Buying a house in Italy: the complete guide

Italy is a country rich in cultural and historical beauties, with cities full of charm, territories and unique landscapes. It is not difficult to imagine that you want to buy a house in Italy, to spend the holidays there but also to live there. Buying a house in Italy is an excellent investment whether you decide to live in the property, or to make an income. Here is a guide to the main things to know for foreign citizens who want to buy a house in Italy.

Who has the right to buy a house in Italy

Citizens of the European community (EU) can

buy a house in Italy

, who from this point of view have the same rights as Italian citizens without limitations. So also those who are part of the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) and those who are stateless but have resided in Italy for more than three years.

Citizens who do not fall into these categories can buy a house in Italy if they stay there regularly. This remains the case for those who do not stay in Italy and are not EU or EFTA citizens. The latter can buy in the presence of an international treaty or if there is a condition of reciprocity between the country of origin and Italy, or if the Italian citizen can carry out the same legal acts in the state of those who want to buy a house in Italy.

Documents needed to buy a house in Italy

Any type of buyer who intends to buy a house in Italy needs some documents to complete the sale. First of all, the tax code, which is issued by the Italian Revenue Agency. For those residing in Italy it is necessary to show the residence permit or residence card. For those who do not stay in Italy, a passport or equivalent travel documents are required.

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Official translator

One of the major difficulties in buying and selling houses in Italy by foreign citizens is fully understanding all the bureaucratic implications, in particular the purchase and sale act itself. This is why if the buyer declares that he understands the Italian language well, he can proceed, otherwise it is necessary to have the deed translated into the buyer's language by an official translator. The notary can declare to carry out the translation, in which case it is possible to avoid consulting a translator.

Buying a house in Italy from abroad: how to pay

Having a current account in Italy with the sum necessary to pay the seller is the simplest condition for a foreign citizen who intends to buy a house in Italy. If he has not yet done so, the buyer can open an account in Italy and transfer the sums necessary for the sale, as long as the buyer's country of origin does not impose restrictions on movements of this type. If you do not intend to open a current account in Italy, the law allows you to agree with the notary through a fiduciary mandate, and transfer the sums necessary for the purchase to the notary's dedicated account.

Buying with a foreign home loan in Italy

tax concessions Buying through a foreign home loan in Italy is technically possible but could involve some complications and additional costs. The most direct solution is to choose an Italian or foreign bank based in Italy. The advantage of relying on local banks lies above all in the simplification of procedures, in particular the property appraisal, which is essential for the disbursement of the loan.

Discounts for the purchase of the first home

The Italian State provides some tax breaks for those who want to buy the so-called "first home" in Italy, or for those who buy a house to make it their residence. This is a decrease in the registration tax, mortgage and land registry taxes. Furthermore, those who buy their first home through a mortgage enjoy some benefits thanks to the deductibility of the income tax on the interest paid for the mortgage. Obviously, a foreign citizen who meets the same requirements and who purchases the property as a first home is also entitled to these benefits.

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