The role and responsibilities of a estate agent in Italy

Working with a real estate agent (agente immobiliare) is often the first step towards purchasing your dream home in Italy. However, it is worth knowing what requirements a professional must meet in this market.

Who can legally act as an intermediary in a sale?

Italian law strictly defines the profession of the agent. To operate legally, an agent must hold the appropriate licence and be entered in the register kept by the Chamber of Commerce (Camera di Commercio).

The main duties of a real estate agent

Under the regulations, an intermediary must be an impartial party. Their duties include:

• Providing the parties with accurate information about the legal and factual status of the property.
• Informing the parties of any encumbrances or defects that they know of or should know of.
• Bringing the parties together to conclude the transaction without a relationship of dependence on either of them.

Why is it worth checking an agent’s licence?

Operating without registration is illegal in Italy and results in the loss of any right to a commission. By using the services of a licensed agency, you gain additional security and the assurance that the transaction is carried out in accordance with Italian legal standards.