Buying Real Estate in Italy

Areas Suggested Searches Legal Process Latest Properties

Areas of Italy

In an idyllic location with a backdrop of snow capped mountains and wooded landscapes dotted with historic villas.

Tuscany's timeless appeal is born from hilly pastures, dark oak forests and sleepy, sun drenched vineyards.

The green heart of Italy, Umbria is a landscape of gently rolling hills, lush green olive groves and medieval hill top towns.

A breathtakingly beautiful city bordered by the Dolomite mountain range and the serene waters of the Adriatic.

Legal Process

1. Making the Offer to Purchase (Offerta)

Once you have found the property you wish to purchase you will start the process by making a formal offer to the vendor, the estate agent will act on your behalf and put forward the offer, a deposit will be made available, generally around (10,000 - 20,000 EUR). Once the vendor has accepted the offer it will be formalised in writing to the vendor in both English and Italian. If this is accepted the deposit (Caparra Confirmatoria) will be paid to the vendor. This will form a legally binding contract. Neither party may withdraw at this point, the sale can be forced by either party or a claim for damages can be made. If the purchaser withdraws their deposit will be lost, if the vendor withdraws the purchaser can claim twice the deposit in compensation.

2. Signing the Preliminary Contract (Compromesso or Contratto preliminare)

The next step will take place between 1 and 3 months after the offer has been accepted, this is a formal agreement between the vendor and purchaser to sell and buy the property, this agreement is the Preliminary Contract and will contain the conditions and terms of the sale. It is important at this stage that you have a full understanding of all the details contained in the contract. We would strongly recommend that you appoint a Notary who is fluent in English. This document will include the purchase price, a detailed description of the property including completion date and will cover any obligations placed upon the buyer and the vendor. All information relating to the property including any planning permissions for the property and the cadastral details (a public record, survey, or map of the value, extent, and ownership of land as a basis of taxation). Once the Preliminary Contract (Contratto preliminare) has been signed a further deposit (Caparra Confirmatoria) will be paid, this will generally be 10% - 20% of the purchase price. There will also be an estate agents Commission Fee (Provvigione) which will need to be paid at this point.

3. Signing the Final Deed of Sale (Rogito or Atto Notarile)

The purchaser must have a bank account in order to make the purchase on completion. The signing of the final deed of sale which will authorise the transfer of the property must be overseen by a Notary (Notaio). The buyer will select and hire the Notary, but they are members of an independent body of public/professionals who will draft the purchase deed, they will oversee the passing of the title legally from the vendor to the purchaser. The Notary will also verify the legality of the documentation and registration with the Conservatoria dei Registri Immobiliari and the Local Land Register.

4. Formalities to be observed after Completion

Foreign buyers should obtain a certified copy of the Purchase Deed (Rogito), which the Notary will have lodged with the authorities. Generally this will be available to collect around 2 – 3 weeks after completion. The Notary will also give you a form to complete for the the local authority (Questura) who will have been given formal notice of the purchase. Your Notary will help you to complete this form. You will need to contact the utilities companies to set up new contracts (power, water, telephone, gas etc.). If the property is a flat, the condominium manager (Amministratore del condominio) should be informed of change of ownership of the property.

IMPORTANT - Disclaimer : All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.

