Dear all,we are looking at buying a

In my opinion no you dont, unless you are buying a very complicated property in avery complicated way.  if you are planning to see a house, offer and buy with cash you have no need to shell out a fortune for a lawyer. The agent and notary should do all the necessary stuff.  Make sure you use a legal agent and one who is preferably in a professional association such as FIAIP - they will have indemnity insurance and a code of conduct.  

I agree - if its a relatively 'simple' purchase you don't need a lawyer - but you probably do need someone at the Notary meeting who can translate what is said. The Notary looks after your interests as well as the seller'sWhen I bought my place, I took the advice of Italian friends and didn't use a lawyer - all went well Good Luck

I agree with the others. Providing it is a simple purchase, a lawyer will not be necessary. The notary will do the necessary as far as the title and the transaction are concerned. On the other hand, if you intend to purchase an apartment, I would strongly advise you to check the current situation of the building, whether there is a body corporate or condominium structure, repair fund, regular payments into this fund, insurance... everything! Many buildings in Italy are not properly organized and when problems arise or repairs are due, trouble starts. If you have any doubts... stay away. It would be better to look into buying a town house or "terratetto" or "terra-cielo" as we call it in Tuscany. Perhaps you are going to have a look at something that will not be as centrally located as an apartment, but you should have less problems. You will own it from the roof to the ground, as the name suggests. Good luck!

Dear All,Feeling brave but trying to do my homework.Can anyone recommend a Notary in the Casole D'Elsa / Colle Siena area?Many Thanks,Mike 

I used a Notary recommended by the Estate Agent.  No problems whatsoever