Buying in Italy: what overseas buyers should know
Each year buyers are drawn to Italy for its countryside and coast, its food and wine, and the character of its homes, from restored farmhouses to city apartments. Italy has a wide choice of property across very different regions, and UK buyers are able to purchase freely.
Visas and spending time in Italy
Owning a home in Italy is open to UK buyers with no restriction, on the basis that Italy and the UK allow each other's citizens to buy. What changed after Brexit is the time you can spend there. Without a visa, UK passport holders can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. For longer stays, Italy offers routes such as the elective residency visa for those with independent means, and there are flat-tax regimes designed to attract new residents, which are worth exploring with a tax adviser.
How a purchase works in Italy
Purchases in Italy are overseen by a notaio, a public notary who checks the title and registers the sale, which gives buyers a reassuring level of protection. You will need an Italian tax code, the codice fiscale, which is straightforward to obtain. An accepted offer usually leads to a preliminary contract with a deposit, followed by the final deed before the notary. Costs on top of the price include a registration or purchase tax, which is lower for a main home than a second home, plus notary and agency fees.
Everyday costs in Italy
Away from the main cities, Italy can offer an affordable and unhurried way of life, built around local food, markets and the outdoors. Everyday costs vary by region, with the north and the well-known tourist areas more expensive than the south. Owners plan for the annual property tax, known as IMU, which applies to second homes.
Prices, financing and demand in Italy
The Italian market has been steady, with lasting demand from international buyers for character property in regions such as Tuscany and Umbria and along the coast. Restoration projects remain popular, including well-publicised schemes offering homes at very low prices in smaller towns, though these usually need significant work and are best approached as a project rather than an investment. Financing is available to non-residents through Italian banks.
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Where to find property for sale in Italy Italy offers one of the widest ranges of property in Europe, and each region has its own character and pace. Tuscany is the best known region for international buyers, with restored farmhouses, vineyards and town houses across its countryside, while neighbouring Umbria offers similar character at more accessible values. Liguria runs along the north-western coast with seafront apartments and period villas, and Rome is a market of its own for those who want a city apartment. In the south, Puglia is known for its coastline and its distinctive stone homes. As a general rule, Tuscany, the lakes and the prime coast sit at the upper end of the market, while Umbria, Puglia and inland areas offer more for the budget. Our Property Collections make it simpler to search by lifestyle, from vineyards and renovation projects to coastal homes. Explore our collections to shortlist by the way you want to live.