For international clients and foreign nationals who buy property, conduct business or face legal disputes in Alghero and North West Sardinia, working with a local lawyer, avvocato, is essential. The problem is that most law firms in the area operate in Italian only, leaving you dependent on translators, notaries who are neutral rather than advisory, and agencies whose incentives do not align with your legal protection. As an independent law firm based in Alghero with over fifteen years of experience in real estate, commercial and civil litigation, we work exclusively in English with international buyers, entrepreneurs and individuals who need legal guidance that is written, clear and tailored to how Italian and Sardinian law actually works in practice.
Who we serve
We work with foreign nationals at various stages of their relationship with Alghero and elsewhere in Sardinia. The largest portion of our clients are buyers looking at villas, apartments or land in and around Alghero, from the historic centre and seafront to Olmedo, Nurra and the surrounding countryside. These buyers have often found a property they like but realise they need someone to verify the legal status, review contracts and protect them from invisible risks like planning abuses, donation histories, servitudes, and condominium regulations that only become clear after a full legal investigation. We also work with entrepreneurs who have established businesses in tourism, hospitality or real estate in the region and need ongoing legal support for contracts, employment issues, tax, and regulatory compliance. A third group consists of individuals with family property in Alghero or elsewhere in Sardinia, dealing with inheritance, succession and the administration of assets across Italy and abroad. For all these clients, the common thread is that they speak English, they are not familiar with Italian legal procedure and they want written advice, not telephone interpretations or informal arrangements.
Why you need an independent lawyer in Alghero
In Italy, the legal system distributes different functions among different professionals, and understanding who does what is the first step to protecting yourself. The notary is a public officer who verifies that certain legal requirements are met and who registers deeds and mortgages. The notary must remain neutral and cannot advise you on whether a transaction is in your best interest or help you negotiate better terms. Real estate agents are paid only when a deal closes, which creates an incentive to close deals rather than to identify and investigate legal risks. Your bank or lender will conduct a basic due diligence to ensure they can recover funds, but their standards may not match your personal risk tolerance or your long term plans for the property. An independent lawyer working for you and only for you is the professional whose role is to investigate whether the legal status of the property is sound, whether contracts protect your interests and whether the transaction aligns with your intentions. This distinction is particularly important in Alghero and the surrounding area, where the property market has seen decades of informal building, family transfers, and modifications that may not be fully documented in municipal records. A property that looks perfect during a viewing can conceal planning irregularities, disputed ownership, unregistered servitudes or condominium regulations that restrict how you can use it.
In a market where many properties have been inherited, donated or modified over time without always passing through formal legal processes, being able to read Italian cadastral records, planning files and deed archives, and to assess what those documents mean for your acquisition, is not a luxury. It is essential protection. For international clients, the added layer is that you do not have years of familiarity with how things work in Italy, which means you can easily assume that a preliminary contract is binding when it is not, that “as is” language protects you when it does the opposite, or that a condominium rule you are shown is merely a suggestion rather than a binding constraint. An independent English speaking lawyer in Alghero bridges this gap by making sure you understand every step, every document and every risk before you sign.
What we do for buyers
The largest part of our practice is assisting international buyers through property acquisitions in Alghero and the surrounding region. This starts with legal due diligence on a specific property you have found or are considering. Due diligence means obtaining and reviewing the full chain of ownership documents, the cadastral records and any previous planning permissions and building licences to verify that what the seller claims to own, they actually own, and that what they have built or modified has been properly authorised. We check whether the property sits in a coastal zone, archaeological area or landscape protection zone that might limit future extensions or renovations. We identify any servitudes, rights of way or easements that cross the property or benefit it, understanding in practical terms what these legal rights mean for your use of the land and buildings. We verify whether any donations, inheritances or previous family transfers have left unsettled questions about ownership, and we assess how the recent 2025 reform on donated properties affects the security of your acquisition. We examine condominium or consortial regulations to understand what restrictions apply to your use of the property, including rules on short term rentals, external modifications and shared spaces. All of this information is compiled into a written report that explains the legal status of the property in language that makes sense to a non lawyer, highlights genuine risks and areas of concern, and gives you a clear recommendation on whether to proceed, renegotiate or withdraw.
