8 Documents to Prepare Before Signing a Property Sale Agreement in Tunisia

Signing a preliminary sale contract in Tunisia legally binds both parties. A buyer who signs without verifying the essential documents risks inheriting title defects, undeclared mortgages, unauthorised works or ongoing co-ownership disputes. Here is the complete list of 8 documents to obtain and verify before signing anything.

1. Titre Foncier Extract (TF) — Non-Negotiable

The central document of any Tunisian property transaction. Issued by the Conservation Foncière of the property's location.

Verify:

• Registered owner matches the seller.
• Property description and area match what is on offer.
• No mortgages, liens, seizures or easements registered.
• No ongoing litigation or judicial proceedings.
• Request a copy less than 3 months old.

How to get it: The seller provides a certified copy; you can also request a mortgage state (état hypothécaire) directly from the Conservation Foncière at modest cost.

2. Building Permit (Permis de Bâtir)

Verify the building permit was obtained from the relevant municipality before construction, and that the building matches the permit.

Risk if absent: Unpermitted construction can be subject to demolition orders and makes bank financing very difficult.

For extensions: Any added room, veranda or floor level needs its own separate permit. If absent, negotiate a price reduction or a regularisation clause.

3. Syndic Charge Receipts (Last 12 Months)

In a condominium, syndic debts are attached to the lot — you inherit them on purchase. Request a dated charge statement directly from the building syndic showing the seller's account.

Check:

• Any arrears owed by the seller.
• Works voted at assembly meetings but not yet started (you will pay your share).
• Ongoing co-ownership disputes.

4. Condominium Rules (Règlement de Copropriété)

Sets permitted/prohibited uses (commercial activity, short-term rental, facade modifications). Check this before purchase if you plan non-residential use or short-let operations.

5. Seller Identity Documents and Legal Capacity

• CIN or passport must match the registered owner on the titre foncier.
• Company sellers: articles of association, commercial register extract, authorised representative's power.
• Co-ownership: all co-owners must sign or have granted valid power of attorney. One co-owner cannot sell the whole property.
• Deceased spouse or divorce: verify no pending estate or unresolved matrimonial regime affects the title.

6. Major Works Invoices (Last 5 Years)

Request invoices for significant works (renovation, roof, plumbing) done in the last 5 years. A serious seller will provide these readily. Use them to verify professional execution and any transferable guarantees.

7. Water and Electricity Bills (SONEDE/STEG — Last 6 Months)

• Verify no outstanding arrears (subscriptions transfer, debts don't automatically).
• Check consumption levels — abnormally high figures may indicate a leak or faulty equipment.
• Confirm subscriptions are in the seller's name.

8. Power of Attorney (If Seller Acts via Proxy)

If the seller acts through a representative:

• The special power of attorney must be notarised and explicitly mention the sale of this property (address, TF number, minimum authorised price).
• Must not be expired.
• If issued abroad: apostille required + certified Arabic translation.

After Collecting All 8 Documents

1. Have them reviewed by your notary or a property lawyer before signing.
2. Use any deficiency as legitimate negotiating leverage.
3. Any refusal or resistance from the seller to provide these documents is a red flag.

Updated: May 2026. Sources: Conservation Foncière Tunisia, National Chamber of Notaries, SONEDE/STEG documentation.