Buying a second home abroad can be exciting, but also risky. Before signing a purchase contract for a house in Italy, it is wise to check the legal aspects carefully. Here are some tips for a safe purchase.

A verbal agreement is not binding

In Italy, only written agreements are legally valid. Thus, a verbal promise by the seller to settle or change something is not enforceable. Make sure all agreements and conditions are in writing in the contract.

Check the seller and the property

Check carefully that the seller is the rightful and sole owner of the property. It has happened in practice that afterwards it turned out that the seller was not the sole owner. As a result, the buyer could not buy the house and had already paid a deposit. Also check if the house meets building codes. If it does not, it can cause major problems.

Get the right documents

To buy a house in Italy, you need a “codice fiscale,” an Italian tax number. Without this code, many things are not possible, such as opening a bank account and buying a telephone subscription. So request this code well in advance. Also, the notary must mention this number in the deed of transfer.

Two steps to a purchase contract

Usually the purchase of a house in Italy proceeds in two steps:

1. Preliminary contract of sale: this sets out the most important agreements, such as the price and conditions. This contract is not yet binding.
2. Final sales contract: the notary arranges the formal transfer and registration of the house in the buyer’s name. From this moment on the purchase is final.