Buying a House in Italy: 100 FAQs for International Buyers

Purchasing a property abroad, especially in a country with a rich legal and bureaucratic history like Italy, can feel like navigating a complex maze. Buying a house in Italy is a dream for many international investors and lifestyle seekers, yet the journey from initial search to final contract (Rogito Notarile) is filled with country-specific regulations, financial considerations, and essential legal checks. For international readers, understanding these intricacies is paramount to a secure and successful transaction. This comprehensive guide, structured as 100 frequently asked questions, aims to demystify every step of the process. From determining your eligibility as a non-resident to securing a mortgage in Italy, understanding local taxes, and managing the final transfer of ownership, we provide the detailed, authoritative answers you need. Whether you are a EU citizen, a US investor, or a non-EU resident, these FAQs will serve as your essential reference point, ensuring you are well-informed about the documentation, the roles of key professionals (like the Notaio), and the fiscal implications of your investment in the Italian real estate market. The goal is to maximize the safety and economic efficiency of your purchase, turning your Italian property dream into a concrete reality.

Part 1: Eligibility and Preliminary Steps (FAQ 1-20)

FAQ No.	Question (Q)	Detailed Answer (A)
Q1	Can a non-Italian citizen buy property in Italy?	A: Yes, generally. The ability to purchase property in Italy depends on your nationality and residency status, governed by the principle of reciprocity (for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) or EU/EEA freedom of movement.
Q2	What is the “Condition of Reciprocity” for non-EU citizens?	A: It is a legal requirement stipulating that a non-EU citizen can buy property in Italy only if an Italian citizen is allowed to purchase property in the buyer’s home country. This must be verified by the Ministero degli Affari Esteri (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Q3	Are EU citizens subject to the Condition of Reciprocity?	A: No. Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Switzerland have the same rights as Italian citizens and are exempt from the reciprocity requirement.
Q4	What if I am a non-EU citizen but a legal resident in Italy?	A: Non-EU citizens who are legally residing in Italy (holding a valid Permesso di Soggiorno or Carta di Soggiorno) are also generally exempt from the reciprocity requirement and can buy property without limitation.
Q5	What is the first administrative step required for any buyer?	A: Obtaining an Italian Codice Fiscale (Tax Code). This is mandatory for every transaction, including opening a bank account, signing a preliminary contract (Compromesso), and completing the final deed (Rogito).
Q6	How and where can I apply for the Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale)?	A: You can apply at an Italian consulate or embassy in your home country, or directly at any local Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency) office while in Italy. The application is usually free and immediate.
Q7	Do I need to open an Italian bank account to buy a house?	A: While not strictly mandatory for the final purchase, it is highly recommended and often necessary for paying initial deposits, utility bills, taxes (like IMU), and managing mortgage payments.
Q8	What is the difference between a “resident” and a “non-resident” buyer?	A: The primary difference is the tax treatment on the purchase. A “resident” buyer (or one who agrees to establish residency within 18 months) may qualify for “Prima Casa” (First Home) tax breaks, which significantly reduce the purchase taxes.
