Signing the deed marks the end of the sale — but the real work often begins after you leave the notary’s office. In the days and weeks that follow, new owners (or their representatives) face a compact, intense set of tasks: updating municipal records, sorting taxes
and condominium responsibilities, checking insurance, and setting up utilities and communications. Handle these items promptly and you’ll avoid surprise bills, interrupted services, and unnecessary disputes. Below is a clear, practical roadmap to move quickly and with confidence.
What to do first: residency and municipal records
Who should act: the new owner or an appointed legal representative.
What to do: notify the local civil registry (anagrafe or equivalent), update your electoral registration
if needed, and make sure the municipality has your correct address.
Why it matters: municipal records determine local taxes, voting registration and access to services. If they’re wrong, you can end up chasing missed bills or lose important notices.
How to proceed — quick steps
1. Gather paperwork: deed, ID, previous address proof and any power of attorney.
2. Check the municipality’s website or call to confirm required forms, documents and opening hours.
3. File
in person or use the online portal if available. Ask for a stamped copy or a digital receipt — that confirmation is your best proof of timely compliance.
Tip: delayed registration is a common cause of billing errors for local levies. Store receipts (digital and physical) immediately.
Taxes, condominium duties and health services
– Tell the municipal tax office about your new address; bring ID and tax code and, if required, vehicle registration.
– If your unit is in a multi-unit building, notify the condominium administrator. Provide proof of residence and any household changes so service charges and meeting rolls are updated.
– Update local health-card records or regional health registrations as required.
Why this matters: failure to update these accounts can produce incorrect property tax assessments or missed notices. For shared buildings, informing the condominium administrator ensures fees and communications are attributed to the right person as of the deed date. Always request account statements to uncover any outstanding debts tied to the property.
Insurance — what to check right away
– Review home, vehicle and liability policies immediately.
– Confirm the named policyholder(s), beneficiaries and whether coverage transfers automatically or requires notification within a deadline.
– Compare exclusions and deductibles to ensure coverage suits the property’s age, condition and intended use (primary home, rental, seasonal).
Keep copies of the deed, tax receipts, condominium statements and insurer correspondence. Back up documents electronically and keep a physical set in a separate location — it speeds dispute resolution.
Utilities, internet and mail — avoid service gaps
– Arrange electric, gas, water and telecom services before you move to prevent interruptions or emergency reconnection fees.
– Know the right action for each supplier: transfer (voltura) when an account is active, subentro (reassignment) if the previous contract was closed, or a completely new activation for previously unconnected properties.
– At handover, record meter readings and take photos — documented readings are the cleanest way to avoid later billing disputes.
Also check broadband and mobile coverage options (fiber, ADSL, 5G) since installation times vary. Update your postal address with banks, social security, employers and frequent retailers, and set up mail forwarding to catch anything sent to your old address.
Practical closing checklist (do these within the first few weeks)
– Register at the local civil registry and request confirmation.
– Notify municipal tax office and request account statements.
– Inform condominium administrator and check for outstanding assessments.
– Update health-card/local health register.
– Review and, if needed, change insurance policies.
– Arrange or transfer utilities and record meter readings at handover.
– Update postal address with banks, employers and government agencies; set up mail forwarding.
– Keep originals and scanned copies of key documents in two locations.
Move efficiently, keep receipts, and don’t hesitate to ask for written confirmations. A few proactive steps now will spare you time and headaches later.