? Because in Italy the sale deed must say that the floor plan filed at the land registry (the catasto) matches the house as it is now. If the deed leaves this out, the sale can be void. The sellers declare it in the deed, or a qualified surveyor certifies it.
In plain English
Law 52/1985, art. 29, requires every deed selling an existing building to refer to the plans filed at the land registry and to state that they match the actual property; since 1 July 2010 this is required on pain of nullity. Only people with rights on the property (or their delegates) can view the registry floor plan, so ask the seller for a copy early. For your own case, check with a notary.
Ask the Scout #4 by Piedmont Scout #MoveToItaly #Piedmont #ItalyRealEstate
- Ask for a copy
Only owners can see the land registry plan, so ask the seller early.
- Compare it with the house
The plan must match the house as it is now.
- Declared in the deed
The sellers declare it, or a qualified surveyor certifies it.
- Reference to the floor plan filed at the land registry
- Statement that the plan matches the house as it is
- Treat the plan as just old paperwork
Transcript
Buyer: We love the house. And the floor plan is just paperwork, right?
Scout: Not in Italy. If the deed gets it wrong, the sale can be void.
Buyer: Void? So what does the deed need?
Scout: It must say the plan at the land registry matches the house as it is now.
Scout: The sellers declare it, or a qualified surveyor certifies it.
Scout: Only owners can see the plan, so ask the seller for a copy early.
Buyer: So we check the plan before the deed!
Scout: Exactly. For your own case, check with a notary.
Made with AI: the characters are animated and the voices are AI-generated.
Sources
- Normattiva, Legge 27 febbraio 1985, n. 52, art. 29
- Agenzia delle Entrate, Planimetria catastale (scheda informativa)
Facts checked: 14 October 2026. General info, not legal or tax advice. Check your own case with a notary or commercialista.
More from Ask the Scout
- Is the purchase tax on the price I pay? (episode 10)
- Can I pay for an Italian house in cash? (episode 8)
- What if I back out after paying the deposit? (episode 6)
Related guides
- Is it safe to buy Italian property online?
- Buying a second home in Piedmont: where to start
- How Piedmont Scout works
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