Parallel to due diligence, we assist with the negotiation and review of contracts. When you have found a property and are ready to make an offer, we help you structure the terms so that they protect your interests, including conditions related to the results of due diligence, schedules for inspections and surveys, and clarity on what “as is” language really means. When the seller responds with a preliminary contract, we review it carefully to identify clauses that are unbalanced, unclear or risky, and we negotiate modifications that bring the agreement closer to fair allocation of risk and benefit. We ensure that payment schedules are tied to tangible milestones such as the completion of due diligence or the issuance of building certificates, not simply to the passage of time. We coordinate with the notary to ensure that the preliminary agreement and the final deed are consistent and that all of our findings and negotiations are reflected in the documents you ultimately sign. Finally, we support you through the closing process, explaining what happens at the notary, assisting with practical matters such as obtaining a tax code and arranging for proper registrations after the deed is signed.
What we do for business and commercial clients
Beyond real estate acquisitions, we work with foreign entrepreneurs and businesses operating in Alghero and the surrounding region. This includes drafting and reviewing commercial contracts with local suppliers, employees and business partners, advising on the legal structure of businesses such as partnerships, sole proprietorships and limited companies, and assisting with employment law matters including the hiring and termination of employees under Italian law. We help clients navigate regulatory requirements specific to hospitality and tourism, property management and rental activities, including short term rental compliance and the rules around condo hotels and residential complexes. We also advise on tax implications of business operations in Italy, working with accountants and tax advisors to ensure that structures are compliant and efficient. For businesses facing disputes with local contractors, landlords or government authorities, we provide litigation support, representing clients in civil disputes and administrative proceedings. Our approach here is the same as with real estate: we explain the Italian legal framework, assess your position and options, and guide you through dispute resolution whether through negotiation, mediation or formal court proceedings.
What we do for inheritance and succession matters
When clients have family property in Alghero or elsewhere in Sardinia, and especially when there are beneficiaries in multiple countries, inheritance and succession can become complex. We assist with the administration of estates, the interpretation of wills and family agreements, and the transfer of property among heirs. We help coordinate with Italian authorities and notaries to ensure that succession procedures are followed correctly, that property is properly transferred and that tax obligations are fulfilled. We also advise on how to structure family ownership of property, including the use of family holding companies or the planning of future transfers to children or other family members, balancing Italian succession law with the wishes of family members and potential tax efficiency. In all these matters, we work in writing and with clarity so that families can understand their options and make informed decisions.
How we work with clients abroad
Most of our international clients cannot be in Alghero full time or even frequently. We structure our work around that reality. Communication is primarily by email and video call, allowing you to participate in key decisions and reviews without needing to travel. We share documents securely and explain our findings in written form so that you can review them carefully and share them with family members, advisors or lenders if needed. When your presence is required such as for signing documents or viewing the property, we can advise on the timing and we can sometimes arrange for you to sign documents through a power of attorney, meaning a representative acts on your behalf before the notary, with your full knowledge and written authorisation. We work in English throughout unless you prefer Italian, and we take responsibility for translating key documents when necessary. The goal is to keep you informed and in control of the process even though you are not physically present.
The written approach
All of our work is documented in writing. After legal due diligence, you receive a written report. After reviewing a contract, you receive a written memo explaining the key terms and any concerns. When we negotiate on your behalf, the outcomes are documented and explained to you before we proceed. This written record serves several purposes. It allows you to review and understand what we have found or advised. It creates a clear record that you can share with your bank, a family office or other advisors if they are involved in the decision. It protects both you and us by creating a clear trail of advice and decisions. It also allows clients who are not present in Sardinia to be fully informed rather than dependent on telephone conversations or informal assurances.