Q9	What are the requirements to qualify for “Prima Casa” (First Home) tax benefits?	A: You must: 1) Not own another property in Italy purchased with “First Home” benefits. 2) Not own another property in the municipality where the new home is located. 3) Establish your official residence in the municipality of the property within 18 months of the purchase.
Q10	Can a non-resident of Italy qualify for the “Prima Casa” benefits?	A: Yes, if they commit to moving their official residence to the municipality of the property within 18 months of the final deed signing. Failure to do so results in the obligation to pay the difference in taxes, plus penalties.
Q11	Where is the best place in Italy for an international buyer to look for property?	A: The “best” place depends entirely on your goal: large cities like Milan/Rome for investment/business, Tuscany/Umbria for rural luxury, the Dolomites/Alps for mountain homes, or coastal regions like Puglia/Sicilia for vacation homes. The location affects price, rental potential, and local bureaucracy.
Q12	What costs should I budget for besides the property purchase price?	A: You should budget for Notary Fees, Taxes (Registration Tax or VAT, depending on the seller), Agency Fees (Real Estate Agent), and potential Legal/Technical Fees (for surveyors or lawyers). These typically range from 8% to 15% of the property value.
Q13	What is an Agenzia Immobiliare (Real Estate Agency) and should I use one?	A: An Agenzia Immobiliare is a licensed real estate agency. Using one is highly recommended, especially for international buyers, as they handle the search, initial negotiations, and can vet properties for initial issues.
Q14	How much is the real estate agent’s commission in Italy?	A: Commissions are generally paid by both the seller and the buyer. The buyer’s commission typically ranges from 3% to 4% plus VAT (22%) of the purchase price, but this is negotiable and varies by region/agent.
Q15	Do I need a lawyer when buying property in Italy?	A: While the Notaio (Notary) is mandatory and impartial, hiring an independent Italian lawyer who speaks your language is highly advisable. They act solely in your interest to conduct additional due diligence, review contracts, and manage negotiations.
Q16	Should I hire a surveyor (Geometra or Architetto)?	A: Absolutely. A surveyor is crucial for verifying the urbanistic and cadastral conformity (legal status and plans) of the property. This is perhaps the most important pre-purchase check in Italy to avoid future legal issues.
Q17	What is the Visura Catastale?	A: The Visura Catastale is a document that provides administrative data about the property (owner, cadastral value, category, size) registered with the Catasto (Land Registry). The Notary will obtain this, but your lawyer/surveyor should verify its accuracy.
Q18	What is the Visura Ipotecaria?	A: The Visura Ipotecaria is a document from the Conservatoria dei Registri Immobiliari (Registry of Immovable Property) that certifies the legal history of the property, including any mortgages, liens, or legal actions recorded against it. This is a critical check.
Q19	Can I buy a property that needs substantial renovation?	A: Yes, but due diligence is even more critical. Ensure the surveyor verifies that the current structure and any planned changes are legally permissible according to local planning laws (Piani Regolatori). Also, look into renovation tax incentives, which can be beneficial.
Q20	How important is the energy performance certificate (Attestato di Prestazione Energetica – APE)?	A: The APE is mandatory by law for the final sale deed. It certifies the energy efficiency of the property. The seller must provide it, and its lack or absence in the final deed can void the sale.

