🇮🇹 Italy

Buying Property in Italy: A Guide for Foreign Buyers

Apartments in Italy cost from €5,200 to €6,500 per m² across the cities we track. Expect to pay another 5–12% of the price in taxes and fees.

Can foreigners buy property in Italy?

No restrictions for foreign buyers

EU citizens and legal residents buy freely; other non-EU buyers can buy where reciprocity applies, which covers most countries (e.g. US, UK, Switzerland).

Tax ID you'll need: Codice fiscale

How to buy, step by step

  1. 1Obtain a codice fiscale
  2. 2Make a written offer (proposta d'acquisto) with a deposit
  3. 3Sign the preliminary contract (compromesso) and pay a 10–30% deposit
  4. 4Notary checks title, planning compliance and the land registry
  5. 5Sign the final deed (rogito) before the notary and pay the balance
  6. 6The notary registers the deed and pays the taxes

What it costs

A 60 m² apartment in Rome at the average €5,200/m² costs about €312,000. Purchase taxes and fees add roughly €15,600–€37,440. Full breakdown of Italy property taxes and costs.

Rome€5,200/m² · gross yield 4.4%Milan€6,500/m² · gross yield 4.1%

Mortgages and residency

Approx. 50–60% LTV for non-residents.

Italy's investor visa covers bonds, companies or donations; real estate does not qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in Italy?↓
EU citizens and legal residents buy freely; other non-EU buyers can buy where reciprocity applies, which covers most countries (e.g. US, UK, Switzerland).
How much are buying costs in Italy?↓
Typically 5–12% of the purchase price for a resale apartment, including transfer tax, notary or legal fees and registration.
How much does an apartment cost in Italy?↓
Average prices range from €5,200/m² to €6,500/m² across 2 cities; in Rome a 60 m² apartment costs about €312,000.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Italy?↓
Approx. 50–60% LTV for non-residents.
Property prices in Italy →Apartments for sale in Italy →Rental yield calculator →

Last reviewed 2026-10. General information, not tax or legal advice: rates change and often depend on region and buyer status, so confirm with a local notary, lawyer or tax adviser. Sources: Notaionline: Seconda casa, costi notaio.