On this page you can find answers to frequently asked questions. Is your question not listed here? Please contact us or ask your question here. A lot of information about the buying process, the additional costs, etc. can also be found in our information brochure 'Buying a Property in Italy with ItaliaCasa'.
The most crucial tasks in purchasing a property are ones you must undertake personally: determining your criteria, selecting the location, and planning the financing. The initial orientation phase is a vital step in your search. It's also essential to evaluate if your aspirations align with your budget. Formalities, such as obtaining an Italian tax number and opening a bank account, can be deferred until you have identified a property to purchase.
To stipulate an Italian sales contract, the initial requirement is obtaining an Italian tax number (codice fiscale). Although we can procure this for you from the Italian tax office, you have the option to request it personally via the Italian Embassy's website in your country of residence.
Certainly, if you allow us sufficient time to arrange the viewings. We kindly request that you contact us well in advance, ideally several weeks prior.
House viewing can be done at any time, yet summer may not be ideal. High temperatures in August, especially in inland Italy, can make the experience unpleasant. Additionally, many properties are rented out during this season, making viewings challenging without disturbing tenants' privacy. Moreover, August is a common vacation month for Italian homeowners and partner offices. Conversely, spring and autumn present excellent opportunities, with a long weekend often sufficing for a preliminary assessment of properties. During these seasons, towns and villages return to their usual rhythm, devoid of tourist crowds, allowing one to fully appreciate the authentic Italian lifestyle.
The role of a lawyer is common in the Anglo-Saxon system of real estate transactions where the notary does not have an active role. In most European countries and therefore also in Italy it is not necessary to appoint a lawyer to accompany the sale. An authorized Italian real estate agent possesses comprehensive knowledge to facilitate the purchase process, while the notary plays a central role in drafting the transfer deed and formalizing the ownership transfer.
Just like in other countries, buyers are responsible for covering the purchase costs. These include purchase taxes, notary fees, land registration transfer costs, and the real estate agent's commission. Notably, the purchase tax, which may be a transfer tax or Italian VAT, can differ depending on the situation.
The purchasing process follows a similar course to that in other European countries, involving a bidding phase, the conclusion of a preliminary contract of sale, and the transfer of ownership by an Italian notary. For more information, please click here.
Upon entering a purchase agreement, the seller guarantees that the property complies with all legal and cadastral stipulations. This must be verifiable at the notarial deed transfer. For an extra layer of assurance, it is advisable to commission a status report from an Italian geometra.
Italian law gives a licensed Italian real estate agent the right to charge commission to both the seller and the buyer. This means that when you buy a property through us or another licensed real estate agent, you will always have to pay commission.
In Italy, a real estate agent is required to undergo training, pass an examination, and be registered in the provincial registry of real estate agents where their headquarters is located. If uncertain, request the broker's registration number. Unauthorized brokers are prohibited from charging commissions or engaging in brokerage activities within Italy. This prohibition extends to non-Italian entities attempting to sell Italian properties or offer services; such actions are illegal, and as a buyer, you would lack protection under Italian law.
Securing financing for a property purchase in Italy as a non-resident has become challenging due to stringent anti-money laundering regulations. Many Italian banks have ceased offering mortgages to non-residents. It is advisable to consult with regional or national Italian banks to assess available options. Alternatively, arranging financing in one's home country may be a more viable solution.
If you are going to settle in Italy and want to finance the property to be purchased with an Italian bank, this should not be a problem. However, you should have a permanent employment contract and a continuing -fixed- source of income. Income you have as a free-lancer is usually not considered permanent.
The rules regarding building and remodeling are very strict in Italy. Permits are required for all work on the outside of a home. Building or remodeling without permits can cause major problems. In addition, all installations such as electricity, water supply and heating must comply with strict Italian certifications. Therefore, a renovation can never take place without engaging local specialists.
The cost of restoration obviously depends on the condition of the house and the owner's wishes. Because a restoration can never take place without local specialists, for a total restoration one must quickly take into account an amount of € 1,700 to 2,500 per m2. The costs of labor and materials are basically comparable to those in northern Europe.
Generally, the rule is that any work on the exterior of a house always requires a permit. For interior work, this rule does not consistently apply unless the changes are significant. Additionally, there are specific regulations for certain rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms. It is mandatory that the floor plans on file with the land registry accurately represent the house's current layout. Therefore, if you have altered the house's configuration, you must update the floor plans in the land registry.
It depends on local regulations. In any case, an expansion plan must always be submitted to the relevant municipality. An Italian geometra is always advised for submitting plans.
Yes, you may rent out your purchased property. Once you have become the owner of a property, you are basically free to use it. Even if you decide to rent out the property, that is your business. However, if the rental is more than occasional, you must declare the rental income in Italy. Please consult your Italian accountant who can help you file the Italian tax return.
To start a B&B, in most cases a notification to the municipality is sufficient. However, there are rules regarding the maximum number of rooms that may be rented out, and these rules may differ from one municipality to another.