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Purchase timeline

The property buying process, step by step

Follow every stage of buying property in Italy, from your first offer to collecting the keys. Understand what happens, who is involved, and what to expect at each step.

Your citizenship
Will this be your primary residence?

Typical purchase timeline — 60–90 days, accepted offer to keys

  1. 01

    Before you start

    Can you legally buy property in Italy?

    Non-EU buyers may need a reciprocity agreement with Italy before purchasing. Check this before viewing properties or making an offer.

    Important

    Confirm your eligibility before spending money on surveys, legal fees, or deposits.
  2. 02

    Day 1–7

    Get your Italian tax number

    Codice fiscale — You'll need a codice fiscale before signing documents, opening a bank account, or paying taxes related to your purchase. Free, via Agenzia delle Entrate or an Italian consulate before travel.

  3. 03

    Ongoing

    Find a property

    Before making an offer, request the cadastral records (visura catastale) and review the property's ownership history (atto di provenienza).

  4. 04

    Day 1

    Make an offer

    Proposta d'acquisto — Your written offer usually includes a small deposit and becomes legally binding once accepted.

  5. 05

    Week 2–4

    Sign the preliminary contract

    The compromesso legally commits both buyer and seller to the sale. At this stage, the deposit usually increases to 10–20% of the purchase price.

    Important

    Withdrawing after signing can be expensive. Buyers typically lose their deposit, while sellers may owe double.
  6. 06

    Week 3–6

    Complete due diligence

    Review the property's legal and technical status, including cadastral records, mortgages, planning compliance, and the energy certificate (APE). For older properties, consider hiring an independent surveyor.

    Good to know

    Older properties often require extra checks for planning compliance.
  7. 07

    If financing

    Arrange your mortgage

    Non-residents typically need 40–50% down and slower approval. If you're financing the purchase, start the application alongside due diligence, not after it.

    Good to know

    Mortgage approval can take several weeks.
  8. 08

    Week 6–10

    Attend the notary appointment

    The notary prepares and completes the final transfer of ownership. If you don't speak Italian, you'll usually need a sworn translator. Payment is typically made by bank transfer or certified cheque before the deed is signed.

    Good to know

    The buyer chooses the notary in Italy, not the seller.
  9. 09

    Within 30 days of rogito

    Registration

    After completion, the notary registers the deed and pays the applicable registration taxes on your behalf.