When buying a resale home or apartment in Italy, many international buyers expect certain guarantees: that the boiler works, the toilet doesn’t leak, and the electrical system is safe. In practice, especially with older properties that have been unoccupied for a long time, these expectations are rarely realistic.
Key terms and seller responsibility in Italian property sales
Italian property contracts often include specific legal phrases that buyers should understand before signing:
“Come visto e piaciuto” / “Nello stato di fatto in cui si trova”
Literally, “as seen and liked” or “in the state in which it is found.” These clauses mean the property is sold “as is.” The buyer purchases the property itself, not guarantee that all appliances or systems are fully functional.
“Con obbligo del venditore di conservarlo fino ad allora con la diligenza del buon padre di famiglia”
This phrase refers to the seller’s duty to maintain the property in the condition it was shown and not to remove elements or damage it before the handover.
Practical Tips for Buyers
Checking utilities and technical systems is often impossible: electricity, water, or gas may be disconnected. Asking for repairs of old plumbing or appliances is usually pointless — the price of resale property already reflects the age and condition of the home.
Hidden defects (vizi occulti) are serious issues known to the seller but intentionally concealed, such as structural problems making the property uninhabitable. A dripping faucet or a malfunctioning boiler is not considered a hidden defect.
Even in new builds, warranties on equipment are limited in duration. On the resale market, lower prices naturally account for wear and age.
Understanding these principles helps international buyers approach Italian property with realistic expectations. It clarifies how seller responsibility works differently than in countries like the UK or the US and helps buyers navigate the Italian market with confidence.
Key terms and seller responsibility in Italian property sales
Italian property contracts often include specific legal phrases that buyers should understand before signing:
“Come visto e piaciuto” / “Nello stato di fatto in cui si trova”
Literally, “as seen and liked” or “in the state in which it is found.” These clauses mean the property is sold “as is.” The buyer purchases the property itself, not guarantee that all appliances or systems are fully functional.
“Con obbligo del venditore di conservarlo fino ad allora con la diligenza del buon padre di famiglia”
This phrase refers to the seller’s duty to maintain the property in the condition it was shown and not to remove elements or damage it before the handover.
Practical Tips for Buyers
Checking utilities and technical systems is often impossible: electricity, water, or gas may be disconnected. Asking for repairs of old plumbing or appliances is usually pointless — the price of resale property already reflects the age and condition of the home.
Hidden defects (vizi occulti) are serious issues known to the seller but intentionally concealed, such as structural problems making the property uninhabitable. A dripping faucet or a malfunctioning boiler is not considered a hidden defect.
Even in new builds, warranties on equipment are limited in duration. On the resale market, lower prices naturally account for wear and age.
Understanding these principles helps international buyers approach Italian property with realistic expectations. It clarifies how seller responsibility works differently than in countries like the UK or the US and helps buyers navigate the Italian market with confidence.