{"id":2213,"date":"2025-07-02T10:18:22","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T10:18:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studio-mauro.it\/non-categorizzato\/the-real-estate-purchase-option-contract-benefits-risks-and-legal-protection\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T21:38:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T21:38:20","slug":"the-real-estate-purchase-option-contract-benefits-risks-and-legal-protection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/studio-mauro.it\/en\/insights-study-legal-paper\/the-contract-of-option-purchase-of-property-advantages-risks-and-legal-protection\/","title":{"rendered":"Property purchase option: benefits, risks and legal protection"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"362\"><strong data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"362\">Legal Framework of the Option Contract<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"364\" data-end=\"730\">The real estate option contract in Italian law represents a highly relevant instrument in real estate law. It is an agreement by which one party (grantor) undertakes to hold firm a contractual proposal in favor of the other party (optionee), who may accept it within a predetermined period. This mechanism is regulated by Article 1331 of the Italian Civil Code.   <\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"737\" data-end=\"794\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"737\" data-end=\"794\"><strong data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"794\">Article 1331 Civil Code. &#8211; Concept and Discipline of the Option<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"796\" data-end=\"1020\">Article 1331 of the Civil Code states, &#8220;If for a specified time the parties have undertaken to hold firm a contractual proposal, the contract is perfected at the time when the other party declares his willingness to accept it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1224\">This provision governs the so-called <strong data-start=\"1067\" data-end=\"1093\">option proper<\/strong>, giving the optionee the potentative right to conclude the final contract. For the covenant to be valid, it is necessary: <\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1484\">\n<li data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1318\">\n<p data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1318\">The agreement on all essential elements of the future contract (e.g., sale of property);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1377\">\n<p data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1377\">A definite time limit for exercising the option;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1484\">\n<p data-start=\"1380\" data-end=\"1484\">The written form ad substantiam, if required by the underlying contract (e.g., buying and selling real estate).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1544\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1544\"><strong data-start=\"1494\" data-end=\"1544\">Difference between Irrevocable Proposal and Option<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1864\">It is necessary to distinguish the option from the irrevocable proposal. The former arises from a bilateral contract, with a legal obligation on the grantor, while the irrevocable proposal is a unilateral declaration. Thus, the protection of the option is broader: it binds the grantor to fulfill the commitment made.  <\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1871\" data-end=\"1943\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"1871\" data-end=\"1943\"><strong data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"1943\">Legal Nature and Structure of the Real Estate Purchase Option<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1945\" data-end=\"2253\">The real estate purchase option contract is usually <strong data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2019\">unilateral<\/strong>, but may be bilateral in nature if it includes obligations for the optionee as well. It is often used as an <strong data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2150\">ancillary instrument<\/strong> to a preliminary contract to enable the buyer to assess the advisability of the investment. <\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2321\">Registration and Transcription in the Real Estate Records<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2323\" data-end=\"2624\">A critical issue is the <strong data-start=\"2347\" data-end=\"2401\">transcription of the option in the real estate records<\/strong>, which has been the subject of important case law decisions. Transcription serves to make the optioner&#8217;s right enforceable against third parties, preventing fraudulent sales to third parties during the option period. <\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2631\" data-end=\"2679\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"2631\" data-end=\"2679\"><strong data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2679\">Practical Relevance in the Real Estate Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"2976\">In the real estate context, the option is frequently used to &#8220;reserve&#8221; a property. For example, in the area of buying and selling under construction, it allows the prospective buyer to lock in the price and the property, gaining time to complete verifications or obtain financing. <\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3041\">Option as a Real Estate Reservation Tool<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"245\" data-end=\"721\">In the real estate sector, the real estate option contract in Italian law represents a <strong data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"361\">valuable property reservation tool<\/strong>, particularly useful in situations where the buyer has an interest in locking in the property for a certain period, without immediately assuming the obligation to purchase it. This happens, for example, when the potential buyer is waiting to obtain a mortgage, is completing urban planning or cadastral verifications, or wishes to assess market developments. