Thinking of buying a home in Italy? Whether you’re dreaming of a vineyard-view villa in Tuscany, a coastal escape in Liguria, or a trullo in Puglia — Italy has never been more appealing to foreign buyers.
But navigating the Italian property market as a non-resident can feel overwhelming.
This step-by-step guide breaks it all down — from searching online to signing the final deed — with trusted links, legal tips, and insider insights to help you buy safely, smartly, and stress-free.
🔍 Step 1: Start Your Property Search — Where to Look Online
There are hundreds of websites listing properties for sale in Italy, but these are the most reliable, updated, and foreign-friendly:
🇮🇹 Top Italian Real Estate Websites:
Idealista.it — The most popular property portal in Italy, available in English. Filter by region, price, and property type.
Immobiliare.it — Extremely comprehensive with maps, neighborhood guides, and private seller listings.
Gate-away.com — Specializes in properties for foreign buyers, with listings in English and multilingual support.
Casa.it — Great for exploring regional options and contacting local agents.
LuxuryEstate.com — For high-end villas, historic properties, and unique estates.
👉 Pro tip: Be cautious with listings on Facebook or classified ad sites. Always verify agents and request property documents before visiting.
📝 Step 2: Understand the Buying Process in Italy
Buying a home in Italy as a foreigner is entirely legal, but the process involves some unique bureaucratic steps.
Here’s the typical buying timeline:
Find the property – With or without an agent
Make a formal offer – Usually through a real estate agent
Sign a preliminary contract (Compromesso) – With a deposit (typically 10%-30%)
Due diligence by the notary – The notaio checks legal compliance and ownership
Sign the final deed (Rogito Notarile) – The final sale, signed at the notary’s office
Register the property – The notary handles registration and tax documents
You do not need to be an Italian resident to buy a property, but some countries have reciprocity agreements — check if your country is allowed to buy property in Italy (most EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia are fine).
📄 Step 3: What Documents Do You Need?
As a foreign buyer, here’s what you’ll need to legally purchase a home:
Required Documents:
✅ Valid passport
✅ Codice Fiscale – Italian tax code (similar to a social security number)
👉 Apply for free at the local Agenzia delle Entrate office or through an Italian consulate✅ Proof of funds – Often requested by banks or agents
✅ Bank account in Italy – Needed for payments, taxes, and utilities
✅ Preliminary contract (Compromesso) – If signing early
✅ Final deed (Rogito) – Prepared by a notary
💼 Step 4: Work With These Professionals
Unless you’re fluent in Italian real estate law, it’s smart to work with:
Real Estate Agent (Agente Immobiliare) – Must be licensed in Italy
Notary (Notaio) – Handles legal transfer, taxes, and due diligence
Surveyor (Geometra) – Useful for checking structural condition or land use
Lawyer (optional) – For added protection or complex purchases
Translator – Required if you don’t speak Italian (for the deed signing)
💰 Step 5: Understand Costs, Taxes & Fees
Besides the property price, budget for:
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Notary fees | €2,000 – €4,000+ |
| Agency fees | 3%–5% of property price (buyer pays) |
| Registration tax | 2% (main residence) or 9% (second home) |
| Land registry + cadastral tax | Around €100–€300 |
| Translator | €200–€600 (if needed) |
| Surveyor (optional) | €300–€1,000 |
➡️ If you buy from a private seller, you’ll pay the registration tax.
➡️ If you buy from a company (e.g., new construction), you’ll pay VAT (IVA) instead.
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Buying without a notary (not legal)
❌ Relying on verbal agreements
❌ Not checking building permits or land restrictions
❌ Believing “renovation ready” means “ready in 3 weeks”
❌ Ignoring annual costs like IMU tax, utilities, and maintenance
📌 BONUS: Can I Get Residency by Buying a Home?
Short answer: no, not automatically.
Buying a property doesn’t guarantee residency in Italy. But it can support your visa application — especially for Elective Residency or Digital Nomad visas.
Always consult with an immigration lawyer or local Comune for up-to-date info.
✈️ Final Thoughts: Your Italian Dream Starts With Smart Planning
Buying a home in Italy is exciting — and totally possible — but it’s not a quick click-and-go.
With the right professionals, careful due diligence, and clear expectations, you can own a piece of la dolce vita without the stress.
📥 Ready to Take the Next Step?
👉 Want help managing your future Italian home while you’re abroad?
We offer trusted property management services for second-home owners in Italy — from regular inspections to opening the house before your arrival.
Contact us for a free consultation.