Italy – Buying Property

Can foreign nationals legally buy and own property in Italy?

Italy warmly accommodates property purchases by foreign individuals, although the rules differ by nationality on account of reciprocity arrangements. Citizens of EU and EEA member states, together with nationals from many countries operating open property markets, can generally buy without impediment.

Article 16 of the Italian Civil Code stipulates that non-EU nationals may acquire real estate in Italy only if Italian citizens enjoy equivalent purchasing rights in the buyer’s country of origin. This reciprocity requirement is a statutory condition ensuring that foreign individuals can exercise the same civil rights as Italian nationals — but only where Italy’s own citizens are afforded comparable treatment abroad.

EU nationals hold property ownership rights identical to those of Italian citizens. Non-EU nationals, by contrast, fall under this reciprocity framework, which means their home country must allow Italian nationals to purchase property on comparable terms. In practice, reciprocity exists with the vast majority of countries, and citizens of nations that impose no special barriers on Italian purchasers are accordingly free to buy in Italy. The rule’s practical impact is limited mainly to a small number of nationalities from countries where foreign land ownership is severely curtailed.

During the conveyancing process, the notary is obliged to confirm that a non-EU buyer is legally entitled under Italian law to hold property, by verifying that the relevant reciprocity arrangement is in place. Buyers who hold dual citizenship may sidestep this concern altogether by using an EU passport or one from a country for which reciprocity is firmly established.

Non-EU nationals residing in Italy under a valid residence permit — whether granted for employment, self-employment, family reunification, humanitarian protection, or study — are also generally permitted to purchase real estate. Stateless persons and refugees may equally be entitled to buy, though only if they have been lawfully resident in Italy for at least three years.

It is essential to understand that purchasing a property in Italy confers neither automatic residency nor any privileged visa entitlement. Non-EU nationals acquiring a holiday home remain bound by the standard regulations governing permissible length of stay in the country. Always seek confirmation of your eligibility from a qualified Italian lawyer before taking steps to buy. The authoritative source for the applicable rules is the Italian Ministry of Justice (Ministero della Giustizia), while property registration is administered by the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency), which also oversees the Catasto (Land Registry).

What are average property prices in Italy, and how do they vary by region?

As of February 2026, the average asking price for residential property across Italy stood at €2,167 per square metre, representing a rise of 3.73% compared with February 2025. This figure marked the highest point recorded over the preceding two-year period, according to data published by Immobiliare.it.

Northern and central Italy, renowned for their dynamic economies and deep historical character, command the country’s highest property prices. Trentino-Alto Adige leads all regions with average prices of around €3,231 per square metre, followed by Aosta Valley at €2,710 and Liguria at €2,513, the latter celebrated for its dramatic coastline and alpine backdrop.

Milan, Venice, and Bolzano rank among the most expensive housing markets in the country, with average prices of approximately €5,188, €4,792, and €4,685 per square metre respectively as of 2025. In Rome, the national capital, the average price per square metre stood at around €3,237 in October 2025, a year-on-year increase of 5.8%.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the southern regions of Calabria and Molise present considerably more affordable opportunities, with average prices of around €900 per square metre — a fraction of what is asked in the north. Italy’s national average sits at approximately €1,880 per square metre as of 2024, reflecting the substantial price disparities that exist across the country’s regions.

Puglia has been gathering momentum with international purchasers while still offering comparatively low prices. Campania boasts a spectacular coastline and accessible property values, particularly outside the immediate Naples area. Le Marche shares the rolling hills and Renaissance character of Tuscany but without the associated price premium.

For up-to-date listings and market data, consult leading Italian portals such as Immobiliare.it or Idealista.it, bearing in mind that prices can shift meaningfully by neighbourhood and over time.

Where are the most popular locations to buy property in Italy?

In 2024, international buyers accounted for more than 12% of all residential property sales in Italy. The country’s northern regions attracted the lion’s share of these cross-border transactions — approximately 77% — owing to their strong economies and well-developed transport and services infrastructure.

