Replies for sellers
Selling a property in Italy often raises legal, organisational and tax-related questions – especially if you are not based locally. Here you will find the most important answers.
I don’t live in Italy – can I still sell?
Yes. Selling a property from abroad is perfectly possible.
We’ll take care of the following for you:
- Coordination with the solicitor, buyer and authorities
- Obtaining and checking the necessary documents
- Arranging viewings
- Coordinating all appointments
If you are unable to attend the appointment with the solicitor in person, a power of attorney is often possible.
What documents do I need for the sale?
For a legally compliant sale, the following are required, amongst other things:
- Proof of ownership (e.g. purchase contract or proof of inheritance)
- Cadastral documents (site plan, cadastral extract)
- Energy performance certificate (APE)
- Proof of compliance with town planning and cadastral regulations (Relazione Regolarità Edilizia – RRE)
- Identity documents and Codice Fiscale
We check in advance whether all documents are complete and up to date, and assist you in obtaining any missing documents.
What happens if documents are missing or incorrect?
This happens more often than you might think.
Discrepancies in the land registry, missing permits or formal inconsistencies can be resolved before the sale. Thanks to our network of surveyors, technicians and solicitors, we ensure that all requirements are met in good time – so there are no delays at the solicitor’s appointment.
Who sets the purchase price
As the owner, you determine the asking price.
On request, we can provide a detailed market analysis taking into account:
- Location and region
- Condition of the property
- Comparable properties
- Current market trends
This is how you achieve a realistic selling price in line with market conditions.
How does the sales process work?
The process is clearly structured:
- Property inspection and market analysis
- Professional marketing
- Selection of vetted prospective buyers
- Offer to purchase / Preliminary contract (Compromesso)
- Notary appointment (Rogito)
- Payment of the purchase price
We guide you through every step and keep you informed at all times.
When will I receive the purchase price?
The purchase price is usually paid at the notary appointment by certified bank cheque or bank transfer.
Alternatively, a notary’s escrow account (deposito prezzo) can be used, whereby the amount is released once the transfer has been registered in the Land Registry.
We will explain the payment terms to you in advance in a transparent manner.
What taxes are payable on the sale?
Depending on your individual situation, the following may apply:
- Capital gains tax (on sales within certain time limits)
- Any local taxes
- Estate agent’s fees as agreed
We will explain the tax framework to you and, if required, put you in touch with specialist tax advisers.
How long does a sale take in Italy?
The duration depends on the location, pricing and type of property.
Thanks to targeted international marketing and qualified prospective buyers, realistically priced properties can often be sold within a few months.
How do you ensure that prospective buyers are genuine?
We carefully vet prospective buyers and pay attention to:
- Genuine interest in purchasing
- Proof of financing or confirmation of liquidity
- Realistic price expectations
This helps us avoid unnecessary viewings and ensures an efficient sales process.
What sets you apart from a purely Italian estate agent?
We combine local market knowledge in Italy with multilingual support and international marketing.
For you, this means:
- Clear communication
- Legal certainty
- Transparency
- Personal support – even across national borders
Replies for buyers
Buying a property abroad raises many questions. That is precisely why we guide you every step of the way – transparently, clearly and personally
I don’t live in Italy – who will look after things on the ground?
You don’t need to be in Italy permanently to buy a property. We’ll handle the coordination of all the necessary steps for you:
- Liaising with the solicitor, seller and authorities
- Checking and compiling the documents
- Arranging appointments
- Assistance with powers of attorney if you are unable to attend in person
If you wish, we can handle the entire process on your behalf and keep you fully informed at all times.
I don’t speak Italian – is that a problem?
No. You will be assisted in German, English or French throughout.
We translate procedures, documents and contracts into a language you can understand and ensure there are no linguistic misunderstandings. If required, a sworn interpreter can be provided for the appointment with the notary.
You can make all decisions with confidence and full knowledge of the facts.
What documents do I need as a buyer?
To buy property in Italy, you will generally need:
- A valid identity card or passport
- The Codice Fiscale (Italian tax number)
- If applicable, an Italian bank account
We will assist you in obtaining all the necessary documents and explain exactly what is required and when.
How does the buying process work in Italy?
The purchase takes place in clearly structured steps:
- Property inspection – review and verification of documents
- Purchase offer – written commitment to purchase
- Preliminary contract (Compromesso) – binding agreement with deposit
- Notary appointment (Rogito) – notarisation of the purchase contract
- Handover of keys – you officially become the owner
We guide you through every single step and explain costs, deadlines and procedures in a transparent manner.
What happens at the notary appointment?
In Italy, the notary is a neutral, state-appointed authority. They are usually chosen by the buyer, unless the parties agree otherwise.
He checks the legality of the sale and ensures that all legal requirements are met.
The purchase contract will be provided to you in advance for review.
At the appointment, the contract is read out in full and then signed by all parties.
In practice, the purchase price is paid at the notary appointment (rogito), as the transfer of ownership is usually completed at the time of notarisation. The specific payment terms are agreed upon by the parties in advance.
The notary then arranges for the transfer of ownership to be recorded in the Registri/Registro Immobiliare (Italian Land Registry) and in the cadastre.
For additional security, the buyer may request that the purchase price be deposited in the notary’s escrow account (deposito del prezzo / conto dedicato), with the amount only being released once the transfer of title has been completed.
If you are unable to attend in person, a notarised power of attorney is often possible.
What additional costs will I incur?
