To buy property in Italy, you need three essential documents: a valid passport or ID, proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval, and a codice fiscale, which is the Italian tax code required for any financial transaction. These documents apply to both residents and foreign buyers and must be ready before you sign the preliminary purchase agreement, known as the compromesso. In our experience at Trevi Elite, securing your codice fiscale early streamlines the entire process, as it’s needed not only for the property purchase but also for opening an Italian bank account and paying utility deposits.