A home in Italy.
A choice to feel good about.

Before searching, ask a notary to check your nationality, residence status and eligibility. EU and EEA citizens are exempt from reciprocity checks; for other buyers, residence permits, international agreements and reciprocity may matter. The assessment depends on your circumstances.

Buying a home and obtaining the right to live in Italy are separate matters. Plan entry, any visa and residence requirements with the relevant consulate: ownership does not replace them.

Ask the notary: which eligibility checks apply to my nationality and circumstances?

Prepare valid identification and an Italian tax identification number, the codice fiscale. A non-resident overseas buyer can authorise a representative to apply through the Revenue Agency. Consular arrangements depend on the office and circumstances: check before travelling, and do not rely on an online code generator.

Tell your adviser your total budget, intended use, timing and household needs. Prepare the marital-status and matrimonial-property documents requested by the notary. Allow time for travel and a second viewing: an enjoyable holiday is not a property inspection.

Before booking: have I received a document list tailored to my case?

The notary is an impartial public official who handles legal checks and the conveyance. The estate agent connects the parties and coordinates negotiations. An appointed technical professional assesses building matters and condition; a tax adviser examines your personal position, including in your country of residence. Agree each professional’s scope and fees.

Choose your notary before signing, rather than waiting until completion. With HINRE, start by discussing your needs and identifying the expertise required. Each specialist appointment should be agreed with the relevant professional.

Ask each professional: what will you check and deliver, and what is outside your appointment?

Arrange checks on title and ownership, mortgages and other encumbrances, cadastral records and plans, building authorisations, the actual layout and the Energy Performance Certificate (APE). Check occupation and existing leases, condominium charges and works, access and easements. Cadastral records, legal searches and a technical inspection answer different questions.

For rural or historic homes, land and renovation projects, obtain targeted advice on restrictions, lawful use and feasibility. “We can sort it out later” is not enough before making a commitment.

Ask the technical professional: does the property match its authorised status?

An accepted and communicated offer can already create a binding contract. Before signing, understand the property, price, payments, deadlines, conditions, handover and agency fee. An informal translation or verbal explanation does not replace the text you sign.

If the purchase depends on finance or satisfactory checks, obtain properly drafted conditions with clear deadlines and consequences. Do not assume that applying for a mortgage or receiving a verbal assurance gives you a cost-free right to withdraw.

Before signing: what happens if finance is refused or an irregularity is found?

The preliminary contract commits the parties to completion but does not yet transfer ownership. Tax registration and recording in the property registers are different: the latter offers additional protection and requires notarial involvement. Discuss the appropriate route, especially if completion is some time away.

A confirmatory deposit and a price advance have different effects. Agree who receives the money, when it is released and the consequences of default. For a property under construction, ask the notary about the safeguards and contractual formalities applicable to your purchase.

Ask the notary: should the preliminary be recorded, and how are advance payments protected?

The price is only part of the cost. Request a written estimate separating taxes, notary and agency fees, technical checks, translation, finance and works. Purchase taxation also depends on the seller and whether VAT applies. The price-value system has specific conditions.

First-home relief does not follow simply because this is your first Italian purchase: statutory requirements apply. Budget for annual ownership costs too, and ask a tax adviser about residence and reporting obligations in your home country.

Request a breakdown: what does buying cost, and what will ownership cost each year?

If you need a mortgage, assess feasibility before a binding offer. The lender considers income, documents, property and affordability: an illustration or initial indication is not final approval. Compare total cost, rate, term and conditions; consider exchange-rate risk if your income is in another currency.

Agree evidence of funds, payment methods and international-transfer timing with your bank and notary. Independently confirm payment details using an established contact, particularly after an emailed bank-account change. Ask whether to use the notary’s dedicated price-deposit account and how release works.

Before transferring: have I verified the recipient and agreed the timing and conditions in writing?

Arrange contract comprehension, interpretation and documents early. If you cannot attend, agree a suitable power of attorney with the notary: form, translation, apostille or legalisation depend on the document and country. A general authorisation may not suffice.

Before completion, check the deed, payment statement, agreed discharge of encumbrances and handover arrangements. Arrange a final inspection and a record covering keys, meter readings, included items and any outstanding obligations.

Ask the notary: which documents and language arrangements are needed before completion?

Keep the deed, technical documents and payment records. Arrange utilities, condominium matters, insurance, taxes and maintenance with your appointed advisers. If relocating, deal separately with residence, immigration and healthcare: completion does not automatically settle them.

If you intend to let, check lawful use, local rules, condominium restrictions and applicable obligations before estimating income. For tourist lets, assess management, vacancy, costs and permissions. An advertised income projection is not a guaranteed return.

Before an investment purchase: is my intended use permitted, and are the financial assumptions realistic?

• I have defined the intended use, area and total budget.
• I have checked eligibility, documents and residence arrangements.
• I have chosen a notary and arranged technical checks.
• I understand what I sign, including conditions and deadlines.
• I have a full cost estimate and confirmed funding arrangements.
• I know how funds will be held and transferred.
• I have agreed handover, utilities and ongoing management.

Do not sign documents you do not understand, skip checks for fear of losing a property or transfer funds to unverified accounts. If something is unclear, pause and ask for a written explanation.

Codice fiscale · Tax identification number

The Italian identification code required for the purchase.

Proposta d’acquisto · Purchase offer

It can become binding after acceptance and communication.

Preliminare / compromesso · Preliminary contract

A commitment to complete the sale.

Caparra confirmatoria · Confirmatory deposit

A payment with contractual effects distinct from a price advance.

Rogito · Completion deed

The notarial deed completing the transfer.

Catasto · Cadastre

Records and plans, which do not replace building checks.

APE · Energy Performance Certificate

The document describing the property’s energy performance.

Procura · Power of attorney

An instrument granting specific authority to another person.