These are made by a Geometra, who is a combination of an architect and a surveyor. They will inspect the condition of the property, the boundary lines and the ownership of the property. They will make sure that the property you intend to buy is free of easements or liens. They will make sure the property can be legally sold and then they will write the preliminary contract.
We now urge clients to also pay for a technical survey to be done on the property that they wish to buy to ensure no unpleasant surprises. These cost about 700 euros and cover the state of the electrics, sewers, internal kitchen and bathrooms. It can even cover the ability to put a pool in on the property. Any information regarding town planning rules only has a shelf life of about 3 months as town planning regulations change so regularly. Finally, if you do wish to put in for planning permission on a property, do it as soon as you buy the property in case you are no longer able to carry out your plans five years later.