We’ll Guide You Every Step of the Way

The first step is finding a property that suits your lifestyle, investment goals and budget.

Italy offers a wide range of opportunities, from coastal villas and countryside estates to city apartments and newly developed properties.

Before proceeding, consider the total purchase budget, including taxes, notary fees, agency commissions and any renovation or maintenance costs.

EU citizens can generally purchase property in Italy without special restrictions. Non-EU buyers may be subject to additional requirements depending on their nationality, residency status and applicable reciprocity rules.

If you require a mortgage, it is advisable to discuss your financing options with a bank before making a binding commitment.

To purchase property in Italy, you will need an Italian tax identification number (Codice Fiscale).

Buyers must also provide valid identification and relevant personal documentation. Depending on their circumstances, additional documents relating to marital status, residency or the source of funds may be required.

One of the most important steps is choosing an Italian notary (Notaio).

The notary is an independent public official responsible for verifying the legality of the transaction and preparing the final property transfer.

You are generally free to choose your own notary, and involving one before signing any purchase documents is strongly recommended.

GO4ESTATE can help coordinate the necessary documentation and introduce you to qualified local professionals.

Before signing a binding purchase offer, make sure the property's legal and technical status has been properly reviewed.

Your notary and qualified technical professionals can help verify:

· Legal ownership and the seller’s right to sell

· Existing mortgages, liens or other legal restrictions

· Cadastral records and property boundaries

· Building permits and planning compliance

· Unauthorised alterations or construction work

· Energy performance documentation

· Outstanding condominium charges, where applicable

An independent technical inspection is particularly advisable for older buildings, countryside properties and properties requiring renovation.

Some checks may continue after an offer has been accepted, but important risks should be identified beforehand or addressed through appropriate contractual conditions.

Once you have found the right property and reviewed the available information, you may submit a written purchase offer (Proposta d’Acquisto).

The offer normally specifies the proposed purchase price, payment arrangements, validity period and conditions of the transaction.

A sum of money may also be requested in connection with the offer.

Important: In Italy, a signed purchase offer can already be legally binding on the buyer. Once accepted by the seller, it may constitute a preliminary purchase agreement.

For this reason, the offer should be reviewed by your notary or independent legal adviser before signing.

If the purchase depends on mortgage approval or satisfactory legal and technical checks, suitable conditions should be agreed before you become legally committed.

Depending on the structure of the transaction, a separate preliminary purchase agreement (Contratto Preliminare, commonly called Compromesso) may follow the accepted offer.

This agreement confirms the principal terms of the sale, including the property details, purchase price, payment arrangements, completion date and obligations of both parties.

A deposit known as Caparra Confirmatoria is commonly used.

This type of deposit can have significant legal consequences if either party fails to fulfil their contractual obligations.

The preliminary contract must be registered with the Italian tax authorities. In certain circumstances, it is also advisable or necessary to formalise the agreement through a notary and record it in the property registers for additional buyer protection.

Your legal adviser or notary should explain the consequences of the agreement before you sign or transfer funds.

Before completion, the notary carries out the required final legal checks and prepares the property transfer documentation.

If you are purchasing with a mortgage, the bank must complete its approval and financing arrangements.

You should also receive a clear breakdown of the costs involved.

Depending on the transaction, these may include:

· Registration tax or VAT

· Mortgage and cadastral taxes

· Notary fees

· Agency commission

· Legal and technical professional fees

Taxation varies according to the property, the seller and the buyer’s circumstances.

Eligible buyers may qualify for reduced taxes under Italy’s Prima Casa scheme, subject to specific conditions.

All payment arrangements and outstanding obligations should be confirmed before the final signing.

The final stage of the purchase is signing the official property transfer deed (Rogito Notarile) before an Italian notary.

At this appointment, the notary explains the legal contents of the deed and ensures the necessary formalities are completed.

The remaining purchase price is normally paid according to the agreed arrangements.

Once the final deed has been validly executed, ownership transfers to the buyer.

The notary subsequently completes the required tax registration, property registry and cadastral procedures.

The property is normally handed over on the day the final deed is signed, unless a different handover date has been agreed.

You can then arrange practical matters such as:

· Transfer or activation of utilities

· Property insurance

· Condominium administration, if applicable

· Maintenance and local property services

· Furnishing or renovation work

If you intend to rent out the property, additional local registration, licensing or compliance requirements may apply.

Purchasing a property under construction involves additional considerations.

Before committing, buyers should review the developer’s credentials, construction permits, approved plans, specifications, payment schedule and expected delivery date.

For qualifying properties under construction, Italian law provides specific protections, including guarantees covering certain advance payments and mandatory ten-year insurance against particular serious construction defects.

The preliminary contract for qualifying off-plan purchases must also meet specific legal requirements.

We recommend involving an Italian notary and qualified technical professional before signing any developer agreement.

Our support doesn’t have to end when you receive your keys.

Whether you need assistance with property management, rentals, furnishing, renovations, maintenance or local services, GO4ESTATE can help connect you with trusted professionals.

From finding the right property to completing your purchase, GO4ESTATE is here to guide you every step of the way.