Milan and Lombardy remain the leading destination for those seeking an urban base with robust investment credentials. The Lombardy region, encompassing Milan, may not dominate on a per-square-metre basis relative to some mountain areas, but it is by far Italy’s most active real estate market, having recorded over 165,000 residential transactions in 2022 with a combined value approaching €30 billion.

Rome and Lazio draw buyers in search of cultural richness alongside a vibrant rental market. As the national capital, Rome offers an exceptionally varied property landscape — from storied historic-centre apartments to upscale modern residences — underpinned by a diverse employment market, prominent educational institutions, and a full spectrum of leisure options that appeal equally to owner-occupiers and investors.

Tuscany — especially Florence, Chianti, and the Luccan coastline — continues to attract lifestyle-oriented international buyers. Florence’s average prices now substantially exceed those in Rome, sitting at roughly 112% above the national average as of January 2024, driven by sustained demand from both overseas purchasers and domestic relocators.

The Italian Lakes — Como, Garda, and Maggiore — command a clear price premium and appeal to buyers seeking scenic retreats within easy reach of major urban centres. Between 2024 and 2025 the national average rose around 2.1%, while hotspots such as Milan and Lake Como posted gains of up to 4.5%.

Sicily and Sardinia attract buyers pursuing coastal lifestyle properties at comparatively accessible price points. Residential transactions in Sicily rose by 9% in 2024, reflecting growing appetite for the island’s real estate. Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda continues to command recognition as an established luxury enclave.

Are there any emerging or up-and-coming areas worth considering in Italy?

Puglia has been steadily building its profile among international buyers, yet prices across most of the region remain attractively low. Campania likewise offers a striking coastline and affordable housing stock, particularly once you move away from the bustling Naples hub.

Abruzzo, along the Adriatic seaboard, has long combined mountain scenery, sandy beaches, and genuinely low prices, and continues to draw buyers seeking real value within the EU. The region benefits from solid accessibility through Pescara airport and good motorway connections to the rest of the country.

Le Marche is increasingly mentioned as an alternative to the well-trodden Tuscan market. It shares the charming hilltop towns and Renaissance heritage of its more famous neighbour, but without the corresponding price tag. Its undulating countryside, medieval settlements, and a relatively undiscovered Adriatic coastline make it a compelling proposition for buyers priced out of more established locations.

Calabria offers the most affordable entry point of any region in Italy. The average asking price for property in Calabria stands at around €960 per square metre — the lowest recorded anywhere in Italy as of February 2026. The region has seen meaningful infrastructure investment in recent years, and its position between the Tyrrhenian Sea and proximity to Sicily enhances its appeal for buyers who value warmth and value in equal measure.

Sicily itself is attracting renewed interest beyond the familiar coastal resort towns. Inland settlements such as Ragusa and Agrigento offer characterful historic properties at affordable prices. The average price per square metre in Sicily climbed by 3.01% to €1,163 in mid-2024, indicating strong demand, particularly in the island’s more accessible areas.

What are the current trends in the property market in Italy?

According to the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), Italy’s overall house price index rose by 3.93% in Q2 2025 compared with the same period a year earlier — the country’s twenty-fourth consecutive quarter of year-on-year price growth.

Despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds, 2024 delivered the most pronounced housing market upturn in over a decade, particularly in the new-build segment. For 2025, residential prices in northern Italy were forecast to increase by at least 4%, outpacing growth in southern regions as strong economic activity continued to fuel demand. Milan recorded a price rise of 6.9% in 2024, with Venice close behind at 6.5%.

The shift toward remote and hybrid working has maintained strong interest in rural and semi-rural properties, above all in Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche, and Sicily, where buyers are seeking more living space and a gentler pace of life while retaining practical access by air or rail. This pattern broadly mirrors trends observed in comparable European markets such as France’s Dordogne and inland Portugal.