In addition to the purchase price, the following costs may apply depending on the situation:
- Land transfer tax
- Notary fees
- Land registry and cadastral fees
- Estate agent’s commission
We will provide you with a clear breakdown in advance so that you can plan with confidence.
What happens after the purchase?
We won’t leave you to your own devices even after you’ve collected the keys.
We’ll support you with:
- Transferring utility contracts
- Tax formalities
- Contacts with tradespeople or property management companies
This ensures that buying a property becomes a stress-free start to your new life in Italy.
Replies on construction
Modernising or building a new property in Italy is an exciting project – but one that also involves bureaucratic and technical requirements. We support you from the initial idea right through to completion.
I don’t live in Italy – who coordinates the work on site?
We take care of the on-site organisational management of your project for you.
This includes, amongst other things:
- Liaising with architects, surveyors and building contractors
- Coordination of trades
- Monitoring of deadlines
- Regular project updates with photos and reports
This way, you can keep track of everything at all times – even from abroad.
What permits are required for renovations or new builds?
In Italy, building works generally require planning permission or must be notified – depending on the scope of the works.
Depending on the project, the following may be required:
- CILA / SCIA (simplified building notification)
- Building permit (Permesso di Costruire)
- Technical documentation
- Cadastral adjustments
We work with experienced engineers and specialists who assess which permits are required and support you throughout the entire process.
How can I ensure that my project is carried out in compliance with the law?
Legal certainty is particularly important in Italy, as unauthorised alterations can make subsequent sales considerably more difficult.
We ensure that:
- all works are officially approved
- technical documentation is drawn up correctly
- the property is duly updated in the land registry after completion
This ensures your property remains marketable in the long term and is legally sound.
How do I find reliable tradespeople?
We draw on an established network of vetted tradespeople, construction firms and specialist planners.
In doing so, we place great importance on:
- Experience with international owners
- transparent offers
- realistic scheduling
- Clear cost structure
On request, we can obtain several quotes and assist you in making your choice.
What is the typical process for a renovation project?
A structured approach ensures planning certainty:
- Site visit and needs analysis
- Technical assessment and feasibility evaluation
- Cost estimate
- Obtaining the necessary approvals
- Implementation and construction supervision
- Final documentation and land registry updates
We guide you through every stage and are available as your central point of contact.
How are costs and payments handled?
In Italy, progress payments based on the stage of construction are standard practice.
We recommend:
- written quotes with a clearly defined scope of work
- payment schedules based on the progress of the work
- Transparent invoicing
On request, we can assist with contract drafting and payment monitoring.
Can I also have my project managed on a turnkey basis?
Yes. On request, we can provide comprehensive project management – from initial planning through to final handover.
This means you have a single point of contact for all matters and avoid unnecessary coordination issues between the various parties involved.
Is a renovation also a sensible investment?
In many regions, targeted modernisation can significantly increase the market value – particularly for holiday properties or properties with rental potential.
We’d be happy to advise you on the cost-effectiveness and potential value appreciation of your project.
Replies for holiday home rentals
A property in Italy can offer not only a high quality of life but also attractive rental income. To ensure your holiday rental is legally compliant and professionally managed, we provide comprehensive support.
Can I simply rent out my property in Italy as a holiday home?
In principle, yes – however, different legal regulations and reporting requirements apply depending on the region.
These may include:
- Registering the property with the local council
- Applying for an identification number (CIN or regional identifier)
- Registering guests with the relevant authorities
- Compliance with regional regulations
We will check the applicable regulations for you and assist with the proper registration process.
What taxes apply to holiday rentals?
Rental income must be declared for tax purposes in Italy.
Depending on the situation, the following may apply:
- Flat-rate taxation (Cedolare Secca)
- Standard income tax
- Tourist tax (Imposta di soggiorno), which is paid to the local council
We explain the basic tax framework to you and, if required, put you in touch with specialist tax advisers.
Who takes care of guests, key handover and cleaning?
On request, we can organise full on-site support:
- Key handover or self-check-in solutions
- Cleaning service
- Laundry arrangements
- Point of contact for guests during their stay
This ensures your property is professionally managed – even when you’re not there in person.
How are bookings generated?
Your property can be marketed through various channels:
- International booking platforms
- Own website
- Direct enquiries
We provide support in creating professional listings, high-quality presentations and market-driven pricing.
How is the rent determined?
The rent depends on several factors:
- Location and region
- Season
- Facilities
- Target audience
We analyse the market and recommend a realistic pricing strategy to ensure optimal occupancy.
Is holiday letting financially viable?”
In popular regions of Italy, holiday rentals can cover a significant portion of running costs or even generate attractive returns.
We would be happy to provide a no-obligation assessment of:
- potential occupancy rates
- achievable weekly rates
- potential annual return
What happens if damage occurs?
We recommend:
- suitable insurance
- a deposit for guests
- clear rental terms
If required, we can assist with claims handling and communication with tenants.
Can I combine personal use with letting?
Yes, many owners use their property themselves part of the time and let it out during periods when they are not using it.
We help you to coordinate owner-occupancy and letting in the best possible way.
What sets your service apart from a standard online rental platform?
We offer personalised on-site support – not just an online listing.
For you, this means:
legally compliant registration
local contacts
professional guest services
long-term value retention of your property
Do you have any questions?
Are you looking for a property in Italy and would like to know more about the purchase process, the current market situation, and our offers? Then please feel free to contact us.