Part 2: The Buying Process (FAQ 21-40)

FAQ No.	Question (Q)	Detailed Answer (A)
Q21	What is the first official step after finding a property?	A: Submitting a formal, written Proposta Irrevocabile di Acquisto (Irrevocable Purchase Offer) to the seller, usually through a real estate agent. This offer is typically accompanied by a small deposit (Caparra), held by the agent or notary in escrow.
Q22	Is a Purchase Offer binding?	A: Yes, once the seller accepts the Proposta in writing, it becomes a legally binding preliminary agreement. The buyer is irrevocably committed to the terms offered, while the seller is bound to sell.
Q23	What is a Caparra (Deposit) and how does it work?	A: The Caparra is a guarantee deposit. If the buyer defaults on the contract, the seller keeps the Caparra. If the seller defaults, the seller must pay the buyer double the amount of the Caparra received.
Q24	What is the Contratto Preliminare di Compravendita (Compromesso)?	A: The Preliminary Contract is the main legally binding agreement signed before the final deed. It specifies all sale terms: price, payment schedule, closing date, property details, and any legal conditions precedent (e.g., securing a mortgage).
Q25	Is it mandatory to sign a Preliminary Contract?	A: It is not legally mandatory (you could go straight to the final deed), but it is the standard practice in Italy, as it locks in the terms and provides time for all due diligence and financing to be completed.
Q26	Should the Preliminary Contract be registered (Trascrizione)?	A: Yes, the preliminary contract must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate for tax purposes. More importantly, it is highly recommended to have it transcribed (trascritto) by the Notary in the Public Registers to protect the buyer from subsequent claims or sales by the seller.
Q27	What is the average time between the Compromesso and the final deed?	A: This varies greatly, but typically ranges from 60 to 120 days (2 to 4 months). This period allows for mortgage approval, technical checks, and preparation of all necessary documents by the Notary.
Q28	What is the role of the Notaio (Notary) in the transaction?	A: The Notaio is a public official who is neutral to both parties. Their primary role is to ensure the transaction is legal, the title is clear, all taxes are collected, and the final deed (Rogito) is properly drafted, signed, and registered. The Notary represents the State, not the parties.
Q29	Who chooses and pays the Notaio?	A: The buyer typically chooses the Notary, and the buyer is responsible for paying the Notary’s fees and the associated taxes (though these are collected by the Notary).
Q30	What is the Rogito Notarile or Atto Pubblico di Compravendita?	A: This is the final, legally conclusive public deed of sale, signed by the buyer, the seller, and the Notary. It officially transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer.
Q31	Can I sign the final deed (Rogito) remotely?	A: Yes, the buyer can grant a Procura Speciale (Special Power of Attorney) to a trusted person (e.g., their lawyer or a friend) to sign the final deed on their behalf. The POA can be drafted in your home country and must be apostilled/legalized and translated.
Q32	What happens at the signing of the Rogito?	A: The deed is read aloud by the Notary (often with an official interpreter if the buyer does not speak Italian). The remaining balance of the purchase price is paid, the Notary confirms the transfer of ownership, and the keys are handed over.
Q33	How is the payment made for the final balance?	A: The final payment must be made via banker’s draft (assegno circolare) or a wire transfer from an Italian account, often made to an official Notary Escrow Account (Conto Dedicato). This ensures the funds are secure until the transfer is legally registered.
Q34	What is the purpose of the Notary’s Escrow Account (Conto Dedicato)?	A: It is a mandated, segregated account used to deposit the purchase price. The Notary only releases the funds to the seller after the sale deed has been successfully registered with the Land Registry and all necessary checks are completed, guaranteeing the buyer a clear title.
Q35	What is an official interpreter and is one required?	A: An official interpreter (who has to be a court-certified professional, not just a friend) is mandatory if the buyer and/or the seller do not understand Italian, as the final deed must be read in both Italian and the foreign language, or the translation must be attached and certified.
Q36	When does the property ownership legally pass to the buyer?	A: Ownership legally passes at the moment the Rogito Notarile is signed by all parties. However, the Notary must then immediately register the deed (Trascrizione) with the Conservatoria to make the transfer public and enforceable against third parties.
Q37	What are the typical closing costs for a foreign buyer (ballpark percentage)?	A: Closing costs typically range from 8% to 15% of the property value, covering: Notary Fees, Transfer Taxes (Registration/VAT/Cadastral/Hypothecary), Real Estate Agent fees, and Legal/Technical fees.
Q38	Should the purchase price in the deed be the actual price paid?	A: Yes, it is legally mandatory to declare the full, actual purchase price in the final deed. Historically, buyers would declare a lower price to save on taxes, but this practice (prezzo valore) is now highly discouraged and illegal if not properly applied under the law.
Q39	What is the Certificato di Abitabilità or Agibilità?	A: This certificate confirms that the property meets all safety, hygiene, and energy efficiency standards required for human habitation. The Notary must ensure it has been obtained or legally waived, although its absence can be a severe issue for older properties.
Q40	What is the significance of the Conformità Urbanistica (Urbanistic Conformity)?	A: This is a crucial check. It confirms that the building’s current state perfectly matches the official building permits and local planning regulations (licenze edilizie). Any discrepancy can render the sale deed void and prevent future renovations or resale.