Sustainability has become a growing priority for buyers and developers alike, with increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and environmentally responsible construction. Demand for homes meeting contemporary energy standards is rising, a factor that is beginning to drive a measurable price differential — particularly across northern and central regions.

Italy continues to operate renovation incentive schemes designed to encourage property upgrades and improved energy performance. The Ecobonus provides a tax deduction of up to 65% for energy-saving works, including thermal insulation and heating system replacement. The Bonus Ristrutturazioni offers a 50% deduction for general renovation work. Always confirm which incentives remain active with the Agenzia delle Entrate, as programmes are subject to revision.

For the most current market data, refer to the official ISTAT (National Institute of Statistics) house price index and publications from the Bank of Italy.

Is buying property in Italy a good investment?

The total value of Italy’s residential real estate market is projected to reach approximately US$8.03 trillion, with a forecast compound annual growth rate of around 1.02% between 2024 and 2029. While modest by comparison with property markets in countries such as Australia or the United Kingdom in recent years, this represents a steady and consistent appreciation trajectory.

Italy’s tourism recovery was pronounced in 2023 and 2024, with the country welcoming approximately 65 million international visitors in 2023 (source: Bank of Italy). This underpins healthy short-term rental demand, particularly in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan, as well as in coastal and rural destinations favoured by tourists.

Short-term letting is permitted throughout Italy, but hosts are subject to both national and regional requirements. Some municipalities have enacted specific zoning regulations limiting short-term rentals, especially in historic and residential districts. Rome enforces stricter zoning in its historic core, while Florence has prohibited short-term rentals in designated cultural zones.

Italy’s rental legislation is widely regarded as strongly protective of tenants, with lengthy legal procedures that can make recovering possession difficult — even in cases of non-payment — without the prospect of compensation. Long-term rental investors should weigh this carefully; the position is more akin to that encountered in France or Germany than in markets where eviction timelines are considerably shorter.

Italy operates strict forced heirship rules under the principle of quota legittima, which requires that a prescribed share of a deceased person’s estate pass to close relatives such as a spouse or children. These provisions apply to all property held in Italy, regardless of the owner’s nationality. Specialist estate planning advice should be sought before structuring your will.

For buyers from outside the eurozone, exchange rate movements between the euro and the home currency can add materially to acquisition costs or erode investment returns. Using a specialist currency broker for large international transfers and considering rate-hedging options is advisable. As with any asset class, property investment carries inherent risk, and independent financial and tax advice is strongly recommended before committing funds.

What types of property are commonly available to buy in Italy?

Italy’s property market encompasses an exceptionally broad range of options, from immaculately restored Renaissance palazzi to dilapidated farmhouses awaiting complete transformation. Understanding what is on offer — and where — is fundamental to making a well-considered decision.

• Apartments (appartamenti): The predominant property type in cities and towns across the country. Available across every price bracket, from modest flats in medium-sized cities to prestigious historic-centre residences in Rome or Florence. Where shared areas are maintained collectively, condominium charges will apply.
• Townhouses and terraced houses (case a schiera): Prevalent in hill towns, historic centres, and mid-sized cities. They generally offer greater floor area than apartments and frequently include a small courtyard or terrace.
• Villas (ville): Detached or semi-detached properties set within gardens or grounds. Found across Tuscany, Umbria, Sicily, and the lake districts, these range from modest country homes to expansive private estates.
• Farmhouses and rural properties (cascine, masserie, trulli): Particularly common in Tuscany, Puglia, Umbria, and Le Marche. Such properties often require significant renovation but offer substantial land. Trulli — the iconic conical stone structures of the Itria Valley in Puglia — constitute a distinctive local property category with their own legal complexities.
• New builds (nuove costruzioni): Available throughout Italy but most concentrated in suburban and development zones. Note that purchases of newly built properties attract VAT rather than registration tax.
• Land plots (terreni edificabili): Building land is available but governed by local planning instruments (piani regolatori). Agricultural land acquisitions by non-residents are subject to additional regulatory considerations.
• Renovation projects (case da ristrutturare): Whether you are seeking a rural retreat, a characterful city apartment, or even one of Italy’s well-publicised €1 properties, the market offers homes at virtually every level of condition and budget. Several municipalities have launched €1 home schemes to attract investment to depopulating towns, though these invariably come with renovation obligations and specific conditions.