Typical situations we support
Over more than fifteen years in Alghero and Sardinia, we have assisted in many different scenarios. A couple from Germany bought a house in the historic centre of Alghero, close to the cathedral. Before committing, they asked us to verify the legal status. Our investigation revealed that the property had significant planning restrictions related to its location in a protected historic area, and that any external modifications would require approval from the Soprintendenza. This information allowed them to negotiate a price reduction and to understand upfront that renovation flexibility was limited. A British buyer found a villa with land near Olmedo that was listed as partly building land and partly agricultural land. Due diligence showed that the agricultural portion was subject to agrarian pre emption rights in favour of neighbouring farmers, meaning they could not freely develop it without offering it first to the neighbours at the same price. We discussed this openly and the buyer adjusted their expectations and the price offer accordingly. A Scandinavian family inherited a property in Alghero from a relative and wanted to understand their options for use, rental and eventual sale. We reviewed the inheritance documents and applicable succession law, explained the tax implications and helped them structure the property transfer correctly. A business owner from the Netherlands leased commercial space in Alghero for a restaurant and restaurant and needed to understand their obligations under Italian employment and food safety law. We reviewed their lease agreement and provided written guidance on hiring and regulatory compliance. In each case, the initial step was a conversation about what they were trying to accomplish, followed by targeted written advice that gave them the information they needed to make informed decisions.
Real estate litigation and dispute resolution
Beyond acquisitions and transactions, we also represent clients in property disputes, including conflicts with neighbouring property owners over boundaries, servitudes or use of shared spaces, disputes with condominium administrations over regulations or financial matters, conflicts with builders or contractors over quality of work or non performance, and administrative disputes with municipalities or landscape authorities over building permits or enforcement notices. We also handle disputes arising from rental agreements and property management, including conflicts with tenants and issues related to short term rental operations. Our approach to litigation is the same as our approach to transactional work: we investigate thoroughly, we explain your position and options in writing, and we guide you through the process. Most disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, and we explore those paths first. When formal litigation becomes necessary, we represent you in civil court proceedings. We also work with clients facing administrative issues, such as enforcement notices from the municipality or demands from tax authorities, providing written advice on your rights and options.
Why foreign buyers and clients choose us
International clients working with law firms in Alghero or across Sardinia often mention a few key reasons for their choice. They want someone who speaks English natively and who can explain Italian law in language they truly understand, not through an interpreter or in halting second language. They want written work, not telephone conversations, so they have a clear record of advice and can share information with others. They want to work with someone who is actually local, who knows Alghero and the surrounding region, who understands the specific legal landscape of this corner of Sardinia, not a firm that operates across the entire island and treats Alghero as one of many markets. They want to work with someone independent, not someone who is also a property agent or who has other incentives that might bias their advice. They want to know that their lawyer is investigating thoroughly and looking for risks, not simply rubber stamping a deal. And they want to understand what they are doing and why, step by step.
Over fifteen years, we have built a practice around exactly these principles. We are not a large firm and we do not claim expertise across all areas of law. We focus on what we know well: real estate transactions and due diligence for international buyers, commercial and employment advice for businesses, inheritance and succession for families with property in Italy, and civil litigation and dispute resolution. Within these areas, we work carefully, thoroughly and in writing. We take time to understand what you are trying to accomplish and to explain your options. We do not push toward transactions or disputes if you are not comfortable, and we advise you clearly when we think a deal or a course of action is not worth the risk.
Getting in touch
If you are considering a property purchase in Alghero or the surrounding region, or if you have a legal question about property, business, inheritance or a dispute, please write to us at contact@govonilaw.com with a brief description of your situation and what you would like to understand or accomplish. In your email, include the location of any property involved, where you are from, and your preferred language for communication. We will review what you have shared and reply with an initial assessment of how we can help, what the next steps would look like and what our fees might be. There is no cost for this initial exchange, and you are under no obligation. Our aim is simply to give you enough information to decide whether working together makes sense.