I am purchassing a property in Sicily

You dont need a lawyer and you dont need a survey. its your choice.    Its your risk - but as a lawyer can easily cost you 10.000 it seems absurd for a property thats worth virtually the same.   HOwever if its costing 13000 there's some money to spend somewhere!

I agree with Modicasa and as he lives in the area and knows the business, I think you can take it as very good advice. Apart from his inference there will be costs involved on work on the property, I’m sure there must also be other legal costs such as the notaio etc. Modicasa can no doubt confirm this and my assumption that the estate agent an notaio should cover you for what work a solicitor and agent would do for you in other countries such as the UK.  However from our single experience of buying I think getting and looking over the official plans of the property and making sure the plans are exactly the same as what is being sold is very important. Personally I would want to do this myself despite what I was being told.  

The plans of the property now have to be shown to all and sundry at the time of the act of sale and signed by  the parties showing that they are accurate as to the current state of the building.Certainly there will be expenses in buying.  The notaios minimum fee is set by law, there are taxes depending on how the house is registered and your agent will also have a minuimum fee.  Dont pay the agent under the table, and insist he is written into the act of sale, as he is legally responsible for what he is selling you.  If he isnt in the act of sale the law says he never existed.