What is the typical step-by-step process for buying property in Italy?

Italian law requires that a notary (notaio) supervise all property transactions. The notary is a public official acting on behalf of the Italian state, whose role is to ensure the deed of sale is correctly drawn up, all applicable taxes are settled, and the transaction is properly registered. By statute, the notary must remain impartial and cannot act in the sole interests of either buyer or seller. This differs significantly from the conveyancing systems in countries such as the UK or Australia, where a solicitor or licensed conveyancer works exclusively for the purchaser.

1. Obtain a Codice Fiscale (tax identification number): No property purchase can proceed without an Italian tax code. You can apply for the Codice Fiscale at any office of the Agenzia delle Entrate by submitting your personal details and residential address, or alternatively through an Italian consulate in your country of residence.
2. Research and find a property: Explore different regions of Italy thoroughly, since property values and rental potential vary considerably by location. Online portals such as Idealista.it and Gate-away.com, as well as local registered estate agents (agenti immobiliari), are useful starting points.
3. Appoint a lawyer and conduct due diligence: Engage an independent lawyer experienced in Italian property law. They will carry out legal searches, verify ownership, and confirm that no debts, encumbrances, or planning irregularities are attached to the property. Commissioning an independent structural survey is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, particularly for older or rural properties.
4. Make a formal offer (Proposta di Acquisto): The buyer submits a written purchase proposal, often accompanied by a modest deposit. Acceptance creates a binding agreement. Your lawyer should have verified the title before this stage is reached.
5. Sign the preliminary contract (Compromesso or Contratto Preliminare): Once the offer is accepted and legal checks are satisfactorily completed, a preliminary agreement is signed and a deposit — typically 10–30% of the purchase price — is paid to secure the transaction. Should the buyer withdraw, the deposit is forfeited; should the seller withdraw, they must return double the amount received.
6. Finalise financing: If a mortgage is required, this is the stage at which to secure a formal offer from a lender. Non-residents typically face more demanding criteria, including a higher deposit requirement of 20–40% and extensive supporting documentation.
7. Sign the final deed (Rogito or Atto di Compravendita): The official deed of sale is signed before the notary. The outstanding balance of the purchase price is paid and legal ownership transfers at this point. Under Italian law, if you do not speak Italian, the deed must be prepared in both Italian and your language and read aloud by a sworn interpreter, or you may grant power of attorney to an Italian representative to sign on your behalf.
8. Pay taxes and fees: All applicable taxes — registration tax (imposta di registro), cadastral tax, and mortgage tax — are collected by the notary at the point of completion (see the taxes section below for current rates as of 2025).
9. Register the property: The notary will typically register the transfer with the local land registry on your behalf, rendering the change of ownership legally binding.
10. Transfer utilities and update records: Once registration is complete, arrange for utilities — electricity, water, gas — to be transferred into your name, and set up local services such as waste collection and broadband internet.

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Italy, and how do I find a reputable one?

Strictly speaking, engaging a lawyer is not a legal requirement when purchasing property in Italy. Most Italian buyers rely entirely on their estate agent and the notary. That said, for international purchasers — particularly those unfamiliar with local practice or the Italian language — retaining an independent lawyer offers a meaningful layer of protection and reassurance.

While legal representation is optional, having your own attorney can prove invaluable: confirming the validity of documentation, verifying a clean and unencumbered title, identifying latent liabilities, and protecting your position throughout the transaction. It is worth remembering that the notary’s legal obligation is to act impartially on behalf of the Italian state — not to safeguard your individual interests as a buyer.

