1. Define the purpose of the purchase

Second home, permanent move, retirement, rental, renovation or investment? Your intended use affects location, taxes, renovation checks and the professionals you should involve.

2. Shortlist properties — but investigate the area too

Compare year-round services, transport, healthcare, climate, accessibility and local property liquidity, not only photographs and summer impressions.

3. Ask for documents before you make a binding commitment

Request ownership information, cadastral plans, planning/building documentation, energy information and details of renovations. A technician may need to verify whether the actual property corresponds to the approved and registered situation.

4. Understand the proposal

In Italy a written purchase proposal can become binding. Do not assume you can “make an offer” and sort out the details later. Conditions and deadlines should protect the checks that still need to be completed.

5. Preliminary contract

The contratto preliminare or compromesso sets out the transaction before the final deed. Deposits and remedies can have important consequences, so the wording matters.

6. Notary and final deed

The Italian notary performs essential legal checks and executes the transfer, but this does not make independent technical due diligence unnecessary.

7. After purchase

Utilities, local taxes, condominium matters, insurance, renovation permits and residency questions may all need follow-up. Plan these before the keys are handed over.

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Official reference points: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on rights and reciprocity, the Visa for Italy portal, and the Italian Revenue Agency guide to buying a home. Information is general and should be checked for the buyer’s specific case.