Part 3: Legal and Due Diligence (FAQ 41-55)

FAQ No.	Question (Q)	Detailed Answer (A)
Q41	Who is ultimately responsible for checking the property’s legal status?	A: The Notary has the legal duty to conduct standard checks (visure ipotecarie e catastali) and ensure the legality of the transfer. However, the buyer’s independent lawyer and surveyor are responsible for in-depth due diligence, especially on conformity.
Q42	What are the main risks if I skip thorough due diligence?	A: Risks include: purchasing a property with a significant mortgage or lien (which the buyer inherits if not properly cleared), buying a property with unauthorized additions (abusi edilizi) that could lead to demolition orders or heavy fines, and the sale being potentially null and void.
Q43	What is a Servitù (Easement) and how does it affect the purchase?	A: A Servitù is a legal right someone else has over the property (e.g., a right of way, or access to a well). It remains attached to the property even after the sale. The Notary must declare any existing Servitù in the final deed.
Q44	How do I check for any existing mortgages or liens on the property?	A: This is done via the Visura Ipotecaria requested from the Land Registry. The Notary will conduct this search up to 20 years back, and it must confirm that any existing mortgage will be cleared by the seller before or at the closing.
Q45	What if the property has illegal additions (Abusi Edilizi)?	A: If the Geometra (Surveyor) finds a discrepancy (Abuso), the seller must either legalize the structure (Sanatoria) or restore it to its authorized state before the final deed, otherwise the Notary is legally prohibited from signing the Rogito.
Q46	What is a Certificato di Destinazione Urbanistica (CDU)?	A: The CDU is issued by the local municipality and certifies the intended use of the land/property (e.g., residential, agricultural, commercial) and any planning restrictions. It is mandatory for transactions involving land.
Q47	What is the Dichiarazione di Successione (Declaration of Succession)?	A: If the seller inherited the property, they must prove the Dichiarazione di Successione (Inheritance Declaration) was filed, and all related inheritance taxes were paid. This confirms their legal right to sell.
Q48	What happens with utility contracts (water, electricity, gas)?	A: The buyer typically transfers the contracts to their name (voltura) or opens new accounts (subentro). The Notary or agent assists in confirming all previous bills were paid up to the date of closing.
Q49	What are the rules regarding a property in a condominium (Condominio)?	A: The buyer inherits the property but also the obligation to pay existing (and future) condominium fees. The seller must provide a statement from the administrator (amministratore) confirming all past fees have been paid.
Q50	Can I buy a property that is currently rented out?	A: Yes, but Italian law is very protective of tenants. The buyer must honor the existing rental contract, and they will only be able to terminate the lease under specific, legally defined conditions, often only after several years.
Q51	What documents are needed if the seller is a company (Società)?	A: In addition to property documents, the Notary requires the company’s registration certificate (Visura Camerale), the Tax Code (P.IVA), and the resolution/minutes granting the legal representative the power to sell the specific property.
Q52	Is property insurance mandatory in Italy?	A: While home insurance is not mandatory by law, if you take out a mortgage, the bank will require a compulsory fire and explosion insurance policy to protect their investment. All-risks insurance is highly recommended.
Q53	Are the dimensions in the listing (sqm) always accurate?	A: No. Listing sizes can be misleading. Always refer to the official cadastral records and the surveyor’s report. In Italy, “commercial square meters” often includes external walls, balconies, and a percentage of communal areas.
Q54	What is the Certificato di Destinazione d’Uso and when is it important?	A: This certificate confirms the current legal use of the property. It is important to ensure a cellar, attic, or storage space is not being illegally used or sold as a habitable area (e.g., an attic sold as a bedroom).
Q55	How is the purchase price transferred in a way that is compliant with anti-money laundering (AML) laws?	A: All payments must be traceable. Payments are usually made via wire transfer, bank drafts, or through the Notary’s Escrow Account. Cash payments for property are legally restricted to very small amounts.

