What to ask when buying a house: 10 useful questions

Buying a home is often a highly emotional experience, but it is essential not to overlook the practical aspects related to the property. In this article, we will explore what questions to ask when buying a house to ensure you have all the necessary information for a conscious and informed decision.

Whether it's purchasing your first home or making an investment to expand your real estate portfolio, buying a house is far from simple. From the initial excitement of taking this step to the curiosity of browsing renderings and photo galleries, and finally the stress of navigating dozens of property listings, emotions run high. Amid this whirlwind of feelings, it's easy to forget that beyond dreaming of panoramic terraces or spacious walk-in closets, there are crucial aspects to consider

Buying a home is a significant investment, and instinct alone is not enough for a good deal. It's essential to maintain a clear and rational perspective. That's why, before making a final decision, a careful and thorough approach is crucial — summed up by one golden rule: ask!

Here’s what to ask when buying a house

There are numerous and diverse issues to address before proceeding with the purchase of a home. In this article, we will explore the 10 key questions to start with to gather all the necessary information and avoid unpleasant surprises — especially if you're navigating the process independently without professional support.

Who is the legitimate owner of the property?

Verifying property ownership is not just a formality but a crucial step to avoid unpleasant surprises during the purchasing process. Accurately identifying the legitimate owner helps prevent hidden encumbrances, potential inheritance disputes, or third-party rights over the property that could jeopardize the transaction

Useful documents for verifying this information include the property title search and the deed of origin. The former confirms whether the seller is the actual owner of the property and whether the house is subject to mortgages or legal claims; the latter clarifies how the owner acquired the property.

Is the building and cadastral documentation compliant?

Another important question to ask before buying a home concerns the property’s urban and cadastral compliance, to avoid future legal issues. For example, consider the case where the property is not suitable for its intended use or, even worse, has been subject to building violations. In practice, the condition of the property at the time of purchase must exactly match what is indicated in both the cadastral floor plan and the building permit issued by the municipality for its construction, as well as any subsequent renovations or modifications

This verification falls within the notary’s responsibilities, who, during the sale process, gathers and verifies all the documentation related to the property. However, there's nothing stopping you from taking action in advance: during the first visit, you can ask for information and uncover any irregularities. In the case of discrepancies, it will be the seller’s responsibility to resolve the situation before the purchase contract is signed.

What is the property's energy efficiency rating?

Knowing the energy efficiency rating of a property is a key factor when evaluating a purchase. It not only helps estimate future consumption but also directly affects the property's market value — a home with a high energy class is more valuable. This information is even more relevant given the recent approval of the EU's Green Homes Directive, which aims to reduce emissions from residential buildings by 2030/2033.

The energy class is certified through the Energy Performance Certificate (APE), a document prepared by a qualified technician that the seller must provide for the sale contract to be valid. This certificate can be useful for accessing home improvement bonuses related to energy efficiency projects.

Are the systems compliant with regulations ?

Asking about the condition of the systems and their compliance with current regulations is crucial from the very first viewings. Not only does it provide peace of mind during the decision-making process, but any irregularities could also serve as a negotiating tool to lower the asking price.

While urban and cadastral documentation is essential for the validity of the sale deed, the same requirement does not apply to the compliance of the systems. However, this does not mean the issue should be overlooked. The seller should still provide the system certifications, usually issued after installation. If not, it is strongly recommended to note this lack in the sale deed, as it could be considered a defect of the property.

Have significant renovation works been carried out recently?

When buying a home that is not newly built, it is essential to ask about any renovation works that have already been carried out. This is not only to ensure that the work was done in compliance with current regulations (thus avoiding unpleasant legal or bureaucratic surprises in the future) but also to assess the actual condition of the property. This allows you to plan any potential future interventions after the purchase and to negotiate a price that accurately reflects the current condition of the home.

An example? The roof. Has it been properly insulated, or are the tiles just placed on old beams? Also, pay attention to leaks: suspicious stains on walls and ceilings should be immediately checked.

Are there any planned development projects in the surrounding area?

When creating a list of questions to ask when buying a house, one very important aspect is often overlooked: the neighborhood. The choice of property cannot ignore a careful analysis of the surrounding context, because even the most aesthetically appealing house loses value if the area does not meet your needs or expectations. In addition to considering services, safety, and public transport connections, it's important to inquire about any planned development projects in the area

For instance, buying a home in a Milanese neighborhood like Dateo, recently boosted by the new M4 metro line, or near the former Porta Romana railway yard, site of the 2026 Olympic Village, could be a strategic investment poised for long-term capital appreciation. That said, development isn't always completely positive. For instance, the introduction of a major shopping mall can undermine a neighborhood’s appeal by eroding its liveability or aesthetic value.

Can I see the building’s rules and regulations, and a summary of the maintenance expenses?

When preparing to buy an apartment, the condominium rules are often overlooked, but be careful: this document contains valuable information about life in the condominium and the use of common areas, which can significantly influence the purchasing decision, especially if you have specific needs or future plans. For example, if you're considering buying the property for short-term rentals or starting a business like a B&B, it's essential to check that the rules don't contain clauses that limit such activities

Additionally, it's important to inquire about the regular condominium fees, as they could significantly impact the financial sustainability of the investment. It is equally important to verify that the seller is up to date with payments; any outstanding arrears could be passed on to the buyer.

Are there any extraordinary maintenance projects already planned?

Within the condominium context, it's important to check if any extraordinary expenses have already been approved or are under consideration. Projects such as roof repairs or the installation of new elevators can involve significant costs that should not be overlooked when making your decision.

In general, extraordinary expenses approved by the condominium assembly before the signing of the purchase contract remain the responsibility of the seller. However, if the decision is made after the contract date, the burden falls on the buyer. To avoid issues in the future, it is advisable to include a clause in the purchase contract that clearly specifies how extraordinary expenses will be divided, ensuring protection for both the seller and the buyer.

What is the potential rental income of the property?

If the goal is to purchase a property for rental purposes, this question is key to validate the investment. Online research into market rates is a good starting point, but a real estate professional can offer deeper insights into expected profitability. This is especially useful when the rental income is intended to cover the mortgage payments.

It is also essential to consider the target tenant you want to attract. The choice of market segment — whether it’s students, families, or workers — can significantly influence not only the type of property to buy but also the expected return. Each category has its own dynamics, and understanding them allows for more informed and, above all, profitable decisions

What are the total costs for purchasing the property?

After reviewing the technical and bureaucratic details and assessing the property’s potential profitability, it is useful to have a clear understanding of all the costs associated with the transaction. Only then can you proceed with the purchase with greater peace of mind and awareness, avoiding potential problematic situations.

The first step is to inquire about any commissions to be paid to the real estate agent. Then, it is important to be aware of all the taxes involved in buying a home, from notary fees to registration taxes. If you're considering buying the property through a mortgage, it's essential to evaluate the impact of the monthly payment on your budget and whether it will be sustainable in the long term.