01Can I buy property in Italy?
Almost always, yes. EU citizens and people legally resident in Italy buy on the same terms as Italians.
Other non-EU citizens are subject to the reciprocity condition: you can buy if your country allows an Italian to do the same. The notary checks it, and it is best to ask before signing the offer. Buying a home does not give you a right to a residence permit, and you do not need one to buy.
02What are the steps, from viewing to keys?
- Search and viewings2 to 8 weeks
You choose the area and view properties, also by video. Before the offer, check documents, planning and cadastral compliance and building fees.
No cost
- Purchase offerDay 0
A written offer, irrevocable for a set period. If the seller accepts, it is binding for both parties.
A deposit by cheque or transfer; the agency commission on acceptance
- Preliminary contractWithin 2-4 weeks
It sets the price, completion date and deposit. It is registered within 20 days; taxes paid on the deposit are credited at completion.
The deposit, often 10-20% of the price
- Deed before the notary1-3 months after the offer
The notary checks ownership, mortgages and compliance, reads the deed and registers it. When you sign, you become the owner and get the keys.
The balance of the price, taxes and the notary
- After completionThe following weeks
Transfer of electricity, gas and water, registration for the waste tax and, for a first home, moving your residence within 18 months.
Utilities, building fees, IMU on second homes
With a mortgage it takes a few weeks longer for the bank’s valuation and approval.
03What do I need to prepare?
Needed for the preliminary contract, the deed and taxes. Request it from the Agenzia delle Entrate with your passport or, from abroad, at the Italian consulate.
For non-EU citizens, it is the document used at every step.
Every payment of the price must be traceable and stated in the deed: bank transfers or banker’s drafts.
Not compulsory, but it makes building fees, utilities and taxes easier.
04Do I have to come to Italy to sign?
No. You can appoint a representative with a special power of attorney.
Abroad, the power of attorney is signed before a local notary, with apostille or legalisation, or at the Italian consulate; if it is in a foreign language it must be translated. If you prefer to attend, the deed is in Italian: when the notary does not speak your language, a sworn interpreter attends and signs the deed and the translation.
05Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?
Yes, but each bank applies its own criteria.
Income, guarantees and loan-to-value vary from bank to bank, and the approval process extends the timeline. It is worth asking before you make the offer.