Part 4: Financing and Mortgages (FAQ 56-70)

FAQ No.	Question (Q)	Detailed Answer (A)
Q56	Can a non-resident obtain a mortgage from an Italian bank?	A: Yes, it is possible, but generally more difficult and with stricter terms compared to resident applications. Many Italian banks offer specific products for non-residents, often requiring a larger down payment.
Q57	What is the typical Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio for non-residents?	A: Banks rarely finance more than 50% to 60% of the property’s value (as determined by their appraisal), meaning non-residents usually need to provide a cash down payment of 40% to 50% or more.
Q58	What income documentation is required for a non-resident mortgage application?	A: Banks require proof of stable, verifiable income, often needing tax returns and employment contracts from the home country. These documents usually must be translated into Italian by a sworn translator and legalized (e.g., with an Apostille).
Q59	Do Italian banks accept income earned in foreign currencies?	A: Yes, but they usually prefer “strong” currencies (€, USD, GBP, CHF) and will apply a conversion buffer (sometimes 20-30%) to mitigate exchange rate risk when calculating the debt-to-income ratio.
Q60	What is the maximum duration for a non-resident mortgage in Italy?	A: While residents might get up to 30 years, non-resident mortgages are typically limited to 15 to 25 years, and usually must conclude before the borrower reaches a certain age (e.g., 75 or 80).
Q61	Is it possible to use a foreign property as collateral for a loan in Italy?	A: Generally, no. Italian banks prefer to secure the mortgage with a legal charge (Ipoteca) on the Italian property being purchased. You might, however, seek financing from a bank in your home country that offers international mortgages.
Q62	What is the typical debt-to-income (DTI) ratio considered by Italian banks?	A: Banks generally require the total monthly mortgage payment (and other existing debts) not to exceed one-third (30% to 35%) of the borrower’s verified net monthly income.
Q63	What are the costs associated with taking out a mortgage?	A: Costs include: Bank Appraisal Fee (Perizia), Bank Application Fee (Istruttoria), Notary Fees for the Mortgage Deed (separate from the sale deed), Mortgage Tax (Imposta Sostitutiva – 0.25% for ‘Prima Casa’ or 2% otherwise), and mandatory insurance.
Q64	What is the Imposta Sostitutiva (Substitute Tax) on mortgages?	A: This tax replaces other standard taxes (stamp duty, registration fees) on the mortgage contract. It is levied at 0.25% of the loan amount for a ‘Prima Casa’ and 2% for a ‘Seconda Casa’ (Second Home) or non-resident purchase.
Q65	Should I choose a fixed or variable rate mortgage in Italy?	A: The choice depends on market conditions and your risk tolerance. Fixed-rate offers predictable payments but may have a higher initial rate. Variable-rate tracks indices (like EURIBOR) and can be lower initially but carries the risk of future increases.
Q66	How long does the mortgage approval process take for non-residents?	A: Due to the need for foreign document verification and sworn translations, the process is lengthy. It can typically take anywhere from 60 to 120 days (2 to 4 months) from the initial application to final approval.
Q67	Can I use a mortgage broker to help me secure financing?	A: Yes, using an independent mortgage broker, especially one specialized in non-resident applicants, is highly advisable. They can compare offers from multiple Italian banks and streamline the application process.
Q68	What is the importance of the property appraisal (Perizia) by the bank?	A: The bank relies on the appraisal value to determine the maximum loan amount they will offer. If the appraisal is lower than the purchase price, you must cover the difference in cash.
Q69	If I already have a mortgage, can I port (Surroga) it to a new property?	A: Surroga (mortgage portability) allows moving an existing Italian mortgage to a new Italian property under the same conditions, or moving it to a different bank (also for free). However, this applies to existing Italian mortgages and is complex for non-residents’ initial purchases.
Q70	Is the mortgage deed signed simultaneously with the final sale deed (Rogito)?	A: Yes, they are typically signed one after the other in the Notary’s office. The mortgage deed (Atto di Mutuo) is a separate document and involves a separate fee paid to the Notary.

Part 5: Taxes and Fees (FAQ 71-85)

This section details the critical tax implications of the purchase, crucial for effective financial planning. All values are in Euros (€), as per your instruction.

