Italian Property Law Insights for Foreign Buyers

Your Italian Property Contract Requires Arbitration: Should You Agree?

6 October 2026

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Avv. Govoni

An arbitration clause can be valid and useful, but it is not automatically cheaper, faster or better for a foreign buyer. Before accepting one in an Italian offer or preliminary contract, identify the disputes it covers, the procedure, the arbitrators and the costs. Also check whether consumer protections apply to your transaction. Do not…
Buying an Italian House for Its Historic Interiors: Can You Change Them?

5 October 2026

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Avv. Govoni

You can own an Italian home without having unrestricted freedom to alter its interiors. Marble, cotto and frescoes are not protected simply because they are expensive or old, but heritage rules may affect the building or individual features. Before offering, establish which elements must remain and whether the renovation that makes the purchase worthwhile…
The Comune Cannot Find the Building Records: Should You Still Offer on an Italian Property?

4 October 2026

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Avv. Govoni

Sometimes, but first establish what is missing and what the search actually shows. A pending request, an incomplete file and records not located after a search are different situations. None automatically proves either compliance or unauthorised construction. Before signing, obtain an appropriate technical assessment of the available evidence and address essential unresolved requirements in…
The Seller Offers a Discount Instead of Fixing an Italian Property Irregularity: Should You Accept?

4 October 2026

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Avv. Govoni

Sometimes a lower price can reflect a defined, assessed issue, but it does not legalise the property or guarantee a solution. Before accepting, establish what is wrong, which route is available, what the property will lawfully provide afterwards and what remains uncertain. Compare the discount with that complete position, not merely a quotation for…
Buying Property in Lucca: Inside the Walls or in the Countryside? Checks Before You Offer

4 October 2026

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Avv. Govoni

Buying inside Lucca’s walls and buying in the surrounding countryside require different checks. An apartment purchase turns on the building, shared spaces and access; a rural purchase may depend on land, annexes and private infrastructure. Neither is automatically safer. Before offering, establish what the sale includes, what you can lawfully use and whether the…

Your Italian Property Contract Requires Arbitration: Should You Agree?

Buying an Italian House for Its Historic Interiors: Can You Change Them?

The Comune Cannot Find the Building Records: Should You Still Offer on an Italian Property?

The Seller Offers a Discount Instead of Fixing an Italian Property Irregularity: Should You Accept?

Buying Property in Lucca: Inside the Walls or in the Countryside? Checks Before You Offer