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Property Lawyer in Italy
Our property lawyers in Italy provide expert legal support for foreign buyers and investors. From due diligence to final closing, we ensure every property purchase is secure, compliant, and stress-free.
Property Lawyer in Italy
Our property lawyers in Italy provide expert legal support for foreign buyers and investors. From due diligence to final closing, we ensure every property purchase is secure, compliant, and stress-free.
What Makes Italy Ideal for Buying Property as a Foreigner
Italy’s real estate market offers a unique mix of lifestyle and investment benefits, attracting foreign buyers from around the world. The country combines charm, culture, and competitive property prices. For non-residents, Italy is especially appealing thanks to its quality of life, rich history, and long-term value.
However, the legal process of buying property here can be complex, which is why guidance from an experienced property lawyer in Italy is essential for a safe and smooth transaction.
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The Process of Buying Property in Italy as a Foreign Buyer
1. Get a Codice Fiscale (Tax ID)
Start by obtaining a Codice Fiscale, Italy’s tax identification number. It’s required for all legal and financial transactions and can be secured through the Italian consulate abroad or directly in Italy.
2. Open an Italian Bank Account
An Italian bank account is essential to manage payments for the property, including taxes, utilities, and purchase-related costs.
3. Find the Right Property
Work with a local real estate agent who understands the Italian market. They’ll help identify properties that fit your needs and support you throughout the search.
4. Conduct Due Diligence
Before committing, conduct a thorough legal check of the property. A property lawyer can handle this process. For more complex purchases, especially those involving renovations, a surveyor or architect may also be needed.
5. Make a Formal Offer
Once you’ve chosen a property, submit a formal offer through a preliminary contract (Compromesso). This outlines the terms of the sale and includes a deposit, typically 10–20% of the purchase price.
6. Hire a Notary
A notary is legally required to oversee the transaction. They will verify the ownership history of the property and ensure everything is legally compliant.
7. Finalize the Purchase
Sign the final deed of sale (Rogito) in the presence of the notary. The remaining balance is paid at this stage, and ownership is officially transferred to you.
8. Register the Property
The notary will register the deed with the local land registry, completing the purchase and making you the legal owner.
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How Can A Property Lawyer in Italy Support Me?
Buying property in Italy can be a rewarding investment, but the process involves legal steps that can be difficult to manage as a foreigner. From understanding local laws to handling contracts and taxes, it’s important to get everything right. Our experienced property lawyers in Italy guide you through each stage to ensure your purchase is safe, compliant, and smooth from start to finish.
Here’s how Lexidy’s legal team supports you at every step:
Streamlined Legal Process
Skip the bureaucracy. Let our legal experts take the stress out of each step of the property purchase process, from the first document to the final signature.
Expert Negotiation
Protect your interests. Lawyers handle complex negotiations to secure favorable terms, safeguard your deposit, and clarify all contractual obligations.
Thorough Due Diligence
No surprises here. Before you commit, our lawyers ensure your property is checked for any legal, structural, or ownership issues.
Seamless Ownership Transfer
Make it official, the right way. Our legal team ensures all documents are correctly filed with the notary and land registry, so the property is legally yours. No loose ends.
Tax Guidance
Navigate the financial landscape confidently. Get expert advice on Italy’s property taxes, including registration tax, VAT, and IMU, helping you stay fully compliant.
Ready to Secure Your Property Investment in Italy? Let our expert lawyers guide you every step of the way for a stress-free purchase.
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How it Works
1
Assess Your Eligibility
Start by determining your eligibility with a focused consultation. Your dedicated Legal Advisor will understand your situation and explore possible legal paths.
2
Service Presentation and Proposal
Receive a detailed presentation of our services tailored to your needs, complete with a fixed-price proposal to ensure no surprises.
3
Begin Your Journey
Your dedicated lawyer will guide you through every step, handling all legalities as you confidently move forward.
How it Works
1
Assess Your Eligibility
Start by determining your eligibility with a focused consultation. Your dedicated Legal Advisor will understand your situation and explore possible legal paths.
2
Service Presentation and Proposal
Receive a detailed presentation of our services tailored to your needs, complete with a fixed-price proposal to ensure no surprises.
