Whilst it is possible to arrange a "private" sale (scrittura privata) between a purchaser and a vendor (without a guarantee of the safeguards listed above) this offers virtually no protection to the purchaser. Sol-Italia would strongly dissuade that any foreign buyer ever buy a property in this way, and would suggest that you should be very suspicious of any agent or vendor who suggests this course of action to you.
As the majority of the checks listed above are run before offering a property for sale, An accepted offer can move to completion of sale in around 3-4 weeks if both parties are ready, provided that the final check on the paperwork shows up no last-minute problems and a notaio is available to produce the sale documents and to witness the sale.
The “compromesso” or preliminary contract will state:
The full price of the property
Method of payment
The deposit (negotiable, but usually 20%, although can be up to 40% of sales price)
The details of the buyer and the seller
The final contract (completion) is called Rogito. It usually takes place in the prescence of a Notary Public 2-3 months after the signing of the Compromesso. The Notary Public has the duty to guarantee title to the incoming purchaser, by first checking that the property is free from liens and encumbrances. Once the Rogito has been signed, the buyer consigns to the seller the balance of payment. We recommend the use of a bilingual Italian lawyer with experience in property sales, in order to ensure that your purchase runs smoothly.