As of 2025, legal fees in Italy generally fall between €2,000 and €5,000 depending on the complexity of the matter. Some lawyers charge between 1% and 2% of the property value, depending on the scope of work involved. All professional fees are subject to VAT at 22%.

Italian lawyers (avvocati) must be enrolled with their regional bar association (Ordine degli Avvocati) and listed on the national register maintained by the Consiglio Nazionale Forense (National Bar Council), Via del Governo Vecchio 3, Rome — the body responsible for regulating the legal profession in Italy. Registration can be verified through their searchable online database. To locate a registered notary by area, use the official Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato (National Council of Notaries) website.

Select a lawyer with demonstrable experience in cross-border property transactions and, wherever possible, one based in the region where your property is located. Not every lawyer will have detailed knowledge of local planning matters, so choosing a regional specialist is advisable.

What are the most common pitfalls and problems expats encounter when buying property in Italy?

• Title defects and cadastral irregularities: Italian properties sometimes have discrepancies between the land registry records and the actual physical structure — for instance, extensions constructed without the necessary permits. Always instruct your lawyer to carry out a thorough cadastral and title search before exchanging contracts.
• Unauthorised construction (abuso edilizio): Illegal building work is not uncommon in certain parts of Italy, particularly in the south. A property with unlawful additions may be difficult to sell or legally renovate, and in serious cases may be subject to demolition orders. Request the full building permit history (permessi edilizi) for any property you are seriously considering.
• Undisclosed debts and charges: Properties may carry outstanding mortgages, tax liens, or unpaid condominium charges that pass to the buyer on completion. An independent lawyer or thorough notary search should confirm that title is clean and free of any such encumbrances.
• Tax self-assessment obligations: A frequent surprise for foreign property owners is that Italy does not dispatch a centralised tax bill for municipal property tax or the waste levy (TARI). Unlike in countries where annual council tax or property tax invoices arrive by post, Italian property owners are expected to calculate, declare, and pay taxes such as IMU and TARI themselves, on their own initiative.
• Unlicensed estate agents: Italian estate agents (agenti immobiliari) are required to be registered with their local Chamber of Commerce (Camera di Commercio). Always verify an agent’s registration status before paying any fees. In Italy, agency commission is payable by both buyer and seller; clarify the applicable percentage before beginning your search.
• Currency transfer risks: For buyers from outside the eurozone, exchange rate movements between the signing of the preliminary contract and the final deed can substantially alter the total cost. Engaging a specialist currency transfer service and considering a forward contract to lock in the rate can mitigate this exposure.
• Off-plan purchase risks: Buying directly from a developer before completion carries exposure to developer insolvency. Ensure that any deposit is held in a protected client account and that your lawyer reviews the developer’s bank guarantees before funds are committed.
• Inheritance law surprises: Italy’s forced heirship rules require that a specified portion of your estate passes to close relatives such as a spouse or children. These provisions apply to all Italy-based property regardless of the owner’s nationality. Early advice from a specialist estate lawyer is essential.
• Reciprocity assumptions: Do not take for granted that your nationality automatically entitles you to purchase. Always confirm your eligibility with a notary or lawyer before making any offer.

Can I buy property in Italy through a company, and is it worth doing?

Purchasing Italian property through a corporate vehicle is entirely lawful, and some foreign buyers — particularly investors acquiring multiple properties or those navigating complex cross-border tax positions — opt for this approach.

The most widely used Italian corporate structures for property holding purposes are the Società a Responsabilità Limitata (SRL) — broadly equivalent to a limited liability company — and the Società per Azioni (SpA), which corresponds more closely to a public limited company and is typically reserved for larger-scale holdings. In some circumstances, foreign-registered companies may also acquire directly, subject to the rules of their home jurisdiction.