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"723\" data-end=\"1144\">In fact, the <strong data-start=\"726\" data-end=\"765\">legal flexibility of the option<\/strong> allows the optionee to exercise the right to conclude the final contract only if and when favorable subjective and objective conditions exist, avoiding the risk of premature contractual default. In return for this option, the grantor legally undertakes not to sell the property to third parties during the effective period of the option. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1146\" data-end=\"1741\">However, in order for this &#8220;real reservation&#8221; effect to be effective, it is <strong data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1271\">essential to transcribe the option contract<\/strong> in the land records. The <strong data-start=\"1301\" data-end=\"1359\">transcription has the function of declaratory publicity<\/strong>, enforceable against third parties, and allows the optionee to be protected from any sales made by the grantor in favor of other parties during the period when the option is still exercisable. In the absence of transcription, the option takes effect only between the parties and does not prevent a bona fide third party from purchasing the same property, rendering the optionee&#8217;s right void.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"2112\">The transcription of the option is governed, by analogy, by the articles relating to the transcription of the preliminary of sale, as interpreted by the most recent case law (Cass. Sez. Unite no. 8030\/2019), which has recognized the transcribed option a <strong data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2067\">protection comparable to that of the transcribed preliminary<\/strong>, with effects fully enforceable against third parties.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2114\" data-end=\"2530\">Therefore, <strong data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2196\">the transcribed option becomes to all intents and purposes a legal shield<\/strong> that allows the optionee to &#8220;reserve&#8221; the property with certainty, without risking that the seller may take it out of the agreement by selling it to others. To underestimate this by limiting oneself to an untranscribed contract is to deprive oneself of legal protection against opportunistic or bad faith behavior on the part of the grantor. <\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3268\" data-end=\"3309\"><strong data-start=\"3271\" data-end=\"3309\">Contractual Criticalities and Ambiguities<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3311\" data-end=\"3428\">The option contract has some critical issues that, if not handled properly, can invalidate its effects:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3784\">\n<li data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3564\">\n<p data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3564\"><strong data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3463\">Indeterminacy<\/strong> of price: the sale price must be determined or determinable. Absence may render the agreement null and void. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3565\" data-end=\"3681\">\n<p data-start=\"3567\" data-end=\"3681\"><strong data-start=\"3567\" data-end=\"3600\">Lack of explicit deadline<\/strong>: if no deadline for exercise is set, the option may be ineffective.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3682\" data-end=\"3784\">\n<p data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3784\"><strong data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3723\">Missing or incomplete written form<\/strong>: real estate option requires written form, under penalty of nullity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3784\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3784\"><strong data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"252\">Relevant Jurisprudence on the Option Agreement<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"254\" data-end=\"465\">Case law has offered fundamental clarifications on the nature, effectiveness and enforceability of the real estate option contract. Two rulings in particular represent real pillars of interpretation: <\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"549\"><strong data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"549\">Cass. Civ., Sec. II, No. 5632\/1998 &#8211; The option as an autonomous contract<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"551\" data-end=\"715\">This ruling stipulated that the option contract is an <strong data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"654\">independent and separate contract<\/strong> from the final contract to which it refers. According to the Court: <\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"717\" data-end=\"1114\">\n<li data-start=\"717\" data-end=\"878\">\n<p data-start=\"719\" data-end=\"878\">An option is a <strong data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"772\">progressive contract<\/strong>, the completion of which occurs <strong data-start=\"805\" data-end=\"852\">only when the option is exercised<\/strong> by the optionee;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"1004\">\n<p data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"1004\">The grantor is <strong data-start=\"897\" data-end=\"925\">legally bound<\/strong> to hold firm to its proposal until the expiration of the agreed term;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1114\">\n<p data-start=\"1007\" data-end=\"1114\">The optionee, during the effective period of the option, holds a <strong data-start=\"1071\" data-end=\"1113\">fully protected subjective right.