What is the process of buying property in Italy like? Step by step.

The process of acquiring a house or apartment in Italy consists of several key stages. Although it resembles Polish procedures, it has specific elements worth knowing before entering into negotiations.

Step 1: The purchase proposal (Proposta d’acquisto)

This is the first formal step. The buyer submits a written proposal together with a payment of a small deposit. If the seller accepts it, the proposal becomes legally binding on both parties.

Step 2: The preliminary contract (Compromesso)

This is the most important stage before the visit to the notary. The preliminary contract (contratto preliminare) sets out all the terms of the sale, the final price, and the date of the notarial deed. At this point, a deposit (caparra) is usually paid, most often amounting to 10–20% of the price.

Step 3: The notarial deed (Rogito)

The final stage is the signing of the final contract in the presence of a notary. In Italy, the notary acts as a public official who verifies the correctness of the documents and ensures that the appropriate taxes are paid.

Typical differences between the Polish and Italian markets

• The role of the purchase proposal as a binding document.
• The requirement to hold an Italian tax identification number (Codice Fiscale).
• The specific nature of Italian title deeds and cadastral entries.