It is easier to use an International Estate Agent (although more costly) than to use an Italian Estate agent directly. The only prerequisite to watch out for is to make sure the Estate Agent is registered with the Italian Chamber of Commerce "Camera di Commercio".

Although not a guarantee of an agent's validity, a legitimate estate agent should be a member of either F.I.A.I.P. (Federazione Italiana Agenti Imobilari Professionali) www.fiaip.it or the A.I.C.I. (Associazione delle Istituzione Culturali Italiane) www.aici.it. If possible, it is best to use an established Estate Agent who has sold to English speaking clients before and has been recommended, they will be better prepared and will want your recommendation to other potential English speaking clients.

There are two words in particular that you must be familiar with they are "Compremesso" and "Rogito" These are the two contractual stages to owning a home in Italy. The Compremesso is the preliminary contract where by you s ecure your purchase with a deposit called a "caparra" . The Rogito is the final contract i.e: the sale of the house is finalised.

If you find your dream house and you want to make an offer the estate agent may ask you to sign a "Proposta irrevocabile d'acquisto". Contrary to its translation - "irrevocable proposal to buy" It is not binding and you have not reserved your home despite an offer price and even a written acceptance by the vendor. The proposal is only enforceable between the vendor and the estate agent. As such, within the time limit stipulated within the proposal, if the estate agent is approached by another buyer who makes a better offer for the same property, the agent can (although should not out of professional courtesy) make another "irrevocable proposal to buy" for the same property without your knowledge. You haven't reserved your property until you sign the "Compremesso".

If a price is agreed upon between the vendor and buyer for the property a preliminary contract or "Compremesso" is drawn up. The Compremesso is composed of:

• Description of the Vendor and Buyer
• Description of the property to be sold
• The Sale Price
• The deposit (caparra or deposito) varies but is usually around a third of the Sale price.
• Date of the Final Contract (Rogito)

The Compremesso is proof of intention to buy and is binding in a court of law if the Compremesso is registered with the local Registration Tax office. Once both you and the vendor have signed the Compremesso you are both committed to the transfer of the property. You may still withdraw at risk of loosing your deposit. The vendor may also withdraw from the Compremesso but will have to return the deposit plus pay a penalty of the same again. Under these terms a Compremesso contract is very rarely broken and inevitably leads to the signing of the final contract or " Rogito"
Cost = deposit of 30% of Sale price approx.