Potential advantages of a corporate structure include:

• Possible tax efficiencies on rental income, especially where the property is let on a commercial basis.
• Simplified estate planning in certain situations, since company shares can sometimes be transferred without triggering the same property transfer taxes as a direct conveyance.
• Limited liability protection, insulating the shareholder’s personal assets from claims against the property-holding entity.

However, there are significant drawbacks and additional obligations to bear in mind:

• Companies must prepare and file annual accounts and comply with Italian corporate governance requirements, adding both administrative burden and cost.
• A corporate purchase does not attract the beneficial prima casa registration tax rate of 2% — that reduced rate is reserved exclusively for individuals buying a primary residence.
• Some lenders are reluctant to extend mortgage facilities to foreign-owned Italian companies, which may limit financing options.
• Where the acquiring entity is a foreign company, additional Italian tax reporting obligations may be triggered.

This is a highly specialised area of law and taxation. Before proceeding, seek independent advice from a qualified Italian tax lawyer and a cross-border tax adviser with expertise in both Italian law and the tax framework of your country of residence.

What taxes and ongoing costs should I budget for when owning property in Italy?

As a general rule, acquisition costs in Italy add between 10% and 15% on top of the agreed purchase price. The breakdown of these costs is as follows (all figures as of 2025; verify current rates with the Agenzia delle Entrate):

Purchase taxes

• Registration tax (Imposta di Registro): Transfer tax on residential buildings is levied at either 2% or 9% of the cadastral value, with a minimum charge of €1,000. Where the property will serve as your primary Italian residence and you spend more than six months of the year there, the reduced rate of 2% applies.
• VAT (IVA) on new builds: New-build properties purchased as a primary residence (prima casa) attract VAT at 4%. The standard rate for a second home new build is 10% of the purchase price. Luxury properties classified under categories A1, A8, or A9 are subject to VAT at 22%.
• Notary fees: Notary charges are obligatory and typically fall between 1% and 2.5% of the declared property value, varying with the property price and transaction complexity (as of 2025).
• Estate agent fees: Unlike in many countries, Italian practice divides agency commission between buyer and seller: 2–5% each, plus 22% VAT.
• Legal fees: Solicitor charges generally range from 1% to 2% of the purchase price, plus VAT (as of 2025).

Ongoing annual costs

• IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica): The principal annual property tax, assessed by the local municipality, which may set a rate between 0.4% and 0.8% of the property’s fiscal value. IMU is waived for primary residences — properties where the owner resides for more than six months per year. The full rate applies to second homes and to luxury primary residences.
• TARI: A waste collection levy charged by the local municipality. Rates vary by location and property size.
• Condominium fees: For apartment owners, condominium charges typically range from €200 to €1,000 per year, covering maintenance of communal areas and shared facilities.
• Rental income tax: Where you let your property, rental income is subject to Italian income tax. A flat-rate cedolare secca regime of 21% — or 10% for qualifying long-term contracts in high-demand areas — is available as an alternative to the standard progressive income tax rates. Confirm current rates with the Agenzia delle Entrate.

Since Italy does not automatically issue centralised tax bills for IMU or TARI, property owners must take the initiative to calculate, declare, and pay these liabilities themselves. Set calendar reminders or engage a local accountant (commercialista) to ensure compliance with all annual obligations.

What are the official sources I should consult when buying property in Italy?

