Guide for buyers
Italian property purchase offer: checks before signing
A signed offer may have binding effects. Parties, property, price, dates, deposit and conditions must be read together.
What to check
Parties and asset
Names, authority, title and property identification should match verified records.
Deposit
Amount, holder, legal function and consequences follow the drafted wording, not an informal label.
Conditions
Finance, due diligence and approvals need precise outcomes, owners and deadlines.
Calendar
Acceptance, notice, preliminary contract and completion must leave real time for checks.
Records to collect
- complete draft before signature
- available title records
- schedule of checks and conditions
- transaction timetable
Case-specific checks should be completed by appointed professionals before irreversible commitments. This information does not replace notarial, legal, tax or technical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is an offer only a reservation?
Not necessarily; obtain advice before signature.
Can it depend on due diligence?
Case-specific wording should be prepared by the notary or lawyer.
Who holds the deposit?
The document should identify holder, legal basis and return or application rules.
Primary sources
- Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato — Casa, accessed 4 September 2026.