3
Begin Your Journey
How it Works
1
Assess Your Eligibility
Start by determining your eligibility with a focused consultation. Your dedicated Legal Advisor will understand your situation and explore possible legal paths.
2
Service Presentation and Proposal
Receive a detailed presentation of our services tailored to your needs, complete with a fixed-price proposal to ensure no surprises.
3
Begin Your Journey
Your dedicated lawyer will guide you through every step, handling all legalities as you confidently move forward.
How it Works
1
Assess Your Eligibility
Start by determining your eligibility with a focused consultation. Your dedicated Legal Advisor will understand your situation and explore possible legal paths.
2
Service Presentation and Proposal
Receive a detailed presentation of our services tailored to your needs, complete with a fixed-price proposal to ensure no surprises.
3
Begin Your Journey
Talk With an English-Speaking Italian Property Lawyer Today
Take the first step towards investing in your dream property in Italy with personalized legal support that ensures a secure and stress-free transaction.
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Avoid tax surprises with our comprehensive tax consultation services. Get expert advice and strategic planning to ensure a smooth tax season and financial peace of mind.
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Join Lexidy’s Long-Term Program now and enter a world of enhanced, efficient, and personalized legal services. Unlock a range of premium benefits:
- 10% discount on your next service.
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- Personalized reminders and service upkeep, fewer worries.
- Free Consultation.
- Fast-tracking and client priority (Responses to queries within 24 hours from our multilingual, expert legal team).
Global Reach, Local Expertise
Global Reach, Local Expertise
Take the stress out of purchasing property in Italy. With local offices in key locations across Europe and beyond, get straightforward legal guidance exactly where you need it.
Barcelona
- Avinguda Diagonal, 442, 3º 1ª, Barcelona, 08037
- +34 938 07 40 56
Madrid
- Calle Villalar 7, Bajo Izquierda, Madrid, 28001
- +34 915 367 806
Málaga
- Paseo de Reding, número 43, 1º Planta, Puerta Izquierda, 29016
- +34 919 15 90 13
Lisbon
- Rua Joaquim António de Aguiar n.º 43, RC Esq, Lisbon, 1070-150
- +351 21 027 0734
Porto
- R. do Mal. Saldanha 109 office 5, 4150-025 Porto, Portugal
- +351 21 027 0733
Athens
- Patriarchou Ioakeim 25 Street, Kolonaki, Athens, 10675
- +30 21 1199 5654
Paris
- 21bis Boulevard de Port Royal, 75013 Paris
- +33 1 76 40 35 43
Milan
- Via California 23, 5th Floor, 20144 Milan MI, Italy
- +39 02 8295 6347
Mexico
- Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho 137, Piso 3 Comunal, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX
- +52 55 8957 7841
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can foreigners purchase property in Italy?
Yes, there are no restrictions for foreigners on buying residential or commercial property in Italy. However, if you’d like to stay in Italy long-term you will need an appropriate residence permit to do so.
2. What real estate taxes do I need to pay when purchasing property in Italy?
When buying property in Italy, you’ll typically pay:
- Registration Tax: 2% if it’s your primary residence, or 9% if it’s a second home or investment property—calculated on the cadastral (official) value, not the market price.
- VAT (IVA): Applies instead of registration tax if buying from a developer—usually 10%, or 22% for luxury properties.
- Cadastral and Mortgage Taxes: Fixed administrative fees, generally totaling a few hundred euros.
- IMU (Municipal Property Tax): Ongoing annual tax, usually only for second homes or luxury residences.
A lawyer can help you determine which taxes apply and how to reduce your tax liability by using the correct property valuation.
3. Can I get Italian citizenship if I buy property in Italy?
No. Buying property in Italy does not grant the right to citizenship or even residency. Italy doesn’t offer a Golden Visa tied to real estate investment. If you’re looking to live in Italy long-term, you’ll need to explore other visa or residency options.
4. Can I get a mortgage in Italy as a foreigner?
Yes, many banks in Italy offer mortgages to non-residents, though the approval process may involve stricter documentation and lower loan-to-value ratios.
5. Is it necessary to hire a property lawyer in Italy?
While not legally required, hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended. They perform due diligence, draft or review contracts, and protect your interests throughout the process.