How hard is it to buy property in Italy?

Jimmie Gibson · 2023-12-12T16:05:30+01:00

Explore the challenges of buying property in Italy as a foreign national, including legal advice and practical tips for long-term stays.

Jimmie Gibson New member

Member since 22 November 2023

Jimmie GibsonNew member12 December 2023 14:05:30

I'm thinking of spending a long period in Europe (5+ years) and I want to buy a house somewhere to use as a home base in between bouts of traveling. There are different options on my list, but Italy is at the top right now. How hard is it to buy property there as a foreign national? Will it be hard to make it work? Will I need to spend a ton on attorneys to navigate the system?

This is far outside the comfort zone of anything I've ever done before. That is in part why I am doing this. Still, any information and advice is appreciated.

Modicasa Contributor

Member since 15 August 2020

ModicasaContributor12 December 2023 14:19:01

195

Its very easy to buy property in Italy, as long as there is the reciprocity with your home country.聽 What is more complicated is your right to live and stay in Italy for longer than 90 days, and that needs to be studied in advance.聽聽The actual process of buying a house is pretty straightforward and Italian law tends to protect buyers and sellers during the process.聽 However, it's important to use a legally operating and competent estate agent during the process.聽 Dont be afraid to ask questions, and dont settle for vague answers.聽

BROWNELLLANDRUM Member

Member since 10 August 2023

BROWNELLLANDRUMMember12 December 2023 14:48:40

@Modicasa

When I was looking to move to Italy I found out that (at least in my region of the US) they weren't even taking appointments for visas. So I had to do the 90 on/90 off deal. I'm in Florence now (for another month out of 3) and then going to Tunisia for 3 months before returning.

trevorcarroll1 New member

Member since 09 April 2022

trevorcarroll1New member18 December 2023 18:47:02

The process is actually quite straight forward.

It helps if you have bought a house before, not necessarily in Italy, and have a general idea as to what is involved. There are also some good Guides online which explain the process and help clarify the key steps and phrases.

You don鈥檛 need a Lawyer to buy in Italy. The Notary is there to make sure everything is correct. You do,聽 however, need a good Estate Agent who is licensed as they will be central to the process.

Also, you may need to appoint an Attorney for the completion depending upon your ability language wise in Italian and how confident you are in being able to follow the process.

Immigration and visa assistance

Comprehensive support with Italy visa applications and immigration procedures.

Jimmie Gibson New member

Member since 22 November 2023

Jimmie GibsonNew member21 December 2023 17:35:48

So based on what I read at [link moderated], buying in Italy doesn't seem too hard. But then again, I lack context for other European countries. If you know more about the European real estate market, can you give me an idea of whether buying in Italy is harder or easier than buying in other EU countries? I like Italy as an option, but there is still time to change my mind.