Buying a House in Italy
What You Need to Know

Whether you're looking for Italian villas for sale in Tuscany or planning to open a bed and breakfast business in Italy, buying property in Italy is as rewarding as it is unique. At Polarius International Real Estate, we guide you through every stage — from legalities to lifestyle planning — ensuring a seamless experience for foreign buyers.

Market Snapshot – Real Estate Trends in Italy

Central Italy is a hotspot for international buyers seeking heritage, lifestyle, and value.

• Luxury homes in Tuscany are in high demand, with countryside estates often exceeding €5,000/m².
• In Umbria, where many are buying property in Italy as a foreigner, you can still find rustic charm for €1,161/m² (source).
• Le Marche, long overlooked, is now attracting investors seeking a boutique hotel or B&B thanks to its value (€1,611/m² average) and scenic mix of coast and countryside.

The Italian Property Buying Process – Step-by-Step

Working with Polarius International Real Estate ensures compliance with Italian law while securing your ideal home or investment. Most of our clients entrust us to manage their entire search by signing a property search mandate (or mandat de recherche) — an agreement appointing us as their exclusive buying agent. This allows us to scan the entire market (including listings from other agents), shortlist the best options, accompany you on the viewings and negotiate on your behalf.

1. Property Search & Legal Due Diligence

Engage Polarius to identify suitable properties—be it a restored monastery in Le Marche or a countryside estate near San Venanzo. We will partner with our primary partners to present listings, as well as perform wider market searches to find properties across the entire market, if you prefer Polarius to act as your sole property buying agent through a property search mandate.

2. Selecting a Notary

As the buyer, you have the right to choose your notary, who is responsible for ensuring the legality of the transaction. It's advisable to select a notary early in the process to facilitate document preparation and ensure all legal requirements are met. Notary fees typically range between €1,500 and €2,500, depending on the property's value and complexity.

3. Making an Offer & Preliminary Agreement (Compromesso)

Once a property is selected, you can make an offer to the seller. Upon agreement, both parties sign a legally binding preliminary contract (compromesso), which includes a deposit (usually 10–20%) to secure the agreement.

4. Document Verification by Notary

The notary conducts a thorough review of all property-related documents, including verifying ownership, checking for any encumbrances, and ensuring compliance with zoning and planning regulations. This due diligence process is crucial to confirm the property's legal standing.

5. Final Deed (Rogito) & Ownership Transfer

The final sale is completed in the presence of the notary, where the deed (rogito) is signed, and the balance payment is made. The notary then registers the transaction with the Land Registry and Tax Office, officially transferring ownership to you.

Costs, Fees & Taxes for Foreign Buyers in Italy

The cost of buying a house in Italy usually totals 9–12% above the purchase price, which includes:

• Notary fees
• Land registry taxes
• Translator and legal services
• Optional: structural surveys or renovation assessments

Residency, Visas & Post-Brexit Rules

While buying property in Italy does not grant automatic residency, it supports certain visa applications.

• The Elective Residency Visa is popular with retirees or those with passive income.
• Italian Investor Visa (Golden Visa) - there are several investment tiers to choose from—starting at €250,000 for an investment in an innovative Italian startup, €500,000 for established Italian companies, €1 million in philanthropic donations to public projects, or €2 million in government bonds. The program does not include real estate investment as an eligible category.
• Buying a house in Italy as a UK citizen – UK buyers can purchase property in Italy post-Brexit without needing EU residency or a visa. Property ownership is allowed regardless of where you live. If you lived in Italy before January 1, 2021, you may need proof of status under the Withdrawal Agreement, but this does not affect your right to buy.

Regional Insights – Where to Buy and Why

• Buying a property in Umbria gives access to serene countryside, hilltop towns, and vineyards, all within 2 hours of Rome.
• Tuscany is the go-to for cultural prestige and consistent rental returns — ideal for holiday homes and luxury villas.
• Le Marche offers some of Italy’s best value — think B&B’s in Le Marche, vineyard estates in Ponzano di Fermo, and coastal properties near Fano and Monte San Vito.