Documents
Understand what each document proves
See when it is used, which details to compare and what you cannot conclude from that document alone.
Planning and construction
How is a project planned, authorised and accepted?
Plans, designs, permits and acceptance documents: what each proves and when it is needed.
Design permit (visa)
An extract from the current development plan with design parameters for a particular property. It is an important starting point, but does not authorize construction.
Detailed development plan (PUP)
The plan that governs the boundaries, purpose and development of a given territory. It is a basis for design, but does not endorse a specific building.
Approved investment project
The approved design documents on which the building permit is based and against which construction must be carried out. They show the layout and technical solutions.
Building permit
The administrative act authorizing a precisely described construction project under specified conditions and approved designs. It is important, but not sufficient for a complete check.
Construction site opening protocol
Certifies the opening of the construction site and the determination of the construction line and level when this protocol is required for the construction.
Act Form 14
Certifies acceptance of the building's structural frame. It is not final acceptance and does not, on its own, confirm that every condition for the legally defined rough-construction stage has been met.
Rough-construction stage certificate
Official document for the "rough construction" degree reached under Art. 181 ZUT. It is especially important when transferring an object before the building is completed.
As-built documentation
It reflects the permissible insignificant deviations between the approved project and the actual construction.
Act Form 15
A record stating that the construction is ready for acceptance. It describes the work and supporting documents, but does not authorize use of the building.
"Act 16" and commissioning
"Act 16" is a colloquial name for various documents. It is important to distinguish between the Form 16 Protocol, the use permit and the commissioning certificate.
Technical passport of the building
It collects the main technical characteristics, the inspections carried out and the measures for maintaining the building. Does not guarantee that it is free of defects.
Certificate of energy performance
An official assessment of the building's energy performance at a specific point in time. It indicates likely performance and costs, but does not predict your individual bills.
Certificate of tolerance
A document for certain older buildings constructed without the required papers but meeting the statutory conditions for tolerance. It is not a building permit or use permit.
Property and ownership
What is being sold, and who may transfer it?
Compare the exact property description, title documents, registrations and the seller's authority. One document rarely answers every question.
Cadastral sketch and scheme
A sketch is issued for a land parcel or building, while a scheme is issued for a self-contained unit. Both help identify the exact property, but neither proves ownership.
Notarial deed
An official deed that transfers or certifies rights to property. Read it together with previous title deeds and current registry entries.
Encumbrance certificate
An official document showing registrations, annotations and cancellations for a specified property, person and period. Its usefulness depends on the exact scope requested.
Tax valuation certificate
A municipal document stating the tax valuation and registered details of the declared property, used for transactions and other procedures. It is not a market valuation or proof of ownership.
Certificate of heirs
Official document for the heirs of a deceased person. It is important for inherited property, but does not by itself show who owns the particular item.
Certificate of marital status
An administrative document recording marital status, spouse and children. It helps identify possible spousal rights, but does not prove the property regime by itself.
Power of Attorney for a property transaction
The document authorizing a representative to act for a party to the transaction. It must accurately cover the property, actions and required form, but is not proof of ownership.
Contracts and finance
What obligations do you take on before completion?
Reservation, brokerage, the preliminary contract and the bank valuation serve different purposes and do not replace one another.
Property reservation agreement
An agreement to take a property off the market temporarily in exchange for a payment. It should state clearly when that payment will be refunded, deducted from the price or retained.
Preliminary contract
The contract in which the parties commit to a future transaction. It should clearly set out the property, price, payments, deadlines and protections for the buyer.
Contract with a broker or intermediary
It sets out the broker's services, commission, payment terms and any exclusivity. Bear in mind that a viewing form may also contain contractual terms.
Market valuation for a mortgage loan
Appraisal of the property as collateral for the bank. It affects financing but does not guarantee sale price, legal status or future value.
Handover and management
What happens after you receive the keys?
Documents covering condition, defects, warranties, charges and building management.
Property handover record
Records the property's condition at handover, the keys and documents received, meter readings and any defects found.
Warranty documents and defect report
Contracts, warranty cards, reports and correspondence show when a defect was discovered and reported and what was done about it.
Condominium documents
The rules, minutes, budget, contracts and condominium register show how the building is managed and which decisions and costs affect you.
Maintenance and management agreement
Private contract for services, fees and use of common areas in a building or complex. It can tie you into a long-term expense separate from ownership.