Selling a home: the documents to prepare before listing it

Many deals slow down not because of price, but because the property's paperwork isn't ready. Preparing it before listing saves everyone time. The first document is an up-to-date land registry floor plan that matches the property as it actually is: any mismatch (a moved wall, an enclosed balcony) needs to be resolved before the deed, not discovered mid-negotiation. You'll also need the land registry extract and, if the property is part of a condominium, the condominium bylaws and the latest approved budget. The energy performance certificate (APE) is mandatory from the moment the listing goes live: the energy class must appear by law in every ad. If the property was inherited, you'll need the inheritance declaration and the deed of provenance; if it was purchased, the original deed of provenance is enough. If there's an outstanding mortgage, it's worth contacting the bank early to understand the early repayment or transfer process. Finally, if renovation work was carried out, keeping the building permits (CILA, SCIA, planning permission) at hand avoids last-minute requests from the notary or the buyer. Having a folder with these documents ready from day one is often the difference between a deal that closes in a few weeks and one that drags on for months.