Off plan investors in Italy experience a simple buying process, not much different from that of other major European countries, regardless of the bureaucracy that can bog proceedings down. As always, a trusted local lawyer should be employed to help with all proceedings and make things go as smoothly as possible, thus avoiding any potential mishaps that can occur in the process.

First and foremost, a potential off plan buyer needs to get themselves a tax identification number – without this even the initial signings cannot be carried out, but fortunately it is a simple thing to get a hold of, and the employed lawyer should be able to handle it on the buyers behalf. Once this is obtained, the purchasing process can begin. Once a property has been agreed on, an initial signing is carried out between the buyer and seller, which agrees a price and takes the property off the market. A deposit of around ten to fifteen percent is also paid at this point, which is forfeit if the buyer pulls out after signing. After legalities have been seen to by lawyers, notaries and the like – usually taking around a month – the final contract can be signed by all parties, as well as a notary, and the sale can be completed with all outstanding fees paid, which include any applicable taxes and local registry costs. Within 48 hours of the sale, the documentation must be presented to the local police force – this is an anti-mafia provision and is purely a formality. Unless the buyer is in the mafia, of course, in which case things would get a bit odd.

Payable fees include applicable lawyer, estate agent and notary fees. Other taxes and costs may be incurred on top of these charges.