The sales file: essential documents
When you buy a property, you’ll need to provide a number of documents for both buyer and seller. This step can seem very complex, which is why we’re here to shed some light on the subject.
When you buy a property, you’ll need to provide a number of documents for both buyer and seller. This step can seem very complex, which is why we’re here to shed some light on the subject.
Essential documents
What documents make up the sales file?
The signing of a compromis is the step that commits the buyer to purchase a property and the seller to sell. For this, numerous documents are required to ensure that both parties are fully aware of the details of the property and the transaction.
Of course, the mandatory documents vary from one deed of sale to another. The documents required are not the same for a house, an apartment or a plot of land.
Documents to be supplied by the purchaser
The buyer must provide the notary with :
- Proof of identity, marital status and address
- How it’s financed
- The purpose of the project
Documents to be provided by the seller
- Deed of ownership ;
- Property tax
- Documents relating to work and modifications
The next step is to draw up a technical diagnosis file, with a list of mandatory diagnostics to be carried out prior to the sale, a list that is constantly evolving. Here are a few examples of diagnostics that should be carried out by a professional:
- Energy performance diagnosis (DPE)
- Lead exposure risk report
- Asbestos status
- Condition of gas and electricity installations
- Condition of thesanitation system
- Parasitic condition relating to termites
- Natural and technological risk assessment
- Information on the presence of a merule risk (fungus)
- Noise diagnosis
If it’s a condominium sale, you’ll need to provide all the documents relating to the property, which you can obtain from the syndic.
The deed of sale: document sealing the transaction
The deed of sale is signed before the notary. This is the document that certifies the transaction and therefore the change of ownership. The notary checks that all the above-mentioned documents have been submitted. The deed of sale specifies the identity of the buyer and seller.
The deed of sale is signed between 2 and 3 months after the signing of the compromis. This interval allows the notary to carry out the necessary checks to ensure that the transaction runs smoothly, the diagnostician to update the diagnostic file if necessary, and the buyer to obtain a mortgage.
This document contains the same information as the compromise. It also mentions the transaction price, the notary’s or broker’s fees, the characteristics of the loan, and any other information specific to the current transaction (cadastral references, etc.).
Unless otherwise stipulated, the sale price and notary fees are paid at the time of the deed of sale. The keys can be handed over at the same time, or on another date that suits both parties. Of course, in the case of a sale of a property already rented, there will be no handover of keys, just a transfer of ownership with the tenant in place and transfer of the rental contract.
The file must be complete
To avoid unpleasant surprises when you sign at the notary’s office, and for your own peace of mind, be sure to prepare this file thoroughly. These documents are useful for both buyers and sellers.
Surround yourself with real estate professionals to help you put together the perfect sales file.
It can take some time to complete the mandatory diagnostics, which is why having a real estate agent at your side is a considerable asset.
To put together an effective sales file, call on our team!
We’ll save you time and avoid the slightest error when it comes to signing at the notary’s office.
Bonus : we’re with you every step of the way!