⚠ IMPORTANT TAX NOTE: The Italian tax structure depends on two key factors: 1) Who the seller is (Private Individual or Company), and 2) Whether the buyer qualifies for the “Prima Casa” (First Home) tax benefit.

FAQ No.	Question (Q)	Detailed Answer (A)
Q71	What is the main tax I pay when buying from a private individual?	A: The Registration Tax (Imposta di Registro). If you qualify for ‘Prima Casa’, it is 2% of the cadastral value. If you buy as a ‘Second Home’ or non-resident, it is 9% of the cadastral value.
Q72	What are the fixed fees when buying from a private individual?	A: When paying the Registration Tax, you also pay a fixed Hypothecary Tax (Imposta Ipotecaria) of €50 and a fixed Cadastral Tax (Imposta Catastale) of €50.
Q73	What is the main tax I pay when buying from a building company (impresa)?	A: Value Added Tax (VAT or IVA). This applies if the company is selling within 5 years of completion. VAT is 4% for ‘Prima Casa’ or 10% for ‘Seconda Casa’ (Non-Resident).
Q74	What are the fixed fees when buying from a company subject to VAT?	A: When paying VAT, you also pay a fixed Registration Tax of €200, a fixed Hypothecary Tax of €200, and a fixed Cadastral Tax of €200.
Q75	What is the Valore Catastale (Cadastral Value) and why is it important?	A: It is a tax-based value, typically much lower than the market price. When buying from a private individual, the taxes (2% or 9%) are calculated on this lower Valore Catastale, not the actual purchase price.
Q76	How can I calculate the Cadastral Value for tax purposes?	A: Take the Rendita Catastale (Cadastral Income) and multiply it by a multiplier (Moltiplicatore) specific to the property category. For a residential ‘Prima Casa’, the multiplier is 115.5. For ‘Seconda Casa’, it is 126.
Q77	What are Notary Fees and how are they calculated?	A: This is the Notary’s professional fee for the deed. It is a sliding scale fee based on the property’s declared price, generally between 0.5% and 2.5%, but is highly variable. It is often higher for lower-value properties.
Q78	Do I pay taxes on the deposit (Caparra) given during the preliminary contract?	A: Yes, the preliminary contract must be registered. A proportional Registration Tax of 0.5% is paid on the amount given as Caparra Confirmatoria and 3% on amounts paid as Acconto Prezzo (down payment). This amount is usually deducted from the final tax bill.
Q79	What is IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica)?	A: IMU is the annual Municipal Property Tax. It is not paid on the Primary Residence (where you have registered residency), except for luxury categories (A/1, A/8, A/9). It is paid on all Second Homes and properties owned by non-residents.
Q80	What is the approximate rate for the annual IMU tax?	A: The rate is set by the individual Municipality and varies, but generally ranges from 0.76% to 1.06% of the property’s cadastral value (revalued). It is paid in two installments (June and December).
Q81	What is TARI (Tassa sui Rifiuti)?	A: TARI is the annual Municipal Waste Collection Tax. It is mandatory for all property owners who have access to waste collection services, regardless of residency status, and is based on the property size and the number of occupants.
Q82	If I sell the property soon after buying it, do I pay Capital Gains Tax?	A: Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is due if you sell a property within five years of purchase. The profit (sale price minus purchase price and costs) is subject to a flat tax of 26% unless the property was your principal residence for most of that period.
Q83	As a non-resident, is my rental income taxed in Italy?	A: Yes, income generated from property rentals in Italy is considered Italian source income and is subject to Italian taxation, regardless of your residency. You can often choose between the progressive rate or the Cedolare Secca flat tax (usually 21%).
Q84	Are there any tax breaks for renovating an Italian property?	A: Yes, Italy frequently offers significant tax deductions (50% to 110%) for renovations, energy efficiency upgrades (Ecobonus), and seismic upgrades (Sismabonus). These are complex but can lead to substantial savings.
Q85	Who handles the payment of all taxes related to the purchase?	A: The Notary is legally responsible for collecting all purchase taxes (Registration, VAT, Hypothecary, Cadastral) from the buyer at closing and remitting them directly to the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency).

