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How to Navigate the Property Search and Purchase Process in Italy

Posted on June 30th, 2025

by Adriana ruiz


Looking to buy property in Italy? We are here to help you step by step!

Have you always dreamed of owning a home in Italy—whether it’s a charming countryside farmhouse, a coastal villa, or a cozy apartment in a historic town? We’re here to help turn that dream into reality.

Buying real estate in Italy can be exciting, but also overwhelming—especially if you’re navigating the legal system, language, and cultural differences from abroad. That’s where we come in.

We assist clients from all over the world in purchasing property in Italy. From your first inquiry to the final signing at the notary, we provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring a smooth and stress-free buying experience.

With years of experience, a trusted network of professionals, and a deep understanding of Italy’s unique property market, we make sure your investment is handled with care, precision, and transparency.

We offer a range of services to help you achieve that, such as:

1. A 30 Minutes Free Call
2. A 30/60 Minutes Video Call
3. Property Search on behalf of the Customer
4. Real estate visits on behalf of the client or in accompaniment
5. Purchase Proposal / Deed of Purchase

In a 30 Minute Free Call, we can better understand your target, area, budget, parameters, etc. In a 30/60 minutes Video Call, we can determine the perfect profile of the house to search for. Regarding the search of the property on behalf of the customer, we’ll send a curated selection of properties with descriptions and details that match your filters and parameters. We will agree together on the properties to visit, either on behalf of the customer (Photo, Video & Video Call) or together with the customer.

When we find the perfect property, we can proceed with the Purchase Proposal, helping you negotiate.


Purchase Proposal

Upon the acceptance of your offer by the sellers, your journey towards property ownership in Italy continues with our assistance through the subsequent stages to close the purchase:

1. Collecting all property documents from the seller
2. Analyzing the documents collected (Permits / Licenses / Etc.)
3. Choosing a Notary with a relative quote (Taxes / Fees)
4. Choosing an Interpreter or a Notary Procurement
5. Opening an Italian bank account if possible
6. Using the notary’s dedicated bank account to pay all parties (Sellers / Real Estate/ Taxes/ Notary Fees)
7. Booking an appointment for closing (Deed of Purchase)


Key Considerations for Foreign Buyers:

Notary: A notary is essential for property transactions in Italy, acting as a neutral party to ensure legality and compliance with the law
Codice Fiscale: You’ll need an Italian tax code (“Codice Fiscale”) for the purchase. You can obtain this from the Italian Revenue Agency. 
Legal Counsel: Engaging a lawyer experienced in Italian property law is highly recommended. They can review all documents and guide you through the process. 
Property Taxes: Be aware of property taxes like IMU, TASI, and TARI, although primary residences may be exempt or taxed at a lower rate. 

Mortgages: While Italians can typically get mortgages for up to 80% of the property value, foreign nationals may find lenders willing to offer only up to 60%, especially for non-residents.


Important Notes: 

Italian law generally allows foreigners to buy property.
Citizens from EU countries and some others can purchase without restrictions.
Non-EU citizens may need to check for reciprocity agreements between their country and Italy.
While buying property can grant residency in some cases, it does not automatically grant Italian citizenship or a visa.


Subscribe to our newsletter to access content and updates to help navigate life as an expat in Italy. If you need help with your citizenship process, language courses, or general expat life in Italy, email us at [email protected]

How to Navigate the Property Search and Purchase Process in Italy 10


 

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