Buying Real Estate in Italy

Areas Suggested Searches Legal Process Latest Properties

Areas of Italy

In an idyllic location with a backdrop of snow capped mountains and wooded landscapes dotted with historic villas.

Tuscany's timeless appeal is born from hilly pastures, dark oak forests and sleepy, sun drenched vineyards.

The green heart of Italy, Umbria is a landscape of gently rolling hills, lush green olive groves and medieval hill top towns.

A breathtakingly beautiful city bordered by the Dolomite mountain range and the serene waters of the Adriatic.

Legal Process

1. Making the Offer to Purchase (Offerta)

Once you have found the property you wish to purchase you will start the process by making a formal offer to the vendor, the estate agent will act on your behalf and put forward the offer, a deposit will be made available, generally around (10,000 - 20,000 EUR). Once the vendor has accepted the offer it will be formalised in writing to the vendor in both English and Italian. If this is accepted the deposit (Caparra Confirmatoria) will be paid to the vendor. This will form a legally binding contract. Neither party may withdraw at this point, the sale can be forced by either party or a claim for damages can be made. If the purchaser withdraws their deposit will be lost, if the vendor withdraws the purchaser can claim twice the deposit in compensation.

2. Signing the Preliminary Contract (Compromesso or Contratto preliminare)

The next step will take place between 1 and 3 months after the offer has been accepted, this is a formal agreement between the vendor and purchaser to sell and buy the property, this agreement is the Preliminary Contract and will contain the conditions and terms of the sale. It is important at this stage that you have a full understanding of all the details contained in the contract. We would strongly recommend that you appoint a Notary who is fluent in English. This document will include the purchase price, a detailed description of the property including completion date and will cover any obligations placed upon the buyer and the vendor. All information relating to the property including any planning permissions for the property and the cadastral details (a public record, survey, or map of the value, extent, and ownership of land as a basis of taxation). Once the Preliminary Contract (Contratto preliminare) has been signed a further deposit (Caparra Confirmatoria) will be paid, this will generally be 10% - 20% of the purchase price. There will also be an estate agents Commission Fee (Provvigione) which will need to be paid at this point.

3. Signing the Final Deed of Sale (Rogito or Atto Notarile)

The purchaser must have a bank account in order to make the purchase on completion. The signing of the final deed of sale which will authorise the transfer of the property must be overseen by a Notary (Notaio). The buyer will select and hire the Notary, but they are members of an independent body of public/professionals who will draft the purchase deed, they will oversee the passing of the title legally from the vendor to the purchaser. The Notary will also verify the legality of the documentation and registration with the Conservatoria dei Registri Immobiliari and the Local Land Register.

4. Formalities to be observed after Completion

Foreign buyers should obtain a certified copy of the Purchase Deed (Rogito), which the Notary will have lodged with the authorities. Generally this will be available to collect around 2 – 3 weeks after completion. The Notary will also give you a form to complete for the the local authority (Questura) who will have been given formal notice of the purchase. Your Notary will help you to complete this form. You will need to contact the utilities companies to set up new contracts (power, water, telephone, gas etc.). If the property is a flat, the condominium manager (Amministratore del condominio) should be informed of change of ownership of the property.

IMPORTANT - Disclaimer : All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.

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Stylish 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Imperia, Liguria
Ref 254842
Stylish new 3 bedroom luxury villa set in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location in Imperia. Built with high quality fi...
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Ref 254759
Wonderful opportunity to acquire a combination of a commercial property and a historical house, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Venice. This stunning property is situated in th...
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Beautifully renovated 2 bedroom historical villa with garden, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Albenga. This charming property is situated just 3 km from the encha...
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Ref 254671
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Ref 254620
Nestling in over one acre of beautiful gardens with trees, is this charming 3 bedroom authentic villa enjoying countryside views from its peaceful location near Sinalunga. The property, measuring ...
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Ref 254610
A most appealing renovated apartment on the sea front of Santo Stefano al Mare, just a few metres from the beach and all amenities. This one bedroom apartment is located in a prime location close...
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Ref 254602
Lovely 3 bedroom villa, part of a property in the Volterra countryside, just 8 km from the centre and all amenities with garden, terrace and parking with countryside views. The 170m2 unit, acce...
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Stylishly renovated one bedroom apartment enjoying panoramic views from its top floor setting, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Bordighera. This spacious property with terrace a...
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Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location near Campagna Pisana, is this beautifully renovated 4 bedroom farmhouse with separate apartment, nestling in 2.5 acres of glorious gardens....
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Bright 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Imperia, Liguria
Ref 254551
Bright and spacious 3 bedroom apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious frontline location near the beach and all amenities in Imperia. Just 20 metres from the sea, in one of th...
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Ref 254550
Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its idyllic frontline location in Diano Marina, is this exceptional 5 bedroom luxury renovated villa with pool, garden and direct beach access. In the heart of...
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