The room where you do not understand what is being said
Imagine sitting across a table in Italy while important decisions about your future are discussed in a language you do not speak. This is the exact scenario that holds back many international buyers who dream of owning a home abroad. You worry about signing documents you have not fully grasped, navigating complex local bureaucracy, and wondering who is truly representing your interests. Will you be left in the dark once the initial deposit is paid? Questions about how to handle a transaction without fluency in Italian, who works for whom in the real estate chain, and what the agency fees actually cover are completely normal. You are not just looking for a property in Molassana. You are looking for absolute peace of mind before taking such a major life step.
Who does what: agent, notary, interpreter
Navigating the Italian real estate system requires understanding distinct professional roles. In Italy, the notary is an impartial public official appointed by the state to protect both parties, verify public registers, and ensure the title is clean before any money changes hands. If you do not speak Italian fluently, the law and standard practice provide for the presence of an official interpreter during the closing, alongside a translated version of the deed. The real estate agent acts as a professional facilitator between buyer and seller, managing viewings, negotiations, and technical appointments. Home Gallery provides English-speaking liaisons, early property filtering through video tours before you travel, and complete coordination of local surveyors and technicians. Every step is clearly explained beforehand so you never feel sidelined.
Talk to someone in your language, before choosing a home
Buying from abroad requires a trusted local partner who understands your perspective. Home Gallery supports international buyers with a structured method designed for those living outside Italy. We organize your property visits into a single, well-planned stay, coordinate technical document checks with local professionals, and assist you after purchase with utilities, condominium matters, and ongoing maintenance. This approach lets you explore the green, family-friendly valleys of Molassana with complete confidence. To take your first step without any pressure, simply request an initial orientation call in your language to map out your plans.
Do you have a specific question?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign the purchase deed if I do not speak Italian?
Yes, you can. Italian law accommodates foreign buyers by allowing an official interpreter to translate the deed orally during the closing. Additionally, a written translation of the contract is provided beforehand so you can review every clause thoroughly with your advisors before putting your signature on the final document.
What is the difference between the notary and a private lawyer?
The notary in Italy is an impartial public officer who represents the state and must protect the legal interests of both buyer and seller equally. A private lawyer represents only one party. For standard residential purchases, the notary performs all necessary title and mortgage checks, while independent technical surveys are handled by a local surveyor.
In Italy, who pays the real estate agency commission, the buyer or the seller?
In standard Italian practice, both the buyer and the seller pay a commission to the real estate agency because the agent acts as an impartial mediator for both sides. The exact terms and amounts are always agreed upon in writing and clarified before any binding offer is signed.

