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

Character 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale in Volterra, Tuscany
Ref 251247
Character 5 bedroom Tuscan farmhouse in a lovely rural situation between Volterra and San Gimignano, in a fantastic panoramic position. The spacious 434m2 house with outbuildings sits in over an ...
630,000 EUR
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Excellent income and lifestyle opportunity with this historic property in the heart of the Itria Valley, just a few minutes from Cisternino and Locorotondo. The property consists of 6 independent...
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Full of charm and character is this absolutely stunning, luxuriously renovated 2 bedroom apartment with mooring, enjoying wonderful canal views from its prestigious frontline location in Cannaregio...
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Ref 251230
Very well presented 2 bedroom duplex apartment with large terrace, enjoying scenic canal views from its location in Junghans, Giudecca. Situated on the third floor of a lovely building with garde...
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Stylish 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with lake or river view in Giudecca, Venice, Veneto
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Ref 251214
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Ref 251213
Very well presented 2 bedroom apartment with beautiful communal garden, located in a peaceful location near all amenities in Diano Castello. Situated just 1.5 km from the sea of Diano Marina, this...
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Ref 251159
An extraordinary opportunity to acquire this exclusive' pieds dan l'eau' Italian Riviera villa for sale in Alassio, Liguria, set in over 2 acres of landscaped grounds with beach and sea access. ...
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Ref 251144
A jewel of a property comprising 23 apartments, nestling in 3.5 hectares of glorious land with 2 communal pools, 2 private pools and gardens, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peacef...
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4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Piegaro, Umbria
Ref 251136
Nestling in 5.5 hectares of glorious land with gardens and olive groves, is this charming 4 bedroom farmhouse with outbuilding, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location ne...
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Authentic 4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with panoramic view in Todi, Umbria
Ref 251125
Nestling in 1.5 hectares of glorious land is this authentic, spacious 4 bedroom farmhouse, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location near Collevalenza and all its amenities. This ...
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Authentic 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Ospedaletti, Liguria
Ref 251114
Enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after location near all amenities in the heart of Ospedaletti, is this prestigious one bedroom duplex apartment with beautiful communal gardens and gara...
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Ref 251111
A meticulously restored 6 bedroom historical villa and 2 bedroom cottage nestling in glorious land with gardens, olive groves and pools, while enjoying scenic views across the valley from its peace...
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Luxury 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Cannaregio, Venice, Veneto
Ref 250997
Absolutely luxurious 4 bedroom villa ideally located near all amenities in Cannaregio, Venice. This majestic property with panoramic views over the rooftops of Venice, has recently been renovated ...
2,000,000 EUR
Income Potential 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in San Marco, Venice, Veneto
Ref 250993
A centrally situated apartment in the heart of Venice in San Marco. A comfortable first-floor apartment featuring an entrance hall, a spacious living area with a kitchenette, a fully equipped bat...
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Historical 5 bedroom House with panoramic view in Mesagne, Puglia
Ref 250969
Unique opportunity to acquire a historical property surrounded by 36 hectares of glorious land with trees, located near Mesagne. Imagine owning a piece of history, nestled along the legendary Ap...
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Immaculate 4 bedroom House with panoramic view in Ostuni, Puglia
Ref 250968
Absolutely stunning 4 bedroom luxury villa nestling in over 2 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location near Ostuni...
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Modern 4 bedroom Townhouse for sale with sea view in Coldirodi, Sanremo, Liguria
Ref 250965
Enjoying breathtaking sea views from the roof terrace is this beautifully renovated 4 bedroom townhouse located in the heart of historical Coldirodi. This adorable property is situated in a lovely...
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5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Monte Pisano, Lucca, Tuscany
Ref 250918
Enjoying far reaching panoramic views from its peaceful location near Monte Pisano, is this charming 5 bedroom house nestling in over one hectare of land with olive trees. Situated in the heart of...
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Authentic 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Imperia, Liguria
Ref 250891
Enjoying wonderful panoramic sea views from its peaceful location in Imperia, is this outstanding 3 bedroom villa set in beautiful mature gardens. Surrounded by lush mature gardens that provide p...
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