Part 6: Post-Purchase and Practicalities (FAQ 86-100)

This final section covers everything that needs to be managed once the keys are in hand, from registration to maintenance and rental.

FAQ No.	Question (Q)	Detailed Answer (A)
Q86	What is the first step after signing the final deed (Rogito)?	A: The Notary handles the crucial step of the Trascrizione (registration) of the deed with the Land Registry, making your ownership legally public and enforceable. You will receive the final, registered copy later.
Q87	How do I change the utilities (electricity, water, gas) into my name?	A: This process is called Voltura (transfer) or Subentro (new contract). You will need the meter readings, the supplier’s codes, and your Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale). The Notary’s office or a local agency often assists.
Q88	Do I need to inform the police or local authorities about the purchase?	A: Yes. If you let the property to someone, you must inform the local police (Questura) of the tenancy within 48 hours. If you are establishing residency, you must register at the Anagrafe (Registry Office).
Q89	If I qualified for ‘Prima Casa’, what is the deadline for establishing residency?	A: You have a strict deadline of 18 months from the date of the final deed signing to transfer your official residence (Residenza) to the municipality where the property is located.
Q90**	What are the consequences of failing to meet the 18-month residency deadline?	A: You automatically lose the tax benefit. You will be required to pay the difference between the 9% tax (Second Home rate) and the 2% tax (Prima Casa rate), plus a penalty and interest.
Q91	How are condominium fees and maintenance handled?	A: If the property is in a Condominio, fees are paid to an Administrator (Amministratore). The seller is liable for fees up to the closing date, and the buyer is liable thereafter. Major repairs (straordinarie) are typically the buyer’s responsibility if the resolution for the work was passed before closing.
Q92	What is the process for renting out my property as a non-resident?	A: You can use a local property manager or handle it yourself. All rental contracts must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate, and you must declare the income annually in Italy. Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) have specific registration requirements (Codice Identificativo Nazionale – CIN).
Q93	Do I need to file an Italian tax return as a non-resident owner?	A: Yes. If you generate any income from the property (e.g., rental income) or are subject to property taxes (like IMU), you must file a tax return (Dichiarazione dei Redditi) in Italy.
Q94	How can I manage property maintenance if I live abroad?	A: It is highly recommended to appoint a trustworthy Property Manager (Gestore Immobiliare). They can handle utilities, repairs, access for workers, tax payments (IMU, TARI), and deal with the Condominio Administrator on your behalf.
Q95	What is the Dichiarazione IMU (IMU Declaration)?	A: You must inform the Municipality of the purchase by submitting the IMU Declaration within a certain period (usually by June 30th of the following year). The Notary’s office often handles the initial steps.
Q96	Are there any restrictions on future sales to foreigners?	A: No. Once you own the property and have a clear title, you are generally free to sell it to anyone, subject only to Italian law (e.g., paying Capital Gains Tax if sold within 5 years).
Q97	What is the average cost of home insurance in Italy?	A: Costs vary based on location, age, value, and coverage (fire, theft, natural disasters). A basic policy for a standard residential home typically ranges from €200 to €500 per year.
Q98	If I need future repairs, should I use an Italian or foreign contractor?	A: Always use an Italian-registered contractor (Impresa Edile). This is crucial because only a registered company can issue the invoices (fatture) that are necessary to claim any future Italian tax deductions (renovation bonuses).
Q99	Is a Will required for the Italian property?	A: While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to draft a specific Italian Will (Testamento) concerning the Italian asset. This can simplify the eventual succession process, bypassing complex international rules and expediting the transfer to your heirs.
Q100	Who should I contact if I have a question about my title documents months later?	A: Your first point of contact should be the Notary who prepared and registered the Rogito. The Notary’s office retains the original deed and can provide certified copies, clarifications on taxes paid, and advice on registration issues.

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Massimiliano Biagetti

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