If you are a foreign citizen who wants to buy a house in Italy in 2026, this guide is for you. Please review the key conditions and consult ourItalian lawyers for legal support.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Can foreigners buy properties in Italy? (YES/NO) |
Yes |
|
Types of properties you can purchase in Italy |
– houses, – commercial and residential properties, – land plots |
|
Institution in charge of property registration |
Italian Land Registry |
| Real estate due diligence offered by our property lawyers in Italy |
We can verify the property you want to purchase to see if there are any legal problems. |
| Documents for buying a property in Italy |
– sale-purchase agreement, – title deed, – cadastral documents, – building permits, – energy certificate |
| How can our Italian property lawyers help you with property purchase ? |
– verification of documents, – drafting contracts, – representation in front of notary |
| Expert advice for price property in Italy (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Verification of properties with local institutions or municipalities (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Inspection trip before property purchase (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Pre-sale agreement for real estate in Italy (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Representation in case of litigation before the acquisition of a property (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Legal advice for commercial property purchase (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Support for payment transfer of property in Italy (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Property purchase for citizenship in Italy |
Golden Visa for Italy |
| We offer free case evaluation |
Yes, provided by our property lawyers in Italy. |
| Who needs an Italian tax code? | The new property owner must apply for an Italian tax code to pay the respective fees. |
|
Notary fees (approx.) |
Ranging from 1% to 3% calculated on the value of the property |
|
VAT for property purchase in Italy |
4% |
| Land registry tax in Italy | About EUR 170 |
| Other costs for buying a house in Italy |
For property inspection, legal services etc. |
| Are mortgages available in Italy? |
Yes, banks in Italy provide a wide range of property loans, including for expats. 80% of the value of the property is the maximum that can be borrowed. |
| Property insurance solicited |
Not legally required, but recommended |
| Can I buy a property in Italy without traveling to this country? |
Yes, one of our Italian lawyers can represent you with a power of attorney. |
| Conditions for UK citizens to purchase a house in Italy |
Must present an EU residency certificate or certificato di residenza. |
| Do I get a permanent residence by purchasing a property in Italy? | No, you should apply for specific programs to obtain this status. |
| Who can help you find a good property in Italy? |
Our Italian lawyers with experience in the real estate field can help foreigners find a suitable property in this country. |
| Is a pre-sale agreement issued before the actual purchase? |
Yes, a pre-sale agreement is a guarantee that the selected property is reserved to be sold. |
| Who pays the taxes for the sold property in Italy? |
Both seller and buyer, depending on the type of property, history, etc. |
| Other facts to consider when buying a house in Italy |
Buyers are advised to meet the seller in person or with the help of our Italian property lawyer. |
| Why work with our Italian lawyers? |
– wide range of experience in the real estate sector, – professionalism, – affordable prices |
Table of Contents
Are there any nationality restrictions on buying properties in Italy? Who can purchase a house here?
No, there are no restrictions on buying property in Italy for foreigners. Both EU and non-EU/EEA citizens can purchase one without complexity.
What are the steps in buying a real estate property in Italy in 2026?
- choose a property/house – It is recommended to work with a local real estate agent,
- hire a lawyer in Italy – For verification of documents and representation,
- ask for real estate due diligence – To ensure the property is not involved in legal issues,
- sign the reservation – A pre-sale contract, and make a small deposit to reserve the property you want to buy in Italy,
- review the documents – This normally can be done before the final signature, with the help of our Italian attorneys,
- sign the sale-purchase contract – This step is done at the notary’s office, represented by our specialists,
- register as a new owner – The purchased property must be registered with the Land Registry in Italy.
NOTE: Once the property is purchased, the new owner must pay the relevant taxes. The seller is also obliged to pay some of them.
You can also discover information on this topic in the following infographic:
What documents are required when buying a property in Italy?
- IDs/passports of both seller and buyer,
- Title Deed,
- Energy Certificate,
- Codice Fiscale, the tax ID in Italy,
- Power of attorney for client representation, etc.
Can property prices be negotiated in Italy?
Yes, in most cases, property owners are open to price negotiations.
Can foreigners purchase houses in Italy without traveling here?
Sure, as long as an Italian lawyer with a power of attorney represents them.
NOTE: Our specialists can represent foreigners in the purchase of property without traveling to Italy. The entire process can be overseen, including the final signatures at the notary.
Is a real estate due diligence necessary before a property purchase in Italy?
Yes, most commercial real estate properties require due diligence and specific verifications, which can be handled by one of our lawyers in Italy.
Is the property price verified before the transaction?
Yes, it is quite recommended to verify the price of a property before purchasing it. This way, the future buyer can be sure that the house’s value aligns with market prices.
What are the best cities for buying a property in Italy?
Rome, Milan, Naples, Tuscany, Cagliari, and Sicily are only a few of the cities and regions of Italy where foreigners can buy excellent properties at affordable prices.
Do I obtain a residence permit after purchasing a property in Italy?
No. Getting an Italian residence permit means complying with the regulations, regardless of whether you bought a property. However, buying a house in Italy is an advantage when applying for residency, as it establishes domicile and ownership.
We can help foreign citizens to buy properties in other countries, too, such as Macedonia or other European states.
Can foreigners apply for a mortgage in Italy?
Yes, but banks may apply specific rules.
Are there any precautions when buying a property in Italy?
- as a foreigner, you should work closely with a real estate agent and a lawyer in Italy,
- some properties might have hidden problems like demolition orders, fines, and other irregularities,
- make sure you have access to the blueprints,
- you should also ask if the property is subject to inheritance.
If you need information about how to buy a property in Italy, do not hesitate to contact our Italian real estate lawyers. We can also offer you legal advice if you want to get a divorce in Italy.