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1116\" data-end=\"1267\">This guideline clarified that the option is not merely an irrevocable proposal, but an agreement with its own independent binding effect.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1357\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1357\"><strong data-start=\"1278\" data-end=\"1357\">Cass. Civ., United Sect. no. 8030\/2019 &#8211; Transcription and opposability to third parties<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1429\">In this important decision, the United Sections ruled that:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1431\" data-end=\"1897\">\n<li data-start=\"1431\" data-end=\"1626\">\n<p data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1626\">The <strong data-start=\"1436\" data-end=\"1465\">transcription of the option<\/strong> in the real estate records is <strong data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1567\">effective to make the right of the optionee enforceable against third parties<\/strong> who subsequently purchased the same property;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1627\" data-end=\"1749\">\n<p data-start=\"1629\" data-end=\"1749\">In this way, the option takes on <strong data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1681\">&#8220;real&#8221; protection,<\/strong> similar to that of the preliminary transcribed under Article 2645-bis of the Civil Code;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1750\" data-end=\"1897\">\n<p data-start=\"1752\" data-end=\"1897\">The optionee who transcribes the contract can enforce his or her right even if the property was alienated to a person unaware of the option.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1899\" data-end=\"2067\">This ruling represents a breakthrough in terms of protecting the optionee by ensuring the <strong data-start=\"1994\" data-end=\"2022\">priority of his or her right<\/strong> against any third-party purchasers.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4374\"><strong data-start=\"4332\" data-end=\"4374\">Default and Legal Consequences<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><strong data-start=\"4380\" data-end=\"4423\">Default of the Promisor Seller<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4425\" data-end=\"4544\">If the grantor sells to a third party or refuses to conclude the contract after the option is exercised, the optionee may:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4546\" data-end=\"4669\">\n<li data-start=\"4546\" data-end=\"4588\">\n<p data-start=\"4548\" data-end=\"4588\">Take action for <strong data-start=\"4561\" data-end=\"4587\">damages<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4589\" data-end=\"4669\">\n<p data-start=\"4591\" data-end=\"4669\">Apply, if the conditions are met, for specific execution under Article 2932 of the Civil Code.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"4671\" data-end=\"4708\"><strong data-start=\"4675\" data-end=\"4708\">Default of the Optionee<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4710\" data-end=\"4879\">Failure to exercise the option within the time limit results in <strong data-start=\"4775\" data-end=\"4791\">forfeiture of<\/strong> the right. If consideration was provided for the option, it is not refundable. <\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4886\" data-end=\"4932\"><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"4886\" data-end=\"4932\"><strong data-start=\"4889\" data-end=\"4932\">Judicial Protection and Defense Tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"4934\" data-end=\"4981\"><strong data-start=\"4938\" data-end=\"4981\">Action of Default under Article 2932 of the Civil Code.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"190\" data-end=\"581\">Article 2932 of the Civil Code provides that <em data-start=\"232\" data-end=\"390\">&#8220;if one who is obligated to conclude a contract fails to perform, the other party may obtain a judgment producing the effects of the unfinished contract.&#8221;<\/em> This rule, originally designed for preliminary contracts, also applies to the <strong data-start=\"481\" data-end=\"505\">option contract<\/strong> once the optionee has validly exercised his or her right.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"583\" data-end=\"942\">In the context of a real estate purchase option, an<strong data-start=\"636\" data-end=\"755\">action for specific performance under Article 2932 of the Civil Code can be brought only after the option has been exercised<\/strong> in the time and manner stipulated in the contract. Before such exercise, in fact, the grantor&#8217;s obligation is only to hold the proposal firm, not yet to transfer the property. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"944\" data-end=\"1395\">Once the optionee has timely communicated his willingness to exercise the option, <strong data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1089\">a final contractual obligation arises<\/strong> for the grantor, who is required to enter into the purchase and sale contract. If the grantor unjustifiably refuses, the optionee may take legal action by requesting that the court issue a <strong data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1365\">judgment holding the final purchase and sale contract in place<\/strong>, pursuant to Article 2932 of the Civil Code.