Proposta di Acquisto (Purchase Offer)

A written offer signed by a prospective buyer proposing to purchase a property at specific conditions (price, payment method, timing). In Italy, especially when dealing through agencies, a proposta d’acquisto is often the first formal step – the buyer signs the offer and typically leaves a small earnest deposit (assegno) with the agent. The offer may be irrevocable for a certain period. If the seller countersigns within the validity period, accepting all terms, the proposta becomes a binding preliminary contract (contratto preliminare), or more commonly it stipulates that a proper preliminare will be signed shortly after. The initial deposit then usually becomes part of the caparra. If the seller doesn’t accept, the offer lapses and any deposit is returned. It’s crucial that a proposta be clear that once accepted it obliges both parties, and it should outline next steps (e.g., signing a full preliminare at a notary or agency office by a certain date). Many agents use standard forms. Buyers should be cautious committing via proposta – once accepted, backing out means losing the deposit or worse. So one should do as much due diligence as possible even at this proposal stage, or make the offer conditional (though conditional offers may be less attractive to sellers).