A codice fiscale is the Italian tax identification number issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate, and you are required to obtain one before completing a property purchase in Italy. Overseas buyers must secure this tax code from local authorities along with opening an Italian bank account to finalize transactions, although local bank account is not always necessary. You can apply for your codice fiscale at...

Before purchasing property in Italy, you should conduct a cadastral and land registry search to verify ownership and any liens, review the building's compliance with planning permissions and structural regulations, and ensure the property has a valid APE energy certificate. At Trevi Elite we engage a qualified notaio and geometra early in the process helping international buyers identify issues with...

The timeline to buy a property in Italy typically ranges from 60 to 90 days once you've identified the right property, though this can vary based on financing, legal checks, and whether you're purchasing as a non-resident. The process involves making an offer, signing a preliminary contract with a deposit, completing due diligence, and finalizing at the notary. In our experience guiding international...

Italy's flat tax regime for high-net-worth individuals allows wealthy foreign residents to pay €300,000 annually on all foreign-sourced income, regardless of amount. The rate was increased from the previous €200,000 level as part of Italy's 2026 budget plan. This regime, introduced in 2017, has made Milan and Rome particularly attractive to international buyers seeking favorable tax treatment. Our...

The EU Green Homes Directive introduces phased minimum energy performance standards for existing buildings based on nationally defined benchmarks. Italy missed the 31 December 2025 deadline to submit its implementation plan to Brussels and has previously sought to water down the directive's energy efficiency requirements to protect local firms. In our experience advising international buyers, the...

The total cost of buying a hotel or commercial property in Italy includes the purchase price plus additional expenses typically ranging from 10% to 15% of the property value, covering notary fees, registration taxes, legal representation, and due diligence costs. Hotel acquisitions in prime locations like Milan and Rome command substantially higher investments. Alot depends on the transaction strucutre,...

Italy maintains full property ownership rights for foreign buyers, with no restrictions regardless of EU or non-EU status according to current legislation. You will need to obtain an Italian tax code (codice fiscale) to complete the purchase, and while property ownership does not grant automatic residency or citizenship, the transaction process itself is straightforward and legally protected under Italian...

Notary fees in Italy typically start around €2,500 for a standard property transaction, though the amount varies based on property value and complexity. The notary is legally required for all property purchases and handles the official transfer of ownership, ensuring all documentation is legally sound and registered with Italian authorities. In our experience at Trevi Elite, buyers should budget between...

Foreigners buying property in Italy pay registration tax based on residency status and property type. The rate is 2% for primary residences and 9% for non-residents or second homes (both applied on the usually lower cadastra value), while new build properties are subject to VAT at 4% for primary residences and 10% for second homes. Luxury properties incur a higher 22% tax rate. These costs apply...

The selling process in Italy begins with appointing an estate agent, gathering property documents and obtaining a survey, then marketing the property and ultimately signing a public deed of sale before a notary. The process is highly formalised and typically takes four to six months from listing to completion, though this timeline can extend if documentation issues arise or capital gains tax considerations...