Latest Properties in Italy

Immaculate 3 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Volterra, Tuscany
Ref 253984
Attractive hamlet of detached and semi-detached villas in the municipality of Volterra, set in the unspoilt Tuscan countryside. The villas match the style of the old typical Tuscan style barns an...
535,000 EUR
Authentic 3 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany
Ref 253983
Surrounded by gorgeous countryside is this beautifully renovated 3 storey, three bedroom house with pool, gym and garden, located in the small, charming medieval village of Gaiole in Chianti. This...
1,160,000 EUR
7 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany
Ref 253982
Surrounded by nearly 6 acres of glorious land is this beautifully restored 5 bedroom farmhouse with 2 bedroom annex, lush mature garden and pool, enjoying countryside views from its location near ...
1,900,000 EUR
Bright 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Ospedaletti, Liguria
Ref 253959
Elegantly renovated 2 bedroom apartment with beautiful communal garden and pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Ospedaletti. Situated in ...
460,000 EUR
Authentic 2 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Poggi, Imperia, Liguria
Ref 253958
Beautifully renovated 2 bedroom single storey house with garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its location just outside the historic centre of Poggi, Imperia. This charming property opens on...
270,000 EUR
Authentic 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Ospedaletti, Liguria
Ref 253957
Attractive 2 bedroom apartment in the heart of Ospedaletti close to the cycle path and the beaches, with lovely panoramic views over the sea and the bay. This 79m2 property is found on the third ...
335,000 EUR
Immaculate 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Bordighera, Liguria
Ref 253956
Stylishly renovated 3 bedroom duplex Penthouse apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in the heart of the charming old town of Bordighera. ...
850,000 EUR
Beautiful 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Noli, Liguria
Ref 253955
Enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location in Noli, is this beautifully renovated 3 storey, 3 bedroom villa set in lush mature gardens. Situated on the very first hill of Noli, a few ...
950,000 EUR
Authentic 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Santo Stefano al Mare, Liguria
Ref 253954
Enjoying stunning uninterrupted sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Santo Stefano al Mare is this charming 4 bedroom villa with large garden. Situated in a centr...
790,000 EUR
Unique 7 bedroom Estate for sale with panoramic view in Porto, Veneto
Ref 253912
Unique opportunity to acquire a stylishly restored 5 bedroom house and separate 2 bedroom house, nestling in 5 hectares of glorious land with gardens, pool, lakes and vineyards, enjoying panoramic ...
1,990,000 EUR
Beautiful 4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Castello, Venice, Veneto
Ref 253910
Beautifully refurbished 4 bedroom apartment ideally located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Castello. Situated close to Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo (Hospital) and 5 minutes walk from Pi...
890,000 EUR
Unique 3 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Palaia, Tuscany
Ref 253870
Rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful estate of properties surrounded by over 8 acres of glorious land and olive trees and fruit trees, while enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location ...
710,000 EUR
Immaculate 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Lajatico, Tuscany
Ref 253869
Unique opportunity to acquire two semi detached houses with pool and garden, enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location near Lajatico. The estate is accessible through 2 km unpaved road. ...
540,000 EUR
Authentic 3 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Volterra, Tuscany
Ref 253868
Beautifully renovated 3 bedroom house with garden, enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location in Volterra, in the heart of Tuscany. The house develops on two storeys for a total of 108m2 ...
295,000 EUR
Unique 3 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Santa Maria a Monte, Tuscany
Ref 253867
Enjoying breathtaking countryside views from its elevated location in Santa Maria a Monte, Pisa province, is this luxuriously renovated three bedroom modern villa with separate apartment and indoor...
1,380,000 EUR
Character 3 bedroom Townhouse for sale in Montalto Carpasio, Arma di Taggia, Liguria
Ref 253846
Exquisite 3 storey, 3 bedroom stone townhouse enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its peaceful locations in Montalto Carpasio. Set in this medieval hamlet, one of the villages that character...
460,000 EUR
Authentic 6 bedroom Villa for sale in Bordighera, Liguria
Ref 253845
A most attractive 4 storey period property with 6 bedrooms and lush mature garden, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Bordighera. This superb property is divided into apartments o...
1,500,000 EUR
6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view with Income Potential in Bordighera, Liguria
Ref 253844
Majestic 6 bedroom villa with guest house set in beautiful landscaped gardens with Jacuzzi, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location in Bordighera. Behind a distinguished Pro...
2,300,000 EUR
Character 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Volterra, Tuscany
Ref 253826
Beautiful and spacious townnhouse for sale in a small hamlet just 20 minutes from Volterra, half an hour from San Gimignano, one hour and 20 minutes from Pisa international airport and 1 hour from...
530,000 EUR
Turn Key 4 bedroom Villa with countryside view in Carovigno, Puglia
Ref 253819
Recommended
Situated discreetly at the end of a peaceful country lane, this is a beautiful single level property with 4 bedrooms and a pool, just a gentle stroll from the heart of Carovigno and minutes from P...
1,380,000 EUR