HOW TO BUY A HOUSE IN ITALY
1 - FIND A PROPERTY THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS
If you're looking to purchase a property in Italy and haven't yet found the perfect fit, here are some suggestions to help you in your search. To begin your search, consider exploring online real estate portals. Here are some of the most popular options in Italy:
You can narrow down your search by specifying the desired city, price range, and property size. Alongside each listing, you'll find contact information for the real estate agency responsible for its publication.
2 - SECURE THE SERVICES OF A SURVEYOR (GEOMETRA)
After identifying potential properties that align with your interests, it is crucial to engage a surveyor (geometra). Their expertise will safeguard your interests and provide guidance on necessary property inspections. The surveyor will thoroughly examine all property documents and, in the case of irregularities, ensure that any issues are resolved prior to finalizing the contract.
(Contact us for any questions about this service!)
3 - THE PURCHASE PROPOSAL (PROPOSTA DI ACQUISTO)
Widely used in Italy, the purchase proposal is an offer made by a potential buyer to the seller for the desired property. It offers the advantage of halting the negotiation process and proposing a lower price than the one initially requested. However, it is crucial to exercise caution, as once the proposal is accepted (signed) by the seller, it transforms into a legally binding preliminary purchase contract (contratto preliminare di compravendita) in all respects. Therefore, it is essential to conduct thorough property inspections with a surveyor before signing the proposal or, at a minimum, to link the proposal's validity to the future legal compliance and marketability of the property to avoid potential unpleasant situations. Typically, the buyer is required to pay the seller a deposit to confirm their commitment, typically amounting to a few thousand euros (around 5k).
4 - THE PRELIMINARY PURCHASE CONTRACT (CONTRATTO PRELIMINARE OR COMPROMESSO)
The preliminary purchase contract mirrors the format of the final contract but does not necessitate the presence of a notary. It serves to document the promises and conditions agreed upon between the seller and the buyer, pending the execution of the final contract and the resolution of any outstanding documents or irregularities. It includes the details of both the seller and the buyer, the property information, the purchase price and payment terms, and all additional conditions agreed upon by the parties. The preliminary purchase contract is typically drafted by the surveyors representing each party, ensuring the protection of their respective clients' interests. It is subsequently registered with the tax agency and will be referenced by the notary in the final contract. The buyer typically pays the seller a deposit to secure the commitment, typically amounting to around 10% of the purchase value, or approximately 10k euros.
5 - THE DEFINITIVE PURCHASE CONTRACT (ATTO NOTARILE OR ROGITO)
The definitive purchase contract is executed with a notary, marking the definitive transfer of ownership and the effective date for all the seller's obligations, including taxes.
The notary is selected and paid for by the buyer. The buyer's surveyor prepares a detailed report for the notary, encompassing all the contract's specifics and the documentation of the purchased property.
Have you purchased a house or land and are now looking to construct or renovate your property?
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