Selling a home requires particular attention to avoid legal, financial, and other types of problems. One of the main questions when taking this big step is: “How can you protect yourself when selling a home?”
This is because those who are not familiar with the real estate sector often feel lost and confused when faced with the numerous clauses, restrictions, limits, and potential pitfalls of the property market and home sales. Projections for 2025 indicate a further rise in residential sales and an increase in property prices, especially in major cities. According to the Nomisma Real Estate Market Observatory, the sector shows signs of recovery with strong demand for both purchasing and renting (source: Sky TG24). In particular, Milan continues to be the main driver of the Italian real estate market, with average prices expected to rise by 5.9% in 2025 (source: Studio Tecnico Varra). Other cities, such as Genoa, Bologna, and Verona, could also see significant increases in sales prices, estimated at 8.4%, 7.8%, and 7.6%, respectively.
These trends are supported by stable housing demand and improved access to financing.
In this context, protecting the seller’s interests is essential for a safe and profitable transaction. So, how can you sell your home securely while avoiding risks and unpleasant surprises? Keep reading to discover all the essential steps to safeguard your home sale and achieve the best possible price.
1. Check the Legal Documentation: Essential Papers for a Safe Home Sale
Verify existing documentation
The seller must ensure they have all the necessary documents proving the property’s legitimacy and compliance with urban planning and cadastral regulations.
Key documents include:
• Deed of ownership (inheritance, donation, or previous sale)
• Cadastral survey
• Updated floor plan
• Mortgage report, to confirm that there are no liens or encumbrances on the property
It is also crucial to check urban planning compliance, ensuring that any construction or renovation work has been properly authorized. This includes verifying:
• Building permits
• Certificate of occupancy
• Compliance certificates for electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), mandatory when selling a property, assesses the property’s energy efficiency and must be prepared by a qualified professional.
Read on to find out where to get all the necessary documents to sell your home.
Drafting a Clear and Detailed Sales Contract
In addition to verifying existing documentation, it is essential to draft an appropriate sales contract that protects all parties involved.
Typically prepared by a notary or lawyer, the contract must include precise details about the property, such as the price, description, purchase date, and the specific terms and conditions of the sale.
It is also important to clearly outline any special clauses or existing restrictions.
The clarity and completeness of the contract are crucial to avoid future disputes and ensure a transparent and secure transaction.
Finally, registering the contract with the real estate registry office is decisive for its legal validity and for the official recognition of the property transfer.
2. Protect Yourself from Financial Risks When Selling Your Home
Choose secure payment methods to sell your home safely
To safeguard the transaction during a home sale, it is essential to select safe and reliable payment methods.
The recommended method is a bank transfer, preferably an instant bank transfer, which ensures speed and security in transferring funds.
This method allows the seller to receive the payment immediately, reducing the risk of delays or fraudulent transactions. Another secure option is a non-transferable cashier’s check. This type of check guarantees that the amount is genuinely available in the buyer’s bank account, providing a form of assurance for the seller. It is important to avoid traditional personal checks, as they may bounce and do not offer the same level of security. For international transactions, the notary’s role is crucial. The foreign buyer can deposit the agreed amount into the Italian notary’s dedicated account, who will then transfer the funds to the seller at the time of the official deed. This method ensures a secure and efficient transaction, minimizing the risk of fraud or delays.
Security Deposits
Security deposits are an important tool to protect both the seller and the buyer during a property transaction. The “caparra confirmatoria” (earnest money deposit), in particular, is a form of guarantee made by delivering a sum of money at the time of signing the purchase proposal.
If the buyer backs out, the seller can keep the deposit as compensation; if the seller fails to fulfill their obligations, the buyer can request the return of double the amount paid.
It is important to distinguish the “caparra confirmatoria” from the “caparra penitenziale” (penalty deposit). The penalty deposit is an agreed-upon sum that acts as consideration for a possible withdrawal, but it does not allow legal action to enforce the contract or claim damages.
The earnest money deposit, on the other hand, offers more comprehensive protection and can be used to request contract fulfillment or compensation in case of breach.
Additionally, it is essential that the deposit is handled in a fiduciary manner, for example through a real estate agent or a notary, to ensure the funds are used correctly and that both parties are protected in case of default.
3. Use a Real Estate Agency or Sell Your Home Privately?
Many people ask themselves: “Is it better to sell a home privately or with the help of a professional?”
Selling a home privately
can save on commission fees, but it requires legal knowledge and real estate marketing skills.
On the other hand, relying on a real estate agency ensures professional management, an accurate property valuation, and greater security during negotiations. Working with a qualified real estate agent can significantly simplify and speed up the home-selling process. A licensed agent will not only help you correctly assess your property’s market value, but also manage all stages of the sale—from marketing the property to handling negotiations with potential buyers.
The agent will also serve as your point of contact for showings and buyer proposals, presenting only qualified offers and negotiating the best possible sale price. This approach not only reduces stress and time spent, but also increases the chances of selling your home at the best market price. Learn more about how to recognize licensed real estate agents.
With Hasamia, You Can Sell Your Home Safely—and Affordably!
Selling a property can seem like a complex and risky process, but with Hasamia, it becomes a simple, transparent, and costeffective experience.
Hasamia is essentially an e-commerce platform for home sellers. With a clear and accessible model, we don’t charge the usual high percentage-based commissions based on your property’s value. Instead, we offer two straightforward service packages at a fixed price, which you can purchase conveniently online.
• €999 if you want to find a buyer in Italy.
• €1,500 if you want international visibility.
Yes! You read that correctly! The same transparent, fixed price from the start, regardless of your home’s value.
Try the package comparator on Hasamia’s Packages page to see how much you can save compared to traditional agency commissions.
And if you still prefer to sell your home privately, you can do it for free with Hasamia! By choosing
the basic package atpacchetto basic a 0€ , you can post your listing on our platform without any costs or commissions, and of course, without requiring exclusivity. You can have your listing online within 48 business hours (just make sure to send us all the required documents— check out our guide “Where to Find the Documents Needed to Sell Your Home”).
You’ll get guaranteed visibility among buyers searching in your area and dedicated support for planning property viewings.
This approach allows you to save thousands of euros compared to traditional agencies, while keeping full control of the transaction and still receiving support from experienced real estate professionals at every stage.
From property valuation to posting listings on major portals, scheduling viewings, providing negotiation advice, and even assisting with the notary closing, Hasamia offers tailored support, with no hidden costs and the assurance of high-quality service. Want to find out how much your home is worth and
start selling right away?
