Real Estate in Italy

How do I find a place to live in Italy?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Searched the internet for months before arrival to become familiar with the area. Stumbled upon our purchase by accident at our first visit.," said one expat in Minturno.

"We were desperate as we couldn't find anything to fit our needs so we just took the one we could find. It is not a great fit for us and we have continued to search for another apartment to no avail. Italy is a place where you have to know someone and we are just now finding those connections after 2 years," remarked one member in Parma.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Italy?

"I chose a two bedroom apartment because my 28 year old daughter came with and we wanted our own bedrooms. Plus, we knew we would have relatives and friends come. There was an elevator that maybe half of the apartments have with washer in the unit. Not many houses to rent except maybe in the country," said one person in Florence.

"Apartment, there is only one other expat couple in town and they followed us here," said one expat who made the move to Minturno.

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What is the average cost of housing in Italy?

If you are thinking about moving to Italy, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Housing costs are much higher here than where we used to live outside of Seattle, WA. We pay 2077 euros a month for our apartment. This is probably a little below average as our apartment is on the 1st floor. The higher you go up in floors, the higher the rent. We only paid $1500 in a mortgage payment when we lived in Washington State," explained one expat living in Rome, Italy.

"Our housing costs are higher here only because of the higher rate of electricity. Electricity is very expensive here. I don't know the average rate of housing here," said one person in Bergamo.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Italy?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Italy, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"If you are looking to experience the Italian lifestyle, buying a home in Italy may be the best option. Not only can you enjoy the beauty and cultural atmosphere of Italy, but buying a home can also be a great investment in your future. However, if you are planning to stay in Italy for a short period of time, renting a home might be the better option for you. Renting allows you to explore the country without making a long-term financial commitment, giving you the flexibility to move around if needed," said one expat in Italy.

"We paid an attorney in Rome to ensure that the process was easy. He was expensive, but well worth the money. Without good language skills one is at the mercy of the system. Our attorney stood the ground for us when necessary," remarked one member in Minturno.

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What do I need to know when buying property in Italy?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Italy, they said:

"1. Check with Italian government agencies to determine the legality of buying in a particular area. 2. Understand the local regulations and restrictions on foreign ownership. 3. Obtain a lawyer who is familiar with Italian property purchase laws and regulations. 4. Know the exact location of the property and the usable area. 5. Obtain a surveyor to validate the measurement of the property and any boundary issues. 6. Understand the recent taxes and bills paid on the property and the anticipated future taxes and bills. 7. Understand if there are any existing mortgages, liens or other debts that have to be paid in order to complete the purchase. 8. Make sure you have the funds available for the purchase and for any associated costs and fees. 9. Know when the sale is expected to be completed. 10. Understand what kind of insurance is needed to protect the property from potential losses," wrote one expat who made the move to Italy.

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Are foreigners allowed to own property in Italy?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Italy, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Italy. Non-EU citizens must obtain a permit from the Italian Ministry of Interior before they can purchase property in Italy. EU citizens are allowed to purchase property in Italy without a permit. However, they must register the property with the Italian Land Registry and obtain a tax identification number. Additionally, foreign investors may purchase property through a company registered in Italy," explained one person living in Italy.

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Italy what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"When renting a home in Italy, the typical appliances that come with the property include a refrigerator, stove, and clothes washer. Many homes also come equipped with air conditioning units and internet access. Some homes may also offer dishwashers, while others might provide access to a communal pool or gym. Additional amenities such as access to a shared garden or balcony may also be available," said one in Italy.

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Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Italy:

We asked foreigners in Italy what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats can search for homes in Italy by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and searching for rental properties on websites such as Airbnb. Additionally, expats can look for homes in Italy by attending open houses, networking with other expats, and asking friends and family for recommendations," explained one person living in Italy.

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