Codice Civile (Civil Code)

The fundamental code of private law in Italy, enacted in 1942, which governs contracts, property rights, family, inheritance, and obligations . Many rules relevant to real estate are found in the Civil Code – for example, provisions on sale (Art. 1470 et seq.), preliminary contracts, mortgages, condominium (Art. 1117 et seq.), leases (Art. 1571 et seq.), and property rights like usufruct and easements. The Civil Code is divided into six books; Book III covers property and Book IV covers obligations (including contracts). Italian real estate transactions are heavily influenced by the Code: e.g., the requirement of a notarial deed for real property transfers (Art. 1350) and the definition of ownership (Art. 832). Knowing the Civil Code rules or consulting a notaio/lawyer who applies them is essential in property deals.