The process of buying a home in Italy!!

When you after weeks, months and sometimes years, finally have found the house of your dreams, then what?
   
Step 1 - Closing the deal / Initial contract:
There are two possible ways of closing the deal, either by a "compromesso" or by a "proposta d'acquisto".
A "compromesso" is a binding letter of intent, and is a valid Italian contract that binds both parties.
The "proposta" is more often used if the price is still under negotiation and is seen as an offer to buy at a certain price or at specific terms, the vendor can accept or not accept the offer. When accepted and sign by both parties this is also a valid Italian contract binding for both parties.  
Both contracts will contain a description of the house and land, that the vendor has the right to sell, and state that the property is to be sold free from encumbrances, if any furniture, machinery, appliances are to be included this ought to be specified at this point.

 
Step 2 - Downpayment:  
You are expected to make a downpayment at this point, a "caparra" normally in the range of 10 % of the price, but as anything else, this is also subject to negotiation. In case you do not proceed with the contract you will loose the deposit. If the vendor breaks the contract he will have to pay you double the deposit.
The deposit is made directly to the vendor by bank transfer or cashiers cheque..
   
Step 3 - The final contract/ The Atto:  
The Atto is a slightly more complicated contract than the compromesso and is drawn up by the Notaio, a public notary, he is obliged to make sure the property meets all legal acquirements, that it has all the necessary permissions, is free from any encumbrances, that no neighbour holds any claim on the property etc etc. The Notaio will be a guarantor for the deed and the formal transfer of the property happens at this point and funds are transferred.
 
Need to have:
Codice Fiscale, an Italian fiscal number that you will need for almost everything, at this point it will first of all be needed for the Atto but also if you need to open an Italian bank account. We will help you obtain the CF here in Italy, you have to be present, or you can get it from the Italian Embassy of Consulate in your homecountry.
Bank Account, in order to transfer the funds an Italian bank account is almost always necessary, as soon as you have the CF we can open an account for you.
A Mortgage, in case you need to get a mortgage to finance your dream we have good relations with a local bank and can help you during the process, be aware that this might require some extra time.