Italy Property Guide #015

The Journey to Your Italian Home

As you begin this exciting journey, it's essential to understand the process. Think of it as a guided tour, where each step brings you closer to your dream property. The path to homeownership in Italy is straightforward, especially when you have the right information.

The Essential Steps to Buying a Home in Italy

1. Get Your Codice Fiscale

Your codice fiscale is your Italian tax code, and it's the very first thing you'll need. It's like your personal ID for any financial transaction in Italy, from opening a bank account to signing the deed for your new home. You can easily get one from an Italian consulate in your home country, or we can organize it for you. It's a quick and simple process that unlocks everything else.

2. Open an Italian Bank Account

Having a local bank account will make your life so much easier. You'll need it to transfer the funds for your property purchase and to handle future bills like utilities and taxes. Most banks will require you to apply in person. Just bring your passport and your newly acquired codice fiscale. It’s a key step to seamlessly managing your property from afar.

3. Assemble Your Dream Team

Don't go it alone! Building a team of trusted professionals is the best way to ensure a smooth and successful purchase. A good team will help you navigate Italian law, bureaucracy, and tax implications, especially as an international buyer. Here's who you'll want on your side:

• Your Property Coordinator (that's us!): Rather than a standard real estate agent, you need a coordinator who can manage the entire process for you. We serve as your single point of contact, bringing together all the necessary experts to ensure a seamless and stress-free process, from property search to closing.

• A Notary (Notaio): The notary is a neutral public official whose job is to ensure the sale is legal and all documents are in order. They prepare and sign the final deed of sale. By law, you get to choose your own notary, and it's a critical part of the process.

• A Technical Specialist (Geometra or Architect): Before you finalize the purchase, you'll want a technical expert to check the property's compliance with local building regulations and verify that what you see matches the official plans. This can save you from potential headaches down the road.

• An Immigration Lawyer: If you plan to move to Italy or spend significant time there, an immigration lawyer can help you with visa and residency applications, ensuring you meet all legal requirements.

• An International Tax Advisor: Italian property taxes and inheritance laws can be complex, especially when you consider how they interact with your home country's tax system. An international tax advisor will help you understand your tax obligations and optimize your financial situation.

• A Property Management Company: If your new property is a vacation home or an investment you plan to rent out, a reliable property management company can handle everything from maintenance and cleaning to guest check-ins and bill payments.

4. Navigating the Purchase Process

The home-buying process in Italy typically follows a few key stages. It starts with a formal, written offer (Proposta d'Acquisto) on the property, usually with a small deposit to show you're serious. If the seller accepts, you’ll then sign a preliminary contract (Compromesso). This legally binding agreement sets out all the terms of the sale, and a larger deposit is typically paid at this point. The final step is the signing of the final deed (Rogito Notarile) in front of the notary. This is the moment you officially become the owner, with the final payment and transfer of keys.

Understanding the Additional Costs

When budgeting for your Italian home, remember to factor in the closing costs. These are typically an additional 7% to 10% of the property's value. These costs include:

• Taxes: For a second home, you'll pay a 9% registration tax on the cadastral value (a government-assigned value, often lower than the market price).

• Notary Fees: These fees usually range from 1% to 2.5% of the property value.

• Real Estate Agent's Commission: Typically 4-5% of the purchase price, plus VAT.

We are here to help you every step of the way. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Your Italian dream is within reach, and we're excited to help you find your perfect home.

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P.S. A dream home isn’t just found — it’s built on smart decisions from the very beginning. I’ll help you make every one count.

About Italian Property Advisory

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN ITALY

👋 Ciao! I’m Matteo Bruschi — an Italian with a passport full of perspective and a mission rooted in frustration.

After 13 amazing years in Australia, I returned to Italy with two things: a deep love for both countries… and a burning question:

Why is buying property in Italy still so confusing, slow, and risky for foreigners?

I’d seen the worst of both worlds.
In Australia, I worked with buyers’ agents who promised the world and delivered almost nothing. In Italy, I watched developers sweet-talk international clients—then leave them buried in red tape, budget blowouts, and broken expectations. It made my blood boil.

So I decided to do something about it.

I started my advisory service not to sell homes, but to protect buyers.
To represent you, and only you, through every twist and turn of buying property in Italy.

Because I’ve seen too many people fall in love with Italy, only to get lost in translation — literally and figuratively. You deserve better. You deserve a trusted advocate who puts your interests first.

🔍 What I help with:

✔️ Finding the right region, town, and home — not just what’s on the market
✔️ Negotiating with your goals (not the seller’s) at the center
✔️ Vetting and managing lawyers, surveyors, and renovation crews you can trust
✔️ Handling utilities, taxes, and ownership details post-sale
✔️ Acting as your boots on the ground — even if you’re oceans away

This isn’t just about real estate. It’s about making the dream of Italian living possible, safe, and exciting — from your first question to long after you get the keys.

I’m not here to sell you a fantasy.
I’m here to help you find your place in Italy — and do it the right way.

 Learn more about how I can help you buy confidently in Italy →

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Until next time,

Your Trusted Partner in Finding and Securing the Right Property in Italy 🇮🇹