When this help may be useful
- After the purchase you discovered damp, leaks or structural defects
- The floor plan does not match the actual state of the property
- There are building irregularities the seller did not declare
- The seller did not hand over promised documents or certificates
Watch out for time limits
Under Italian law, defects in a sale must be reported to the seller within eight days of discovery and legal action must be started within one year of delivery of the property. These are short limits: that is why it is important to contact a lawyer immediately, even before starting repair work, so as to preserve the evidence.
What can be obtained
Depending on how serious the defect is, you can ask for a price reduction, termination of the contract or compensation for damages. With the support of a technical expert I document the defects and assess with you the most advantageous route, always starting with an attempt at agreement.
The process, step by step
- Photographic and technical documentation of the defects
- Formal notice to the seller within the time limit
- Attempt at agreement
- Court action if necessary
Frequently asked questions
What are hidden defects?
They are defects that were not visible at the time of purchase with normal care, and which make the property less fit for use or reduce its value. Defects that were obvious at the time of sale are generally not covered by the guarantee.
Can I repair the defect straight away?
Before intervening, it is best to document everything with photos and, if possible, a technical report. Without evidence it will be hard to obtain reimbursement of the costs.
If the seller acted in good faith, am I still entitled to compensation?
A price reduction or termination can be obtained even if the seller did not know about the defect. Compensation for damages has different requirements, which we assess case by case.
The information on this page is general, refers to Italian law and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case.