The eight steps to buying property in Italy

We’ve covered the eight key steps to successfully buying your property in Italy from research with financial and property experts and clients who have already been there, done that!

Step one: Find the right kind of property

The internet is always going to be the first place that most people turn to when looking for a new property overseas. However, it’s important to do your research on the different estate agents who operate in the regions of Italy you are interested in and who sell the types of property you are looking for. It’s also really important to visit Italy and spend some time in the area where you wish to buy to get a better feel for it.

Step Two: Estate agents and viewing properties

It’s critical to find a good real estate agent, especially when buying property internationally. Your trip – or trips – to view property in Italy is equally important. Your trip – or trips – to view property in Italy is equally important. Read Halo Financial’s top tips for finding the right agent and find out more about making the most of your property viewings in Italy.

Step three: Visit specific areas and properties

Once you have found reliable estate agents, visit the property (or properties) you are interested in. Visiting a property also gives you the chance to speak to local residents and get a true feel for the area and what it’s like to stay or live there. Try to visit at different times and consider visiting both on and off-peak tourist season, so you know how busy it is, how much it will appeal to holidaymakers, and what amenities will be available to you locally at different times of the day and year.

Step four: Ensure everything is in place to buy your chosen property

When you’ve found the property of your dreams, it’s time to make an offer! But there are financial considerations first. Read more about Money Matters when buying a property in Italy.

Step five: Make an offer on your Italian property

Once your finances are in place, and you have engaged a lawyer to work on your behalf, it is time to make an offer. You should look for a representative who speaks good English – especially if you can’t speak Italian – to ensure nothing is lost in translation. Finding a lawyer who can converse may be slightly more expensive. The offer of purchase (proposta di acquisto) must be in writing. Then, if the offer has been accepted it can be verbally communicated. Once the offer is accepted the vendor must undertake an agreement not to sell the property to anybody else until a certain date. The preliminary contract (Compromesso) is then drawn up. This is a legally-binding document which states the agreed sale price, the completion date and any information and rights the property has, and any other relevant clauses.

Step six: Do your due diligence

It’s always important to make sure that you have a solicitor to arrange a survey and building inspections on your property. If any issues are found then you will be able to pull out without incurring any financial damages.

Step seven: Your deposit

Once the Compromesso is signed, a deposit (usually of around 10 per cent) will need to be paid. Should you decide not to pursue the purchase at any point after this stage, then you will lose the deposit (unless the reason is due to the break of a pre-existing clause in the contract). The seller could also seek legal action which, if successful, would enforce you to complete the purchase. If the seller backs out, you will be refunded the deposit and they will then need to pay you the same amount again on top of this.  Questions about buying property in Italy? Get in touch and see how we can help.

Step eight: Completing on your Italian property

When the title search has been carried out to your satisfaction, the deed of purchase (Rogito) is signed by both parties. It is at this point that the final balance is paid, and any other outstanding fees are taken care of. The Notaio issues you a copy of the deed and sends further copies to the tax office and land registry. Once all this is in place, the purchase is complete and you will be handed the keys to your very own Italian abode. The Rogito is usually executed between one and three months after the execution of the Compromesso.

Questions about buying property in Italy? Get in touch and see how we can help.