Property Buyer’s Checklist – Italy

1. Define Your Purpose

• Holiday home, relocation, retirement, or investment

• Short‑term rental, long‑term rental, or personal use

• Preferred regions (Tuscany, Lake Como, Puglia, Sicily, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Umbria)

2. Set Your Budget

Include:

• Purchase price

• Taxes (typically 7–10% depending on property type)

• Notary fees

• Legal fees

• Agency fees (usually 3% + VAT)

• Survey/inspection costs

• Ongoing ownership costs (IMU tax, utilities, condominium fees)

3. Choose the Right Location

Evaluate:

• Proximity to airports, beaches, cities, or countryside

• Rental demand (tourism vs long‑term)

• Climate differences (north vs south)

• Local amenities and services

• Neighbourhood safety and year‑round population

• Accessibility (roads, trains, ferries)

4. Appoint an Independent Italian Lawyer

Your lawyer should:

• Be fully independent from the seller/agent

• Specialise in Italian real estate law

• Conduct full due diligence

• Explain all documents in English

• Represent you with Power of Attorney if needed

5. Obtain an Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale)

Required for:

• Buying property

• Opening a bank account

• Paying taxes

• Utility contracts

Your lawyer or agent can assist with this.

6. Open an Italian Bank Account

Useful for:

• Utility payments

• Local taxes

• Mortgage payments

• Insurance

• Rental income

Not mandatory, but simplifies ownership.

7. Conduct Full Legal Due Diligence

Your lawyer should verify:

• Title deeds and ownership history

• Land registry records (Catasto)

• Planning permissions and building legality

• Outstanding debts or mortgages

• Boundary accuracy

• Condominium rules and fees (if applicable)

• Energy performance certificate (APE)

8. Arrange a Survey or Technical Inspection

Recommended for:

• Older properties

• Rural homes

• Stone farmhouses

• Renovation projects

Check structure, damp, roof, electrics, plumbing, seismic compliance, and heating systems.

9. Understand All Purchase Taxes & Fees

Depending on the property:

• Registration Tax (resale)

• VAT (IVA) on new builds

• Stamp Duty

• Notary fees

• Agency fees

• Land registry fees

Your lawyer should provide a full cost breakdown before signing.

10. Plan for Ongoing Ownership Costs

Include:

• IMU (annual property tax)

• TARI (waste tax)

• Condominium fees (if applicable)

• Utilities

• Insurance

• Maintenance and repairs

• Property management (if renting or living abroad)

11. Check Rental Regulations

If planning to rent:

• Register rental contracts correctly

• Understand short‑term rental rules (varies by city)

• Obtain a local rental licence if required

• Declare rental income

• Check condominium rules

Tourist hotspots may have stricter regulations.

12. Understand the Buying Timeline

Typical stages:

• Offer accepted

• Preliminary contract (Compromesso)

• Deposit payment (usually 10%)

• Due diligence

• Final deed signing (Rogito) at the notary

• Registration of ownership

Timeline: 8–12 weeks, depending on complexity.

13. Consider Residency Options

Property ownership may support:

• Elective Residency Visa (for retirees with passive income)

• Digital Nomad Visa (if eligible)

• Long‑term stays for EU/EEA citizens