When buying property in Italy, especially in the countryside, a buyer may encounter a professional figure called a geometra. They are able to perform multiple tasks, which sometimes makes it confusing to understand what they can and cannot do.

A geometra is a cross between a land surveyor and a junior architect. Their primary focus is on buildings and building systems (utilities). Their training allows them to design "modest" buildings as well as to plan and oversee building works. A geometra does not have the full formal university training of an architect. A geometra often performs more "operational" tasks such as conducting a technical review of a property, checking to see if it complies with the building codes which were applicable when the building was constructed and perhaps subsequently modified. The review would normally include verification of the correctness of the data, including floor plan (planimetria catastale) on file with the catasto, the land registry for tax purposes. The review is not required for a home sale although it is a very good idea. Either the seller or the buyer may commission a sworn technical inspection report from a geometra. If it is commissioned by the seller and is not sworn, the buyer would be wise to have it reviewed by their own professional: trust but verify. In some provinces, particularly in most of Tuscany and some of Emilia-Romagna, a notaio may imply this report is required. It is not required by law and the anti-trust authority has ruled on this point.

Geometra