Knowledge Base
The Preliminary Contract (compromesso)
In most parts of Italy, the preliminary contract is the first major document signed between the seller and buyer with a view to the prospective sale and purchase of the property.
This document may be titled in different ways:
- Compromesso
- Contratto preliminare di compravendita
- Preliminare di compravendita
- Promessa di vendita
In each case, it is important to note that this is NOT the final deed of sale (rogito), which will be discussed in a separate article here.
The contents of the preliminary contract do not differ substantially from the final deed insofar as the preliminary contract includes comprehensive information about the parties, the property, etc.
The compromesso will typically contain the following clauses:
- Identity of the parties: promissory seller (promittente venditore) and promissory buyer (promittente acquirente)
- Description of the property: address and cadastral details
- For condominium properties, details of communal areas, including joint ownership shares (tabelle millesimali)
- Selling price and payment methods
- Details of any deposit payable (acconto or caparra confirmatoria)
- Date by which the final deed of sale will be signed
- Indication of who pays the costs of the purchase
- Condition of the property on delivery
- Warranties of good title
- Compliance with building and planning regulations
- Fitness for human occupation
- Any financing required by the buyer to purchase the property
Final comments
If you are struggling to understand your rights and responsibilities under the preliminary contract, reach out to arrange a translation of this important document by clicking on Request a Quote.
Previous: Types of Property Conveyancing Documents
Key terms:
Compromesso: Preliminary contract
Promittente venditore: Promissory seller
Promittente acquirente: Promissory buyer
Acconto: Deposit
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