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...
Total costs of buying property in Italy typically can range from 7 up to 20 percent of the purchase price, covering registration tax, notary fees, agency commissions, and legal expenses. Buyers qualifying for prima casa benefits on a principal residence can reduce these expenses significantly., while buying a luxury asset for a development company can take the registration tax alone to 22% of purchase...
The notaio in Italy is an independent public officer who ensures the legal validity of your property transaction, verifies ownership and encumbrances, formalizes the transfer through the notarial deed, and registers the sale with land authorities. Unlike many countries where lawyers handle conveyancing, the Italian notaio acts as a neutral guarantor of legality for both buyer and seller, conducting full...
The Compromesso or Contratto Preliminare is a binding preliminary contract that legally commits both parties to complete a property sale at a future date, specifying the price, property description, location, and grounds. This agreement creates enforceable legal obligations and allows either party to seek legal enforcement if the other withdraws, making it a far more serious commitment than a simple...
The choice between new build and resale in Italy depends entirely on your priorities regarding condition, location, and tax efficiency. New builds offer modern finishes, energy certifications that reduce ongoing costs, and in some cases attractive tax incentives for new residents. However, resale properties dominate the historic centers of Rome and Milan, where character, location, and architectural...
The elective residency visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva) is Italy's long-stay visa for non-EU citizens who wish to relocate permanently to Italy without working, relying entirely on passive income from abroad. It is a National Type D visa requiring a minimum passive yearly income. The visa does not permit employment of any kind, making it popular among retirees and those living on investment returns,...
Short-term rental of Italian property is fully permitted, but the regulatory landscape is shifting rapidly and varies by region. Rules on Airbnb-style tourist lets have tightened in 2025, with regional governments increasingly imposing licensing requirements, occupancy limits, and registration obligations that owners must meet before listing a property. In our experience, buyers who plan to generate...
Buying property in Italy through a company is entirely possible, and many international buyers use this structure for tax planning, liability management, or portfolio consolidation. Both Italian companies and foreign corporate entities can legally acquire Italian real estate, though the process involves additional documentation and notarial requirements compared to a personal purchase. The right structure...
Buying property in Italy does not automatically grant you residency. Ownership gives you the legal right to purchase and hold real estate, and as a non-resident you can enjoy extended stays and engage with Italian life, but formal residency requires a separate application process through Italian immigration channels. To establish residency, buyers typically pursue routes such as the Elective Residency...
Foreign nationals can buy property in Italy without restriction, whether you're from the EU, UK, US, or most other countries. Most nationalities qualify under reciprocity agreements that grant the same ownership rights as Italian citizens. The process is straightforward for international buyers once you understand Italian conveyancing procedures. In our experience at Trevi Elite, the key is working with...