Navigating Italian Real Estate: Buyer Beware of Agent Practices

An American buyer recently shared her challenging experience navigating the Italian real estate market, highlighting several unconventional practices by local agents. In a video detailing her property acquisition, she recounted difficulties in receiving responses from agents, a common barrier for foreign buyers. More significantly, the buyer reported being asked for a substantial deposit to be paid directly to the real estate agency, rather than through a notary's secure account, which is standard practice designed to protect buyers. Her legal counsel advised against this, citing the notary's role in safeguarding funds. Furthermore, the agents allegedly attempted to include their commission fees within the total sale price of the property, a move the buyer's lawyers deemed unprofessional and potentially misleading. The buyer ultimately refused this demand. The process was further complicated by agents pushing for an unusually short 20-day closing period, creating undue pressure on the buyer, especially during holiday seasons. Despite these hurdles, the buyer successfully acquired her property, but advises caution to others considering real estate purchases in Italy.