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1445\">For the action to be successful, it is necessary that:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"1447\" data-end=\"1836\">\n<li data-start=\"1447\" data-end=\"1564\">\n<p data-start=\"1450\" data-end=\"1564\">The option contract is <strong data-start=\"1478\" data-end=\"1512\">valid and duly concluded<\/strong> (written form, definite terms, determined price);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1565\" data-end=\"1634\">\n<p data-start=\"1568\" data-end=\"1634\">The option <strong data-start=\"1582\" data-end=\"1633\">was exercised regularly and timely<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1836\">\n<p data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1836\">The property is <strong data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1705\">still in the legal availability of the grantor<\/strong>, i.e., it has not been validly transferred to opposable third parties (unless the option has been transcribed).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"1838\" data-end=\"2129\">In the presence of transcription of the option in the real estate records, the optionee is also protected against subsequent alienations in favor of third parties, as the transcription makes his right <strong data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2059\">enforceable erga omnes<\/strong>, as clarified by case law (Cass. Sez. Unite, no. 8030\/2019).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2427\">If successful, the performance action is concluded with a judgment that has the same effect as the contract of sale, replacing the public deed. Such a judgment may be transcribed in the land records, and constitutes a valid title for the transfer of ownership. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2690\">It is important to point out that <strong data-start=\"2458\" data-end=\"2534\">the limitation period for the action under Article 2932 of the Civil Code is ten years<\/strong>, starting from the time when the right can be asserted, i.e., from the expiration of the period for exercising the option or from the actual exercise.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5135\" data-end=\"5175\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"5135\" data-end=\"5175\"><strong data-start=\"5139\" data-end=\"5175\">Action for Damages<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"486\">An<strong data-start=\"172\" data-end=\"208\">action for damages<\/strong> is a fundamentally important legal tool for the optionee who has suffered an injury resulting from the grantor&#8217;s default, or from the inability to validly exercise the option, for example, as a result of the alienation of the asset to a third party.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"488\" data-end=\"853\">According to the general principles enshrined in Articles 1218 and 1223 of the Civil Code, a person who <strong data-start=\"584\" data-end=\"640\">fails to exactly fulfill a contractual obligation<\/strong> is obliged to compensate for the damage caused, including the <strong data-start=\"700\" data-end=\"718\">loss suffered<\/strong> (consequential damage) and lost <strong data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"763\">profit<\/strong> (loss of profit), provided that the damage is a direct and immediate consequence of the breach.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"972\">In the context of the real estate purchase option, the most common scenarios of compensatory liability include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"1362\">\n<li data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"1105\">\n<p data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"1105\"><strong data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"1017\">Unjustified refusal of the grantor<\/strong> to conclude the final contract following the timely exercise of the option;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1242\">\n<p data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1242\"><strong data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1139\">Sale of the property to a third party<\/strong> during the effective period of the option, <strong data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1216\">despite transcription<\/strong> in the real estate records;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1362\">\n<p data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1362\"><strong data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1278\">Obstructive behavior<\/strong> that makes it impossible for the optionee to effectively exercise the right.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1364\" data-end=\"1483\">In such cases, the optionee is entitled to claim <strong data-start=\"1415\" data-end=\"1461\">full compensation for the damage suffered<\/strong>, which may include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1852\">\n<li data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1593\">\n<p data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1593\">The <strong data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1525\">market value of the property<\/strong> (if the opportunity to buy at a lower price is lost);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1594\" data-end=\"1680\">\n<p data-start=\"1596\" data-end=\"1680\"><strong data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1617\">Costs incurred<\/strong> for technical consultancy, notary, financial practices, etc;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1681\" data-end=\"1789\">\n<p data-start=\"1683\" data-end=\"1789\"><strong data-start=\"1687\" data-end=\"1717\">Ancillary finance charges<\/strong> (e.g., higher interest rates obtained later);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1852\">\n<p data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1852\">Any <strong data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"1834\">moral or reputational damage<\/strong>, if demonstrable.