Originally Posted by Paola

Hi Everyone, I am an estate agent in Italy and am pretty familiar with the "right to sell" problem that crosses many people. You see, in Italy to sell a house you need to have the original deed which is the deed that states that you are the owner of the house. Many abandoned homes are taken in possess by one relative and can not be sold unless they go by "usucapione" Ususcapione is a way of having possession of a property and get the original deed. This process takes quite some time. In fact, you have to proove that you have possess of the house and the judge decides wether or not to give you the original deed. It could take more than one year.
What I reccomend to all those purchasing a home in Italy, is to ask to see the original deed before making an offer. I would not purchase a house that is not legally "sellable" by those that say they are the real owners but are not. If I can be of further help for anyone, feel free to ask. Happy house hunting to all!
Paola