When researching or completing an Italian property purchase, it is important to draw on authoritative and official sources throughout. The key bodies are:

• Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency) — manages the Catasto (Land Registry), property registration, and all property-related taxation: www.agenziaentrate.gov.it
• Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato (National Council of Notaries) — the official body for the notarial profession in Italy; searchable directory to locate a registered notary by location: www.notariato.it
• Consiglio Nazionale Forense (National Bar Council) — regulatory authority for Italian lawyers; online database to verify lawyer registration: www.consiglionazionaleforense.it
• ISTAT (National Institute of Statistics) — official house price index data and broader property market statistics: www.istat.it
• Bank of Italy (Banca d’Italia) — macroeconomic analysis, mortgage market data, and housing market surveys: www.bancaditalia.it
• Ministry of Justice (Ministero della Giustizia) — primary source for Italian civil law, including the Civil Code provisions governing the reciprocity principle: www.giustizia.it
• Immobiliare.it — Italy’s leading property portal, with extensive market data and listings: www.immobiliare.it/en/
• Idealista.it — major property search portal widely used by buyers and agents: www.idealista.it/en/

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy property in Italy without being a resident?

Residency is not a prerequisite for purchasing a holiday home in Italy. However, certain tax rates and utility arrangements differ for non-residents. Non-residents are also ineligible for the reduced prima casa registration tax rate of 2%, which requires the buyer to establish their primary residence in Italy within 18 months of completion.

Does buying property in Italy give me the right to live there?

Owning real estate in Italy does not confer automatic residency rights or any privileged immigration status. Non-EU buyers remain subject to the standard entry and stay rules governing Italy and the wider Schengen Area. Anyone wishing to relocate permanently will need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit through the Italian consulate in their country of origin.

What is the Codice Fiscale and why do I need one?

The Codice Fiscale is Italy’s tax identification number, comparable to a national insurance number or tax file number in other countries. It must be obtained before any property contract can be signed in Italy. Applications are made at any office of the Agenzia delle Entrate by providing personal details and a residential address; the code is typically issued immediately in person. It can also be applied for at an Italian embassy or consulate abroad.

How long does the property buying process take in Italy?

The duration depends on the complexity of the transaction and whether mortgage financing is needed. Where everything proceeds smoothly, completion can sometimes be achieved in as little as six weeks from the acceptance of an offer. More involved transactions — those concerning rural land, renovation properties, or mortgage-backed purchases — typically span three to six months. Delays are especially common when title defects or planning irregularities need to be resolved before exchange.

What is the prima casa tax benefit and can foreign buyers use it?

The prima casa (first home) benefit reduces the registration tax on a resale property from 9% to 2% of the cadastral value. To be eligible, the property must be situated in the municipality where the buyer lives or works — or where they commit to establishing residence within 18 months — it must not be classified as a luxury property, and the buyer must not already own another Italian property acquired under the same benefit. Foreign nationals can qualify provided they genuinely intend to make the property their primary Italian residence within the stipulated timeframe. Eligibility should be confirmed with your notary and lawyer.

Are there any restrictions on buying agricultural land in Italy?

The purchase of agricultural land in Italy is subject to additional legal considerations. Italian law grants pre-emption rights (diritto di prelazione) to neighbouring farmers and sitting tenants of agricultural plots, giving them the right of first refusal ahead of any third-party sale. Prospective buyers of agricultural land should ensure a comprehensive pre-emption check has been carried out before proceeding. Consult the Agenzia delle Entrate and a specialist Italian rural property lawyer for current requirements.

Do I need a survey when buying property in Italy?

A structural survey is not a legal requirement but is strongly advisable. It can reveal concealed defects before you are contractually committed. For older buildings, properties requiring renovation, or rural structures in particular, an independent inspection by a qualified geometra (surveyor) is widely considered essential. Italian banks may carry out their own valuation as part of the mortgage process, but this is not a substitute for a buyer-commissioned structural assessment.

Can I get an Italian mortgage as a foreign buyer?

A number of major Italian banks — including Unicredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Banca Nazionale del Lavoro — extend mortgage facilities to foreign buyers, though the terms available to non-residents typically differ from those offered to Italian residents. Non-residents generally face stricter qualifying criteria and must provide more extensive documentation. Mortgage approval for non-residents commonly requires a deposit of between 20% and 40% (as of 2025). Loan terms of up to 30 years are available, and lenders typically require building insurance to be in place as a condition of the loan.