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1854\" data-end=\"2192\">The quantification of damages is up to the judge, who will have to make a concrete assessment of the <strong data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"1965\">circumstances of the case<\/strong>, the<strong data-start=\"1969\" data-end=\"1995\">extent of the injury<\/strong>, and the <strong data-start=\"2001\" data-end=\"2025\">conduct of the parties<\/strong>. If there is malice or gross negligence on the part of the grantor, it is also possible to obtain <strong data-start=\"2107\" data-end=\"2143\">compensation for additional damages<\/strong>, including non-pecuniary damages, if significant. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2194\" data-end=\"2431\">Finally, it should be noted that the<strong data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2249\">action for compensation<\/strong> can be brought <strong data-start=\"2270\" data-end=\"2289\">independently<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"2292\" data-end=\"2314\">subordinately<\/strong> to the action for performance (Article 2932 Civil Code), if the latter is impracticable (e.g., property no longer available).<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5332\" data-end=\"5375\"><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"5332\" data-end=\"5375\"><strong data-start=\"5335\" data-end=\"5375\">Conclusion and Operational Suggestions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5377\" data-end=\"5526\">The real estate option contract in Italian real estate purchase law is a sophisticated, but powerfully effective tool if well constructed. To protect oneself, it is essential: <\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5528\" data-end=\"5764\">\n<li data-start=\"5528\" data-end=\"5585\">\n<p data-start=\"5530\" data-end=\"5585\">Draft the agreement in writing, complete and clear;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5586\" data-end=\"5636\">\n<p data-start=\"5588\" data-end=\"5636\">Set a definite deadline and a definite price;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5637\" data-end=\"5689\">\n<p data-start=\"5639\" data-end=\"5689\">Transcribe the contract in the land records;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5690\" data-end=\"5764\">\n<p data-start=\"5692\" data-end=\"5764\">Rely on an experienced lawyer to draft and verify the contract.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5771\" data-end=\"5801\"><strong data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"5801\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5803\" data-end=\"5959\"><strong data-start=\"5803\" data-end=\"5857\">1. Is the real estate option mandatory by law?<\/strong><br data-start=\"5857\" data-end=\"5860\">No, it is an optional and ancillary contract used to secure a future purchase opportunity.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5961\" data-end=\"6121\"><strong data-start=\"5961\" data-end=\"6017\">2. Does a notary public need to make an option contract?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6017\" data-end=\"6020\">Only if you intend to transcribe it in the land records, otherwise it can be drawn up privately.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6123\" data-end=\"6258\"><strong data-start=\"6123\" data-end=\"6175\">3. Is it possible to revoke an option already granted?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6175\" data-end=\"6178\">No, if a deadline has been set, the grantor is bound until the deadline.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6260\" data-end=\"6367\"><strong data-start=\"6260\" data-end=\"6311\">4. Can an option right be assigned to a third party?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6311\" data-end=\"6314\">Yes, unless contractually prohibited, the option is transferable.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6369\" data-end=\"6510\"><strong data-start=\"6369\" data-end=\"6446\">5. What happens if the property is sold to someone else during the option?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6446\" data-end=\"6449\">If the option is transcribed, the sale to a third party is unenforceable.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6512\" data-end=\"6655\"><strong data-start=\"6512\" data-end=\"6565\">6. Can a conditional option be stipulated?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6565\" data-end=\"6568\">Yes, but the conditions must be clear and not make the subject or term uncertain.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Legal Framework of the Option Contract The real estate option contract in Italian law represents a highly relevant instrument in real estate law. It is an agreement by which one party (grantor) undertakes to hold firm a contractual proposal in favor of the other party (optionee), who may accept it within a predetermined period. This&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[59,44,60],"tags":[376,375,378,379,380,377],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Property purchase option: benefits, risks and legal protection - Studio Legale Mauro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Property purchase option: find out benefits, risks and legal tools. 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