The Purchase Process in 4 phases
PURCHASING PROCESS
1) Selection and viewings
After defining the brief, suitable properties are identified and viewings are arranged by appointment.
Following visits, the Buyer receives a structured overview of acquisition costs, typically including:
Following visits, the Buyer receives a structured overview of acquisition costs, typically including:
• principal technical data and surface areas;
• purchase price (and any included furniture, where applicable);
• estimated technician/surveyor fees (if required);
• notary and interpreter costs;
• taxes and transfer costs (registration tax and/or VAT, stamp duties, filing fees);
• agency commission.
This “all-in” picture supports a clear, balanced decision — not one driven solely by emotion.
PURCHASING PROCESS
2) Negotiation and offer
Once a property is selected, price and terms are negotiated, including timing and (where appropriate) suspensive conditions. These conditions protect the Buyer: if they are not satisfied by a defined deadline, the parties may withdraw without penalty.
Common examples include:
• urban planning and cadastral compliance;
• any applicable pre-emption rights;
• technical survey of structure and systems;
• mortgage/financing conditions, if relevant.
Once terms are agreed, a formal offer is prepared (typically in Italian and English) covering: parties, description, price and payment terms, conditions and the latest completion date. Identification and residence details are required.
To secure the transaction, a first deposit is often placed into the notary’s escrow account. At that point the property is normally taken off the market: publicity is suspended and no further viewings or negotiations with third parties are permitted.
PURCHASING PROCESS
3) Preliminary contract and due diligence
The notary prepares the preliminary contract containing the essential elements of the deal. Signing may take place in person or via compliant remote procedures. A second deposit is commonly paid into escrow following signature.
The preliminary contract is registered within the legal timeframe, while the agreed investigations are completed (absence of burdens). Italian law protects both parties: an unjustified withdrawal by the seller typically requires return of the deposit plus an equivalent amount as compensation; an unjustified withdrawal by the buyer may allow the seller to retain the deposit.
PURCHASING PROCESS
4) Completion (deed of sale)
A completion date is agreed. Prior to signing, the Buyer transfers the balance of the purchase price to the notary’s escrow account and settles taxes, notarial fees and associated out-of-pocket costs. If a party cannot attend, a representative may act under a valid power of attorney.
On signing, keys are delivered along with available property documentation. In the days following completion, the notary registers and transcribes the deed; once formalities are completed, the purchase funds are released to the seller.
Professionals who may support the transaction
• Notary: public official ensuring legal validity and proper registration; the Buyer has the right to choose the notary.
• Technical surveyor (on request): inspections and reports on the true condition of the property.
• Interpreter (if required): to ensure full understanding throughout.
• Legal/financial advisers: optional, useful for specific scenarios.
• Mortgage broker: independent support for financing; typically only existing, habitable properties are eligible.
• Foreign exchange specialist: for overseas Buyers, managing exchange-rate risk and transfer costs can protect the overall budget.
Before Committing
Timing, seller identity, rights of way/servitudes and tax treatment should be checked methodically — not left to assumption. A smooth purchase is built on the right checks, completed at the right moments.
For Clients wishing to proceed, the service can be structured around clear criteria and priorities, and managed end-to-end through to completion.